Keto Tea: Does It Work For Weight Loss?

The keto diet is a popular eating regime that allows the body to reach a state of ketosis, which burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To successfully achieve ketosis, you must avoid almost all carbohydrates and eat a diet high in fat and protein. So, does keto tea work? Pure tea has no carbohydrates and can be consumed when practising the keto diet. Tea is a natural option that contains a negligible number of carbs, typically less than 1 gram per cup. Unsweetened tea is keto-friendly, and all types of unsweetened tea, including black and herbal teas, have little to no carbohydrates, making them suitable for a ketogenic diet. Green tea, in particular, is one of the best teas to drink while on a keto diet. It is rich in antioxidants and can help with weight loss, increase lean body mass, and strengthen muscles.

Green tea and keto

Green tea is widely considered to be keto-friendly. It has less than 1 gram of net carbs per 8-ounce cup, which is well within the keto rule of thumb of consuming drinks with fewer than 5 grams of carbs per serving.

However, it is important to be cautious with bottled teas, as these are often sweetened. Green tea products such as bottled tea drinks made with candied or dried fruit pieces or added sugars, syrups, or fruit juices are likely not keto-friendly. If you're unsure, it's best to check the carb count on the label.

Green tea is a great choice for those on the keto diet as it has numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage that may occur during ketosis. It may also help with weight loss, increase lean body mass, and improve muscle strength. Additionally, green tea may provide an energy boost, as caffeine may help stimulate ketone production.

• Drink it hot or iced, sweetened with a keto sweetener such as stevia, monk fruit, or allulose
• Mix it with sparkling or carbonated water for a fizzier, energizing drink
• Make a healthy smoothie with green tea powder and keto-friendly ingredients such as almond milk and keto protein powder
• Try a bulletproof matcha, which has almost zero carbs

Black tea and keto

Black tea is keto-friendly, as it contains little to no carbohydrates. However, if you are following a keto diet, you will need to avoid adding sugar, honey, syrups, or higher-carb milk to your tea. Instead, you can sweeten your tea with keto-friendly sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. Heavy whipping cream and unsweetened plant-based creamers and milk are also suitable additions.

If you are a fan of iced tea, you can still enjoy this on a keto diet, but you will need to be mindful of added sugars. Store-bought iced tea options and iced tea from cafes and coffee shops often include flavourings that are high in sugars and syrups, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. However, you can make your own iced tea at home by brewing tea and adding ice, or you can buy ready-made unsweetened iced tea.

Green tea is another keto-friendly option, which has been shown to have additional health benefits, including improving blood sugar control and fat burning.

Herbal teas and keto

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become popular in recent years. Pure teas, including white tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh, are keto-friendly. However, some teas may not be keto-friendly due to added ingredients.

When it comes to herbal teas and keto, there are several options that are compatible with the diet. Here are some recommendations and guidelines:

• Green tea is an excellent choice for keto dieters. It has numerous health benefits, including weight loss support, increased lean body mass, and improved muscle strength. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has less than 1 gram of net carbs per 8-ounce cup. You can consume it as a hot beverage or mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
• Chai tea can be made keto-friendly. Traditionally, chai tea is served with milk, which is not typically keto-compliant. However, you can substitute unsweetened dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use keto-approved sweeteners like stevia.
• Floral teas, such as chamomile and lavender, are good options on the keto diet. These herbal teas provide a calming and relaxing experience without adding carbohydrates.
• Mint and rooibos teas are also recommended for keto dieters. They offer refreshing and distinctive flavours while adhering to the keto guidelines.
• Hibiscus tea is another herbal tea option that often brings a sweeter flavour even without adding any sugar. Steeping multiple teabags or allowing the tea to sit longer can enhance its sweetness.
• Ginger tea is another herbal tea that can be keto-friendly. Ginger has various health benefits and can aid in digestion and inflammation reduction.
• Dandelion tea is a keto-friendly herbal tea option. It may have diuretic effects and support liver health.
• Turmeric tea, either on its own or combined with ingredients like ginger, is another herbal tea option on keto. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

When choosing herbal teas for keto, it is essential to read the ingredient labels carefully. Avoid teas with added sugars, honey, dried fruit pieces, or high-carb milk. Opt for loose-leaf herbal teas or make your own tea blends at home to ensure they align with your keto diet. Additionally, consider adding keto-friendly sweeteners and ingredients, such as stevia, monk fruit, heavy whipping cream, or unsweetened plant-based creamers, to enhance the flavour of your herbal teas.

Oolong tea and keto

Oolong tea is the less-known but healthier cousin of green and black teas. It is made from the leaves, buds, and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. Oolong tea is generally fermented and semi-oxidised, placing it somewhere between black and green tea in terms of flavour.

Oolong tea is a good choice for those on the keto diet as it is rich in antioxidants, which can help slow down the breakdown of cells and the ageing process. It is also said to boost metabolism, lower cholesterol, aid digestion, and stabilise blood sugar.

One source mentions a person who drank oolong tea with milk while on the keto diet and experienced a sensation of heat radiating in waves under their skin. However, another user comments that they drink it and feel fine, so this may not be a common side effect.

When drinking oolong tea while on the keto diet, it is important to avoid adding milk and sugar, as these can increase the number of carbohydrates and calories in the drink.

Chai tea and keto

Chai tea is typically served with milk and sugar, which are not keto-friendly. However, there are ways to make a keto-friendly version of this popular drink.

Firstly, it is important to note that pure tea has no carbohydrates and can be consumed when practising the keto diet. The basic rule for tea drinking while on the keto diet is to avoid sweetened or sugared tea and to use low-carb milk with no added sugars or other carbohydrate additives.

To make a keto-friendly chai tea, you can use whipped cream or a non-sweetened dairy alternative such as oat milk or almond milk. If you prefer a sweeter chai tea, you can add a keto-approved sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose.

You can also make a keto chai tea latte by blending fragrant spices, black tea, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with almond or coconut milk. Adding a scoop of collagen to your chai tea can also be a great way to add protein and make it a more filling breakfast option.

When making keto chai tea at home, simply place loose-leaf tea, a spice blend, and a sweetener into a teapot or tea infuser. Pour hot water and warmed almond or coconut milk over the ingredients and allow to sit for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also froth your milk with an immersion blender or a normal blender to make a fancier cup of chai tea.

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