Can You Drink Tea While Fasting?
Most types of teas, including unsweetened tea can be consumed during fasting.
In general, unsweetened tea that has not been mixed with any calories (e.g. sugar, milk, honey, cream etc) and that has not added any other ingredients to it, can be consumed during fasting.
This is to be contrasted with examples of sweated tea and milk tea that have added significant amounts of calories during tea preparation.
Why Can Tea Be Drunk During A Fast? Does Tea Break A Fast?
Of importance when it comes to the tea that you are drinking is the type.
As a general rule, most teas are acceptable during a fasting period.
There are a few types that are more commonly consumed than others during a fast, including:
- Green tea
- Black tea
- White tea
- Oolong tea
- Many herbal teas
While others, like:
- Sweet tea
- Milk tea
- Bubble tea
- Bottled flavored teas
are not recommended because they contain calories and can cause an insulin response.
Finally, we will summarize the best teas to drink and how to pick out the teas to consume for your own goals for fasting.
Read more about: How to make iced tea
What Happens to Your Body During a Fast?
In summary, fast food, smoothies, sugary drinks and other calorie-containing beverages can interrupt your fasting period, so opt for plain, unsweetened tea during your fasts.
For individuals attempting to lose weight or improve their metabolic health by restricting calories or by following certain protocols of intermittent fasting (e.g. time restricted eating), plain (unsweetened) tea should have little to no impact upon their fasting goals.
In the case of individuals restricting calories in order to shed pounds, if one chooses to consume tea that has been sweetened with sugars and/or other sources of calories, one runs the risk of negating the benefits of eating less and in the worst cases may even consume more calories than if one had not chosen to drink such tea at all.
During longer fasting periods, several important metabolic processes begin.
- Insulin levels decrease.
- Fat burning gradually increases.
- Ketone production rises.
- Growth hormone levels may increase.
- Cellular repair processes become more active.
Plain tea, when consumed without adding any calories (e.g. sugar, syrups, milk, cream, etc.) does not affect your fasting metabolism.
This is because tea itself does not contain any calories to begin with.
When you add ingredients to your tea, however, the total calorie count of your drink will increase.
These added calories will, in turn, cause an increase in your insulin levels.
Does Tea Break a Fast?
To put it simply, tea, in the form of plain, unsweetened tea, does not break your fast.
In fact, it may help with hunger and allow for better hydration, making your fast much easier to complete.
For the different goals of fasting it has to be considered differently whether tea is breaking the fast.
| Fasting Goal | Does Plain Tea Break the Fast? |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | No |
| Intermittent fasting | No |
| Fat burning | No |
| Ketosis | Generally no |
| Blood sugar management | Usually no |
| Water-only fast | Yes (strict interpretation) |
| Religious fast | Depends on religious rules |
That would mean drinks with less than 5 cal/ drink would not be a problem for fasts, black tea has less than 2 cal/ cup.
This article focuses on what people add to their tea while they are fasting, as opposed to the tea itself.
What Actually Breaks a Fast?
Many people assume any drink ends a fast, but that’s not necessarily true.
In terms of ending your fast, what you add to your drink typically is the determining factor.
Drinks That Usually Do Not Break a Fast
- Plain black tea
- Green tea
- White tea
- Oolong tea
- Plain herbal tea
- Water
- Sparkling water (unsweetened)
Drinks That Can Break a Fast
- Tea with sugar
- Tea with honey
- Milk tea
- Sweetened iced tea
- Bubble tea
- Tea lattes
- Bottled sweet tea
- Tea with flavored syrups
Even a small amount of sugar or honey could contain enough calories to break your fast.
Best Tea to Drink While Fasting
Not every tea offers the same benefits during fasting.
There are many different types of tea. Some contain caffeine while others are caffeine-free. Some teas can help suppress the appetite while others can help with relaxation and aid with digestion.
