Calories in Green Tea: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Plain, unsweetened green tea is one of the most nutritious low-calorie beverages you can drink, with roughly 2 calories per 8 oz cup. It is celebrated for its high concentration of catechins — powerful antioxidants linked to improved metabolism and heart health. Green tea also provides a gentle caffeine boost without the intensity of coffee.

Calories by serving size:

The calorie difference between green tea preparations is dramatic. Brewed green tea is essentially calorie-free, but commercially bottled versions often contain large amounts of added sugar. Matcha provides a concentrated dose of catechins and caffeine because you consume the whole tea leaf in powdered form, while still keeping calories minimal when prepared with just water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does green tea have calories?

Plain brewed green tea contains only about 2 calories per 8 oz cup, making it virtually calorie-free. These trace calories come from minimal amounts of amino acids and other organic compounds released during brewing. However, sweetened or milk-based green tea drinks can contain well over 100 calories per serving.

Can green tea help with weight loss and metabolism?

Green tea has been shown to modestly boost metabolic rate and fat oxidation, primarily due to its combination of caffeine and catechins, especially EGCG. Studies suggest it may increase calorie expenditure by about 70 to 100 calories per day when consumed regularly. While helpful as part of an overall healthy diet, green tea alone will not produce dramatic weight loss.

How does green tea compare to black tea in calories and nutrition?

Both plain green tea and black tea contain roughly 2 calories per cup and similar amounts of caffeine, though black tea is slightly higher at about 47 mg per cup. The key difference is in antioxidant profile — green tea is richer in catechins, while black tea contains more theaflavins. Both offer cardiovascular benefits, but green tea is more widely studied for metabolic effects.

How much caffeine is in green tea?

An 8 oz cup of brewed green tea contains approximately 25 to 50 mg of caffeine, with 28 mg being a common average. This is roughly one-third the caffeine found in an equivalent cup of coffee. Matcha contains significantly more caffeine — about 70 mg per serving — because you are consuming the entire ground tea leaf.

Is sweetened green tea as healthy as unsweetened?

Sweetened green tea loses much of its health advantage. A 16 oz bottle of sweetened green tea can contain 30 grams of added sugar and 120 calories, while offering far fewer catechins than freshly brewed tea. For the greatest health benefits, choose plain brewed or matcha green tea and avoid bottled varieties with added sugars.