Skip to main content

Can tea stop sugar cravings? The answer may surprise you

Sugar is highly addictive and affects our brain in the same way drugs do. This is why when you’re trying to lose weight or improve your blood sugar levels, kicking this craving can be extraordinarily difficult. Beyond fighting the internal craving, we’re also bombarded by inexpensive, sugary goods, that make a sugar-free or low sugar diet difficult to maintain.

Thankfully, there is a way to curb the craving, and it is simpler than avoiding eye contact with the Twinkies at the grocery store. Tea is an excellent alternative for a sweet treat, and here’s why.

Related Videos

Why we have sugar cravings

Sugar is one of the three components needed to maintain regulatory functions in our bodies. Before industry and technology revolutionized the way we eat, humans needed to consume as many calories as possible for survival. The best way to do this was by consuming sugar, salt, and carbs; these three components ensured early humans to stay satiated until the next meal.

While we are fortunate to have salty, sugary, and carb-rich foods readily at any grocery store, too much can be detrimental to our health, especially when they are full of additives and synthetic chemicals. If you’re on a dietary plan where sugar is cut down or cut out completely, it can be hard to ignore the basic, natural urge to consume more sugar. Thankfully, there are ways around it.

sugar in wooden bowl with scoop
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Can tea stop sugar cravings?

The short answer is “yes.” Tea can stop sugar cravings, but there are a few other factors to consider.

First, some teas are full of natural and added sugar. If you are consuming tea, especially iced or pre-prepared, double-check the ingredient list on the back just to be sure there is no added sugar. Second, the tea itself is not exactly what curbs the sugar craving. The herbs in the tea are doing most of the work–certain herbs can deter us from craving sugar and provide a healthier, tasty alternative.

Herbs that stop sugar cravings

Since the herbs within tea are the primary source for deterring sugar cravings, it’s important to understand which ones are the most beneficial. Below are some of the best herbs for defeating sugar cravings.

Mint

Mint is a potent and refreshing herb often used to “cleanse the pallet” between meals, or after the final course. We also associate mint with the end of a meal since we often associate it with brushing our teeth. Many restaurants also serve mint candies at the end of a meal to help freshen the breath. This flavor can curb cravings by tricking your mind into thinking mealtime is over.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warm and naturally sweet spice often found in baked goods and teas. Because it is often included in dishes alongside sugar, sometimes cinnamon alone can satiate the need for something sweet. This spice also has myriad health benefits, stabilizing blood glucose levels, providing antioxidants, and reducing inflammation.

Cloves

Cinnamon is not the only herb that stabilizes blood glucose levels. Cloves are a warm and sweet holiday spice often used in winter dishes. Similar to cinnamon, cloves can lower blood sugar levels while containing a natural sweetness that keeps your sweet tooth in check. Furthermore, cloves are naturally high in beneficial vitamins and minerals like antioxidants and Vitamin C and K.

green tea in white tea cup
taa22/Shutterstock

Natural remedies for sugar cravings

If you’re struggling with controlling your sugar cravings, take advantage of these herbs by including them in your tea.

Mint tea

Mint tea is a refreshing and relaxing beverage that is perfect in the morning after breakfast, cleansing your pallet and preparing you for the day. In addition to curbing sugar cravings, mint tea can also soothe an upset stomach.

Chai tea

Chai tea has several aromatic herbs and spices and is one of the more naturally sweet teas to drink. Consider pairing chai tea with a bit of cinnamon or cloves to enhance the natural herbal flavor, or delight in the tea as is. Chai tea is also great for digestive and other gastrointestinal problems.

Chamomile tea

For women especially, chamomile tea reduces sugar cravings that are especially strong during a menstrual period. Chamomile also aids in sleep and hormone balancing, so drinking chamomile tea can stabilize hormones and eliminate cravings.

While tea isn’t the main source of curbing the natural craving for sugar, it is a great way to implement sugar-deterring herbs into your diet. Experiment with different teas that include cinnamon, mint, or cloves to find a drink that not only tastes good but also cuts excessive sugars from your diet, keeping you healthier in the longterm.

Disclaimer: BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

5 things you need to create a 100% DIY charcuterie board
Adorable charcuterie boards

Charcuterie boards are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. No matter if you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, cozy movie night, or an intimate evening with your partner, you can’t go wrong with one of these upscale appetizer plates. But assembling a great board is truly an art form. To arrange a memorable and delicious charcuterie, you’ll need to do more than toss a few store-bought crackers and cheeses on a platter. So, are you ready to take your charcuterie board up a notch? Try out these five excellent products that you can use to create a unique and completely homemade appetizer.

Making a genuinely homemade charcuterie board is simple once you have the right products. First, you need the base of the board: a natural wood platter from Thirteen Chefs. Next, go the extra mile and make your own cheeses and meats for the charcuterie. The hobby kits from Sandy Leaf Farm make it fun and straightforward to make tasty dried meat and soft cheese from scratch. Complete the scene with a few Instagram-worthy accessories, like a chef-quality cheese knife set and a multi-functional wine opener. With these incredible products, it’s simple to create a jaw-dropping charcuterie board that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Read more
5 tools to help you make delicious pizza at home
Flatbread Margherita pizzas and tomatoes

There’s nothing better than a hot, cheesy slice of pizza, but you don’t always want to go out to a restaurant or wait for delivery when you’re craving a slice. When you have the right tools, you can make your own delicious pizza right at home. These five essentials not only make the process of making pizza easier, but also help to ensure that you get some quality results, too. Whether you just enjoy cooking up a personal pizza for yourself or want to be able to host pizza nights for family and friends, consider adding these essentials to your kitchen.

Making pizzas at home can be a great bonding and family experience, but it can also save you money over the cost of eating out at restaurants or ordering pizzas in. When you make them at home, you also have full control over the ingredients and toppings, so you can make them as healthy or as indulgent as you’d like. These five tools make the process easier and faster, so you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy your meal sooner. Whether you make pizza every week or just want to be able to enjoy a special treat at home every once in a while, having these tools in your kitchen can pay off.

Read more
5 items to level up your at-home cocktail game
Three Aperol Spritz cocktails

Whether you just find it a bit too blustery out this season to hit the streets and head to your favorite bar, or you’re still social distancing away from the crowds, if you’ve been making more cocktails at home, you’ve likely realized something. There’s a big difference between the rum and coke that you stirred together in your pjs and the craft cocktail that you order at the local watering hole. Don’t think that the difference all comes down to talent, though. One big thing that separates you from your fav bartender is all the tools they have at their disposal — tools like these that can help you level up your at-home cocktail game. 

Making your favorite cocktails is easy — so long as your bar cart is stocked with the right tools. After all, you wouldn’t expect yourself to be able to create a killer steak dinner without basic kitchenware, so why are you expecting yourself to make an amazing drink without the very necessary gear? These kits and stand-alone items combine to give you everything you need to impress your friends — and your tastebuds — with your next batch of libations, no matter what your cocktail preferences. 

Read more