Teas that people often drink while on a fast are:
- Green tea
- Black tea
- White tea
- Oolong tea
- Herbal tea
Green Tea While Fasting
Green tea is a great choice of drink when you are fasting for several reasons.
Firstly, it contains very few calories and is a great way to get some very good antioxidants in your system called catechins.
Green tea contains moderate amounts of caffeine, which can provide the individual with a boost of energy and help to keep them alert and focused.
Read more about: How much loose leaf tea per cup
Can You Drink Green Tea While Fasting?
Yes. Plain green tea is generally suitable during intermittent fasting because it contains negligible calories.
Many people choose green tea because it can:
- Help reduce hunger
- Support hydration
- Improve mental focus
- Provide antioxidants
- Offer a mild caffeine boost
Does Green Tea Break a Fast?
No, plain green tea does not typically break a fast.
However, adding ingredients such as:
- Sugar
- Honey
- Milk
- Cream
- Sweetened creamers
may introduce enough calories to interfere with fasting.
Black Tea While Fasting
Black tea is another excellent option during fasting.
Black tea is much higher in caffeine than green tea, which is why people look to black tea during their fasting period.
Can You Drink Black Tea While Fasting?
Yes.
Plain black tea has very few calories and can be consumed during your fasting period.
Many people drink black tea because it may:
- Improve concentration
- Reduce appetite
- Help replace sugary drinks
- Provide antioxidants
Like green tea, black tea is best consumed without milk or sugar.
White Tea While Fasting
White tea is one of the least processed tea varieties.
Its delicate flavor means it can be drunk by people who are on a fast and prefer a light tea during their fast.
Does White Tea Break a Fast?
No.
White tea, like green tea, is very low in calories and thus can fit into most of the popular intermittent fasting plans.
White tea contains a number of antioxidants from the plant compounds in the tea.
Oolong Tea While Fasting
Oolong tea is a combination of green tea and black tea.
The flavor of an oolong tea can vary greatly, depending on the processing, and can taste from light and floral to heavy and roasted.
Can You Drink Oolong Tea While Fasting?
Yes.
Since it is unsweetened, oolong tea contains very few calories.
This is why during fasting, many people consume oolong tea.
Many people enjoy it because it provides:
- Moderate caffeine
- A balanced flavor
- Hydration
- Antioxidants
Herbal Tea While Fasting
Herbal tea typically consists of herbs, flowers, spices, fruits, or roots, as opposed to the leaves of the tea plant.
Many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.
Can You Drink Herbal Tea While Fasting?
In many cases, yes.
Plain herbal tea contains very few calories, and therefore typically would not be a problem during a fast.
Popular fasting-friendly herbal teas include:
- Chamomile tea
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Hibiscus tea
- Rooibos tea
- Lemon balm tea
However, some teas contain pieces of dried fruit, natural flavorings and/or sweetener, so make sure to check the ingredient label if you’re purchasing tea in a store.
Does Herbal Tea Break a Fast?
Plain herbal tea usually does not break a fast.
The main exception is herbal tea blends that contain:
- Sugar
- Fruit juice concentrates
- Sweetened flavorings
- Milk powders
Herbal teas that contain sugar, fruit juice concentrates, sweetened flavorings, and milk powders will break your fast.
Which Tea Is Best for Different Fasting Goals?
| Fasting Goal | Best Tea |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | Green Tea |
| Appetite control | Peppermint Tea |
| Mental focus | Black Tea |
| Relaxation | Chamomile Tea |
| Hydration | White Tea |
| General intermittent fasting | Green Tea or Black Tea |
Chamomile Tea While Fasting
Chamomile tea is a herbal tea made from dried flowers of the chamomile plant.
It is often drunk in the evening because of its calming nature and mild flavor of fresh flowers.
Can You Drink Chamomile Tea While Fasting?
Yes.
Because this tea contains very few calories and no sugar, it is considered acceptable during your intermittent fasting.
