Alright, let’s talk about this black tea thing, you know, the kind you drink when you want somethin’ warm in your belly. Folks keep askin’ about them “calories” in it, so I figured I’d set things straight, the way I see it.

Now, plain black tea, just the leaves and hot water, that’s practically nothin’ in terms of calories. We’re talkin’ like 2 or 3 calories for a whole big cup. Shoot, that’s less than a crumb of bread, ain’t it? So, if you’re drinkin’ it straight up, don’t you worry your head about gettin’ fat from it. It’s like water, mostly.

• Plain black tea: Almost no calories (2-3 per cup)

But here’s the thing, you start addin’ stuff, that’s when the calories sneak in. Like them fancy folks who put in milk, or sugar, or even that honey stuff. Then, it ain’t just plain tea anymore, is it? You addin’ somethin’ sweet it will make sweet tea calories up, and fat too if you pour in whole milk.

For example, if you dump a spoonful of sugar in your tea, that’s maybe 16 calories right there. A bit of milk, that’s more. And if you go all out with the sweetened condensed milk, like my niece does, well, that’s a whole different story. You’re practically drinkin’ a dessert then. So remember that the next time you hear that black tea has zero calories. It is about black tea without any add-ins.

Let’s break it down a bit, so it’s clear like a sunny day. If you look at a 100 grams of black tea, the tea itself has just one calorie. Yeah, just one! And there’s hardly any of them “carbs” or “fat” things the doctors talk about. It’s mostly caffeine, that stuff that perks you up, and a little bit of somethin’ called “theobromine,” whatever that is. But calories from the tea itself, it’s not something you really need to stress about.

So, the important thing is, what you puttin’ *in* your tea? That’s what matters for them calories.

• Black tea with sugar: Adds calories depending on how much sugar.
• Black tea with milk: Adds calories depending on the type and amount of milk.
• Black tea with honey: Adds calories, similar to sugar.

Now, I heard some folks say black tea can actually be good for you, even help your heart. They say it can lower that “blood pressure” thing, and make your “cholesterol” better, whatever that means. And some say it can help you lose weight. I don’t know much about that science stuff, but if it’s true, well, that’s just a bonus, ain’t it? But I do know if you have a cup of black tea in the afternoon you won’t be raiding the fridge for a snack.

So, to sum it up, plain black tea? Hardly any calories. You add stuff to it? That’s when the numbers go up. It’s like addin’ gravy to mashed potatoes. The potatoes themselves ain’t so bad, but the gravy… well, that’s where the flavor (and the calories) are at. Just keep that in mind, and you’ll be fine. If you are worried about calories, stick with the plain stuff and enjoy the taste of the tea itself. Not everything has to be sweet like candy.

And don’t let those fancy coffee shops fool ya with their sugary drinks. A plain cup of black tea, made at home, that’s the way to go if you’re watchin’ your weight. It’s cheap, it’s warm, and it won’t pack on the pounds, unless you go crazy with the add-ins.

So there you have it, plain and simple, just like I like it. Now go make yourself a cuppa and don’t worry so much about them calories, unless you’re plannin’ on turnin’ it into a dessert. Then, that’s your own fault.

Tags: [black tea, calories, nutrition, healthy drinking, tea benefits, unsweetened tea, diet, weight loss, black tea nutrition]