Linden Tea
Quick answer
A medium portion of Linden Tea (240 ml) contains 5 kcal, with 0.7 g of net carbohydrates and 0.2 g of protein.
- Carbs0.7 g75%
- Protein0.2 g25%
- Fat0 g0%
- Fibre0 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
How many calories are in linden tea?
The smell of linden in winter reminds you of your grandmother's house 😌 Dried linden tree flowers, steeped in hot water. A cup (240 ml) without sugar has only about 5 calories, so practically nothing.
Does linden tea raise blood sugar?
Without sugar, no. It has almost no carbohydrate, so the glycemic index does not apply. The sugar or honey you add is what makes the difference.
Linden and colds
Many people drink linden when they have a cold or the flu, and feel that it soothes them. The truth is that the hot drink itself moistens the throat and warms you up, and that is comforting. But there are not enough studies proving that linden treats colds, so it is a warm and gentle drink, not a medicine.
How to make it
- One heaped spoon of flowers in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Don't boil it on the stove, because it loses its aroma.
- If you want sweetness, two drops of stevia or half a spoon of honey.
- You can mix it with lemon peel or a cinnamon stick.
Lighter alternatives
- Instead of a cup of tea with two spoons of sugar: a cup of linden without sugar.
- Instead of sweetened hot drinks in the evening: linden, because it has no caffeine.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 ml | Per typical portion (240 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 2 kcal | 4.8 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0.3 g | 0.7 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 0.3 g | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | less than 0.5 g | — |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Glycemic index | Not applicable | |
| Glycemic load | Not applicable | |
| Insulin index | not tested | |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 2 kcal per 100 g, ranking 15 of 50 in Drinks (lowest first).
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in a cup of linden tea?
About 5 calories per cup (240 ml), without sugar.
Does linden tea contain caffeine?
No, linden has no caffeine, so it is fine in the evening.
Does linden tea cure a cold?
The hot drink soothes the throat, but there are not enough studies showing that it treats colds. It is a gentle drink, not a medicine.
How do I make linden tea properly?
A spoon of flowers in hot water, covered for 5 to 10 minutes, without boiling.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Medically reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib | Founder, WiBo Health · 31 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.