Many people choose chamomile tea during fasting because it may:
- Help promote relaxation
- Support hydration
- Offer a naturally caffeine-free alternative
- Provide a light, soothing flavor
Does Chamomile Tea Break a Fast?
There is very little chance that drinking plain chamomile tea will break your fast.
It has very few calories, so adding honey, sugar, milk or other flavored syrups could affect your fast for weight loss and for metabolic health.
Peppermint Tea While Fasting
Herbal Peppermint Tea while on Fast for Weight Loss – Pros, Cons and Side Effects.
Many use other herbal teas such as peppermint tea for fast for weight loss or for metabolic health.
The above is for unsweetened peppermint tea.
Does Peppermint Tea Break a Fast?
No, this tea does not contain calories so it will not interfere with fasting for weight loss or help to improve and protect metabolic health.
Many people enjoy peppermint tea because it may:
- Help reduce hunger
- Freshen the mouth
- Support digestion
- Encourage hydration
Drink plain peppermint tea for best results while fasting.
Dandelion Tea While Fasting
Dandelion tea, often referred to as “coffee for fasting” because of its slightly earthy, roasted flavor, is typically made from the roots or leaves of the dandelion plant.
It is often compared to coffee and is a great caffeine-free alternative for those who typically drink coffee while fasting.
Does Dandelion Tea Break a Fast?
Dandelion Tea Breaks Fast: Unsweetened Version Does Not Contain Calories.
Like other herbal teas, unsweetened dandelion tea should be drunk without adding sweeteners or milk.
Can You Drink Unsweetened Tea While Fasting?
Yes.
Unsweetened tea is one of the safest beverages to drink while fasting.
Most types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal teas, contain so few calories that sipping them on your fast days won’t detract from your goals.
Bottled unsweetened teas can contain lots of hidden ingredients such as:
- Artificial sweeteners
- Fruit juice concentrates
- Flavor syrups
- Added sugars
Read the ingredients for bottled unsweetened teas to avoid hidden calories like in tea flavor syrups and fruit juice concentrates.
Can You Drink Tea on a Water Fast?
The answer depends on the type of water fast you are following.
During a strict water fast, you can only have plain water.
There is no room for other liquids such as tea.
In some forms of modified fasting, tea or even black coffee may be consumed in small quantities.
They contain very few calories, if any at all.
| Type of Fast | Is Plain Tea Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Strict water fast | No |
| Intermittent fasting | Yes |
| Time-restricted eating | Yes |
| Weight-loss fasting | Yes |
| Religious fasting | Depends on the tradition |
Note: When Fasting for Medical Procedures or Under Medical Supervision, follow the specific instructions of your healthcare provider.
Can You Add Anything to Tea While Fasting?
Most teas can be consumed while fasting.
However, most people add something to their tea, and that can contain calories and therefore break a fast.
| Ingredient | Breaks a Fast? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Yes | Adds calories and raises blood sugar |
| Honey | Yes | Contains natural sugars and calories |
| Milk | Usually yes | Provides protein, fat, and carbohydrates |
| Cream | Yes | Adds calories and fat |
| Lemon | Usually no (small squeeze) | Very low calorie in small amounts |
| Stevia | Generally no | Non-caloric sweetener |
| Monk Fruit | Generally no | Contains little to no calories |
This tea, plain and simple, will do wonders for you when you are trying to maximize the benefits of your fasting.
Benefits of Drinking Tea While Fasting
Drinking tea during your fasting period can have many benefits besides just keeping you hydrated.
Different types of tea have naturally occurring compounds that can aid in your fasting period.
Helps You Stay Hydrated
Helps You Stay Hydrated: Drinking tea while fasting can help supply your body with the fluid that it needs to function properly during your period of fasting.
It can also be a more pleasant way of consuming water during your fast.
May Help Manage Hunger
Many people will drink tea between meals for example as it actually helps you to feel less hungry and supports your goals around fasting and your overall health.
