Tea, hot, herbal
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A steaming cup of herbal tea is a caffeine-free infusion made from dried flowers, leaves, roots, or berries, offering a fragrant, often floral or earthy taste with a light, watery texture. Nutritionally, it is virtually a blank slate, contributing negligible calories, carbohydrates, or fats while providing hydration and plant compounds.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People cherish herbal tea for its vast, comforting flavor spectrum—from soothing chamomile to vibrant hibiscus—and its role as a ritualistic, calming beverage across cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some herbal teas, like those with licorice root, may affect blood pressure or potassium levels, and certain blends can interact with medications. To enjoy safely, research specific herbs if you have health conditions, and consider consulting a healthcare provider if you take regular medication.
Key benefits
- Hydration without caffeine or calories
- Source of diverse plant compounds (e.g., polyphenols)
- Naturally caffeine-free, suitable for evening consumption
- Can be enjoyed hot or cold for versatile refreshment
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'herbal tea' is a misnomer in botanical terms, as true tea (Camellia sinensis) is not involved; these are more accurately called 'tisanes' or 'herbal infusions.'
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.7 g |
| Energy | 1.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.20 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 2.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.08 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 9.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Cookies, animal crackers (includes arrowroot, tea biscuits) — USDA does not publish this profile for Tea.
| Tryptophan | 0.10 g |
| Threonine | 0.19 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.26 g |
| Leucine | 0.47 g |
| Lysine | 0.24 g |
| Methionine | 0.12 g |
| Cystine | 0.15 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.32 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.20 g |
| Valine | 0.30 g |
| Arginine | 0.26 g |
| Histidine | 0.14 g |
| Alanine | 0.21 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.29 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.3 g |
| Glycine | 0.23 g |
| Proline | 0.76 g |
| Serine | 0.36 g |
FAQ
Is herbal tea truly caffeine-free?
Yes, herbal teas made from non-Camellia sinensis plants are naturally caffeine-free, making them a suitable choice for those avoiding stimulants.
Can I drink herbal tea every day?
Most herbal teas are safe for daily consumption in moderate amounts (3-4 cups), but it's wise to vary the types you drink and consult a doctor if you have specific health concerns or are pregnant.
How does herbal tea differ from regular tea?
Regular tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine, while herbal tea is an infusion of various other plants and is typically caffeine-free.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.01 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.11 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.