Does water have calories? Many people wonder if drinking water adds to their daily calorie intake, especially when managing weight or health. Understanding whether water contains calories is essential for anyone tracking their nutrition because water is essential for hydration and bodily functions. Here, you’ll get the full scientific answer—including the chemistry of water, its calorie count in every form, and why pure H₂O is vital for healthy living and calorie control.
Fast Answer— Does Water Have Calories?
Plain water contains zero water calories — no matter the types of water you drink, whether it’s still, carbonated water, tap water, hot, cold, or frozen. If you wonder how many calories in the water or how many kcal in water, the answer remains the same: zero. That’s because it is made of pure water molecules (H₂O) and contains no carbs, protein, or fat to provide calories from water.
The significance of calories lies in their role as units of energy derived from macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These provide fuel for the body. Pure water does not contain any of these nutrients, so it supplies no energy. According to the CDC, “water has no calories, so replacing sugary drinks with plain water can help reduce caloric intake.” (CDC, 2025)
The Chemistry Behind Water’s Zero Calorie Count
Does water have calories? To understand the meanings of water and calories, it’s important to recognize that water’s molecular makeup lacks energy-rich bonds, which explains why it contains zero calories. The make-up of water consists of simple water molecules (H₂O), each composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Unlike carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, water lacks complex chemical bonds that store usable energy. Since calories measure the energy your body can extract by breaking down molecules, water simply offers no chemical “fuel” to metabolize.
How Is a Calorie Measured?
To understand "does water have calories", it helps to know how calories are quantified. Scientists use a device called a bomb calorimeter—an apparatus that combusts (burns) a food sample in a sealed chamber and measures the amount of heat (energy) released during the process. This heat directly correlates to the calories present. Only substances containing energy-rich bonds—like the carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds in sugars, fats, and proteins—release measurable calories. Since water cannot be burned or metabolized for energy, it produces no heat in this test and thus registers zero calories.
Look at the difference between water and a sugar molecule:
| Molecule | Structure Description | Calories per Gram |
| Water (H₂O) | Two hydrogen atoms + one oxygen atom, no carbon chains, no energy-rich bonds | 0 kcal/g |
| Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) | Six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogens, six oxygens; contains many energy bonds | ~4 kcal/g |
| Fatty Acid | Long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms; rich in energy-dense C-H bonds | ~9 kcal/g |
These comparisons highlight that calories come from molecules with specific chemical bonds that your body can break down to release energy. Water’s simple molecular form means it carries no calories and serves purely as a vital solvent and medium for biochemical reactions.
Key Takeaway:
Water’s simple structure means it cannot provide calories—there’s no fuel to burn. In contrast, foods and drinks with carbs, fats, or protein always contain calories. Plain water has none.
Caloric Content of Water and Water-Based Beverages
While plain water itself does not contain calories, many people ask “does water have calories " when considering flavored or enhanced water drinks. Let’s break down how many calories in water and common water-based drinks.
Types of Water and Their Calorie Content
Water comes in various types, including tap water, mineral water, carbonated water, and filtered water from water filtration systems. Water quality varies by source but does not affect calorie content. Understanding the differences helps clarify whether any calories come from water sources.
- Tap Water: Generally calorie-free, though mineral content varies by location. Some tap water is filtered through water filtration systems to improve taste and remove contaminants without adding calories, such as reverse osmosis water filter series to provide the best tap water.
- Mineral Water: Contains natural minerals but no calories. Some alkaline water filters can help you enjoy clean water and add minerals back to water.
- Carbonated Water: Also known as sparkling water, carbonated water has no calories unless sugars or flavorings are added.
- Filtered Water: Water filters remove impurities but do not change the calorie content of water. Filtered water remains calorie-free.
This means no matter which types of water you prefer, plain water remains calorie-free unless something is added.
Calories in Popular Water Beverages
Whether you drink a glass of water from the tap, sparkling carbonated water, or bottled mineral water, plain water itself contains no calories. However, many water-based beverages like tonic water or flavored water may contain added sugars, increasing the calories in water-based drinks.
Tonic Water: Sweetened and Calorie-Dense
Tonic water is often high in calories because of added sugars or sweeteners, typically containing 90 to 124 calories per serving.
Flavored Water: Sugar-Free vs. Sugary Options
Sugar-free flavored waters have zero calories, while those with added sugar range from 30 to 120 calories per serving.
Vitamin Water: Variable Calorie Content
Vitamin waters can have anywhere from 0 to 120 calories, depending on their sugar and additive content.
Natural Hydration: Calories in Coconut Water
Coconut water contains 40 to 60 calories from natural sugars, along with beneficial electrolytes.
Sports Drinks: Energy and Electrolyte Replenishment
Sports drinks typically have 45 to 65 calories due to added sugars and electrolytes.
