Healthiest Hot Drinks for Winter: Low-Calorie Options Ranked by Dietitians

Winter brings colder temperatures, and with them, the irresistible urge to wrap your hands around a warm, comforting drink. Is the beverage you're sipping the healthiest choice? How many hidden calories does it contain? Recent tests conducted by dietitians ahead of the rainy season reveal which drinks are best to reach for, and it turns out that hot chocolate isn’t as bad as you might think.

When made with natural cocoa powder, a touch of sucralose, boiling water, and low-fat milk, hot chocolate contains just about 50 calories per cup. In contrast, commercial hot chocolate mixes can climb to 150–200 calories, depending on added sugar and fat. Natural cocoa also contains antioxidants, making it a healthier option.

Herbal tea is the one drink that almost always has 0 calories, as long as you don’t add sugar or honey. It’s great for warming up and offers various health benefits depending on the herb used. Cinnamon, for instance, can provide a naturally sweet flavor.

Latte-style coffee (café au lait or cappuccino), depending on the ingredients, ranges from 40 to 120 calories. Choosing low-fat milk or low-calorie soy milk can significantly reduce the calorie count. While coffee is high in caffeine, which can improve focus and warm the body, it’s best consumed in moderation.

Hot apple cider, made from diet apple juice, delivers a sweet and cozy flavor with only 16 calories per cup. It’s a light, calorie-friendly winter alternative.

Green tea with lemon juice is another especially healthy option. It combines the antioxidants in green tea with the vitamin C of lemon juice, and contains 0 calories if unsweetened.

According to dietitians, herbal tea and green tea are the healthiest winter drinks thanks to their zero-calorie content and health benefits. For those craving a sweeter taste without sacrificing nutrition, natural cocoa hot chocolate or hot cider are excellent low-calorie alternatives.