Supports Mental Focus
The tea has caffeine (except for most of the herbal teas) that can provide you with the energy and mental focus that you need while fasting.
Provides Antioxidants
Traditional teas contain a lot of antioxidants.
Therefore, tea is a healthy drink when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
Offers Variety Without Added Calories
In the rare case where you need something more than just water, there are plenty of teas to choose from and have them delivered to your doorstep.
All of them contain Zero calories and therefore will not affect your weight loss in a negative way.
Common Mistakes People Make While Drinking Tea During a Fast
Even when you choose to drink tea during your fast, there are a number of mistakes that you could make.
Adding Sugar
This could be to add just a little sugar to your tea and, although this contains very few calories, can be enough to stop a number of different fasting plans.
Pouring in Milk or Cream
Milk increases the calorie content of tea and can affect your body’s insulin response.
Choosing Sweetened Bottled Tea
Another type of tea drink, prepared with tea and sugar in a bottle or can, often containing additional ingredients of sugar, fruit or syrup.
Drinking Too Much Caffeine
However, too much caffeine can cause problems like jitters, headaches and stomach problems and can have especially negative effects when taken on an empty stomach.
Ignoring Ingredient Labels
However, there are lots of flavored teas that have been sweetened and in some cases have dried fruit in them as well that can have loads of calories in them as well.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different types of tea and so many ways to enjoy them that even within a fasting regime, there are plenty of options.
As long as you are not adding sugar, milk, honey etc to your tea then it is unlikely to affect your fasting regime in a negative way.
Most types of tea have very few calories and can help to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Plain tea is the best tea to drink whilst on a fasting regime.
Green tea and black tea are good for weight management.
There are also a number of herbal teas that can be consumed during a fast.
Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional who can provide guidance and advice suitable to your circumstances, especially if you are of a certain age, suffer from certain health conditions or are fasting for health reasons and seeking to lose weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink tea while intermittent fasting?
Yes.
Plain, unsweetened tea is generally allowed during intermittent fasting because it contains very few calories.
Does green tea break a fast?
No.
Green tea is fine as long as you are drinking it plain (without sugar, milk or honey etc).
Does black tea break a fast?
A fast, even a black tea fast, can easily be done with black tea because it contains almost no calories, even with milk and sugar.
Can I drink herbal tea while fasting?
Most plain herbal teas are allowed during your fasting period.
Use of herbal teas are usually dependent on the added ingredients to the tea such as sugar, honey etc.
Does chamomile tea break a fast?
No.
Unsweetened chamomile tea generally does not break a fast.
Does peppermint tea break a fast?
Unsweetened peppermint tea is suitable for the majority of fasting plans.
Does dandelion tea break a fast?
No.
Dandelion tea is very low in calories, and is therefore suitable for most fasting plans.
Which tea is best for fasting?
Green tea, black tea, and many plain herbal teas are good choices for people performing intermittent fasting.
Can I drink tea instead of water while fasting?
Tea can provide for some of the fluids that you need for hydration, but it should not be used in place of water for the duration of your fasting period.
Can I drink iced tea while fasting?
Iced tea can be consumed while in a fast as long as it is plain and unsweetened.
Can I add lemon to tea while fasting?
A small amount of lemon juice in your tea is generally acceptable to those who are following an intermittent fasting regime.
Can I add milk to tea while fasting?
Milk contains calories and therefore may break a fast.
Can I add honey to tea while fasting?
Honey contains natural sugars and calories and therefore should not be consumed during your fasting period.
Is caffeine allowed during fasting?
Caffeine within limits is acceptable for most intermittent fasting regimes.
This would be the caffeine within a cup of plain tea or black coffee.
How much tea can I drink while fasting?
The consumption of several cups of tea during the day of your fasting period is common.
However, if you are consuming a lot of tea it may be best to switch to black coffee for the rest of the day in order to avoid excessive caffeine intake