Broths: Low-Calorie Savory Hydration
Vegetable or chicken broths provide 10 to 40 calories per serving, coming from small amounts of protein and fat.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories per Serving | Why? |
| Plain Still Water | 8 oz (240 mL) | 0 | No energy nutrients |
| Sparkling Water (Unsweetened) | 8 oz | 0 | Just H₂O, sometimes with carbonation |
| Mineral Water | 8 oz | 0 | Only minerals, no energy nutrients |
| Tonic Water | 8 oz | 90–124 | Added sugar/sweeteners provide energy |
| Flavored Water (sugar-free) | 8 oz | 0 | Artificial flavor, no sugar |
| Flavored Water (with sugar) | 8 oz | 30–120 | Added sugar gives calories |
| Vitamin Water (some types) | 8 oz | 0–120 | Depends on amount/type of sugar |
| Coconut Water | 8 oz | 40–60 | Natural sugars |
| Sports Drinks | 8 oz | 45–65 | Sugars, sometimes electrolytes |
| Broths (Veg/Chicken) | 8 oz | 10–40 | Contains protein/fat from ingredients |
Always check nutrition labels on any flavored or enhanced water products! Even drinks with “water” in the name might sneak in sugars or calories.
Plain water, sparkling water, and mineral water have no calories. But “water-based” drinks—like tonic water and sweetened flavored water—can add many calories to your diet.
Health Benefits of Choosing Zero-Calorie Water
The benefits of water extend beyond simple hydration. Plain water is a key zero-calorie beverage for calorie control. Here’s what research says:
Supports Weight Management
- Studies show that drinking enough water can help reduce calorie intake by replacing sugary drinks.
- Regular water drinkers have been shown to weigh less and have healthier body fat levels.
- Studies show drinking water before meals can reduce food intake by up to 22%.
Aids Hydration and Kidney Function
- Drinking enough water can help flush out toxins.
- It can lessen your risk of kidney stones and urinary infections.
Reduces Need for High-Calorie Drinks
- Choosing water over soda water or energy drinks lowers your total calorie and sugar intake.
Why Water Matters for Health—Long-Term Perspective
Populations who drink lots of water (and fewer sugary drinks) have lower risks of obesity and metabolic diseases.
- Large studies link higher water intake with better weight control and a reduced risk of diabetes.
- Health authorities advise swapping caloric drinks for water whenever possible.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
According to Harvard’s Nutrition Source, “water is the best choice for quenching your thirst,” and daily water needs vary based on weight, activity, and climate.” Determining how much water you should drink as daily water intake depends on several key factors that vary from person to person. While the common recommendation is to aim for about 8 to 10 cups (64 to 80 ounces) of water per day, your individual needs may be higher or lower based on the following:
Body Weight:
Heavier individuals typically require more water to stay properly hydrated because their bodies have a larger volume and more cells that need fluid.
Age:
Children, adults, and older adults have different hydration needs. For example, older adults may have a reduced sense of thirst, so they need to be mindful to drink regularly even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Activity Level:
If you are physically active or exercise regularly, your water needs increase due to fluid loss from sweating. Athletes or people with physically demanding jobs often need more than the average recommendation.
Climate and Environment:
Hot, humid, or dry climates cause more water loss through sweat and respiration. Similarly, heated indoor environments during winter can increase water needs. Conversely, cooler or more temperate climates might reduce the amount of water you require.
General Guidelines:
While 8–10 cups per day is a helpful starting point for many adults, it’s best to listen to your body. Thirst is a natural indicator, but also pay attention to urine color—a pale, straw-like color usually indicates good hydration.
Special Considerations:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women have increased fluid requirements. Certain medical conditions or medications may also affect hydration needs, so consult a healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Does Water Have Calories? Science-Backed Myth Busting
Does drinking water burn calories? While your body uses a tiny amount of energy to warm cold water, the effect is minimal. Pure water—whether cold, hot, or carbonated—has zero calories unless sugars or flavors are added. Let’s bust some common myths about water and calories.
Does drinking ice water burn extra calories?
People online often ask if drinking cold water “burns” calories since your body must warm it up. Technically, your body does use a small amount of energy to heat cold water up to body temperature. Although drinking cold water may cause your body to burn calories at different rates, research shows this burns only about 4–7 calories per glass—barely enough to make a difference in weight loss.
Do minerals or carbonation add calories to water?
No. The process of carbonation (adding CO₂ bubbles) does not add calories. Minerals like calcium or magnesium also supply no energy.
What about rare cases—contaminants or “naturally sweet” water?
Unless there are added sugars, natural sweet substances, or rare organic contamination, water remains calorie-free. “Naturally sweet” spring water is extremely rare and would be listed on the label.
Myth-Busting Box
MYTH: “Drinking tons of water burns fat and makes you lose weight overnight.” FACT: Water is helpful for feeling full, but it doesn’t have magic fat-burning powers. Weight loss comes from eating fewer calories than you burn, not just from drinking water.
Quote from a Nutrition Expert
“Pure water contains no calories, regardless of if it is hot, cold, or carbonated. Only waters with added sugars or flavors provide energy for the body.” — Board-Certified Dietitian
Bonus: Foods With No Calories or Low Calories
Curious about what foods have no calories? Besides water, many foods that have 0 calories or very few calories include celery, cucumbers, leafy greens, and herbal teas. These zero-calorie foods help you stay full without adding to your calorie intake.
Curious about eating 0 calorie foods or foods low in calories?
While water leads the list of zero calorie foods, here are others that are extremely low:
List: Foods With No or Very Few Calories
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach)
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Black coffee (without cream/sugar)
- Herbal tea (unsweetened)
- Radishes
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
Foods Under 100 Calories (examples per serving)
| Food | Typical Serving | Calories |
| Apple | 1 small | 52 |
| Baby Carrots | 10 pieces | 35 |
| Boiled Egg | 1 | 68 |
| Yogurt (plain, low-fat) | 1/2 cup | 55 |
| Popcorn (air-popped) | 3 cups | 93 |
Interactive Tools and Quick Facts
How much water should you drink each day? Use this simple formula:
- Take your weight (in pounds)
- Divide by 2
- That’s about how many ounces you should drink per day (e.g., 150 lbs → 75 oz water).
Quick Quiz: "Guess the Calories"
- Plain water: 0
- Tonic water: 124
- Sports drink: 65
- Unsweetened sparkling water: 0
- Broth: 20
- Flavored water (with sugar): 60
Final Quick Facts
- Water has zero calories—no exceptions unless something is added.
- The number of calories in the water is always 0 for pure H₂O.
- You burn a tiny amount of energy warming up ice water, but it's not enough to change your weight.
- Always check labels for added sugars—even products named “water” can have calories.
Stay hydrated—and choose plain water for a truly calorie-free way to support your health. Pure water contains zero calories—no matter if it’s hot, cold, still, sparkling, or frozen. Only water with added sugars or nutrients carries calories. Choosing water for hydration helps control weight, reduces empty calories, and supports your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Water & Calories
1. Why does water not have calories?
Water is calorie-free because it does not contain macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins or fats that the body can metabolize to produce energy. Calories are a measurement of the energy released by the body when it breaks down food substances during the digestive process. Since water is a simple molecule composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H₂O), it does not provide any chemical energy. It does not increase the body's calorie intake. Different from foods and beverages that contain sugar, fat or protein, water does not contain any organic compounds that can be converted into energy for the body to function. In addition, water is critical for many physiological processes, including hydration, thermoregulation and nutrient transportation, but it is purely a medium, not a source of energy. Thus, though water is vital for sustaining life, it is naturally calorie-free, which makes it a unique presence among the many drinkable liquids available.
2. What foods are 0 calories?
Often said “zero calorie” or very low-calorie food, in fact, more or less a little bit of carbohydrates, proteins and fats that can provide energy nutrients, after all, calories is the unit of measurement of energy. Most of the real zero calorie foods are beverages like water, black coffee, and white tea, which are hydrating and have some active substances that are good for the body, but just don't provide energy. If you're talking about solid foods, there are no real zero-calorie foods. However, some fruits and vegetables are particularly low in calories, water and fiber, so they bring negligible calories. This is the case with leafy greens like celery, cucumber, lettuce, and spinach. There's an argument to be made that digesting these foods takes more energy than they provide on their own - so-called “negative calorie” foods - although there's not much science to back up that claim. But these foods are really good for weight control, because eating them makes meals bigger and more nutritious, without adding significantly to the calorie intake. In the end, those labeled zero-calorie food, in fact, is particularly low energy density, very suitable for hydration, increase satiety, low-calorie diet is very helpful.
3. How many calories do you burn if you drink water?
Drinking water allows the body to burn a little bit more calories, mainly because the body has to heat the water up to body temperature, a process that takes energy and also allows the metabolism to go slightly faster. This is called water-induced thermogenesis. One study found that drinking about 500 milliliters of cold water temporarily increased resting energy expenditure by 10 to 30 percent, so that an extra 15 to 25 calories were burned over the next hour. But that's not a lot of calories to burn, and it's not a great way to lose weight on its own. How much of an effect it can have is related to the temperature of the water, how much water you drink, and how fast your metabolism is. Although drinking water alone can not replace exercise and a balanced diet, but drink enough water, the metabolism and body functions are good, can indirectly help to maintain a healthy weight.
4. What foods are under 100 calories?
Many of the foods are under 100 calories per serving, which is perfect for those who want to control their calories but don't want to eat less nutritiously. These low-calorie foods have a lot of water and dietary fiber, as well as essential nutrients for the body, which can make people fuller and healthier. This is usually the case with common fresh fruits, like a medium-sized apple, a small banana, or a cup of strawberries, all of which have natural sugars and vitamins and are exceptionally low in calories. The same goes for vegetables - a cup of raw spinach, half a cucumber, and a medium-sized carrot are well under 100 calories and provide the body with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. On top of that, protein-packed snacks like hard-boiled eggs and a small serving of low-fat yogurt are also in this calorie range, and they do a slightly better job of keeping you feeling full. Adding these low-calorie foods to your regular meals or eating them as snacks will keep your body energized all the time to help control your weight, as well as make your diet more balanced without worrying about taking in too many calories.