10 Best Drinks for Weight Loss That Aren’t Water

When you’re watching your weight, water is always front and centre. But did you know there are plenty of delicious drinks for weight loss that aren’t water—and they can actually support fat loss, curb hunger, boost your metabolism, and make dieting more enjoyable?

This post explores the best drinks for weight loss—from herbal teas and Greek yogurt smoothies to iced matcha lattes and low‑sugar vegetable juices. We’ll cover how each beverage works, easy recipes, when to drink them, and why they belong in your fat‑loss toolkit.

Let’s crack open the fridge (or tea cabinet) and discover your new favourite fat‑fighting drinks!

Why Consider Drinks for Weight Loss That Aren’t Water?

When people think about weight loss, they often stick to plain water. That’s great—but there’s more you can sip that helps support your goals:

• Satiety without calories – some drinks are low in calories but help you feel fuller.
• Metabolic boost – ingredients like protein, fibre, caffeine, and antioxidants can increase resting metabolism.
• Craving control – a flavourful drink can curb sugar cravings or snacking urges.
• Hydration with nutrients – many drinks for weight loss deliver vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

In other words, strategic hydration—beyond just water—can aid in adherence to your calorie goals, help reduce hunger, and even support digestion and fat oxidation.

Read: Best Foods to Eat for Weight Loss (Backed by Science)

Top 10 Drinks for Weight Loss (Non-Water Edition)

Discover the best Drinks for Weight Loss that aren’t water. From detox teas to protein smoothies, here’s your go-to guide for tasty, fat-burning thirst-quencher options.

1. Green Tea (or Matcha Latte)

How it supports fat loss

Green tea contains catechins—especially EGCG—which stimulate thermogenesis and promote fat oxidation. Caffeine adds a mental and metabolic boost too.

How to enjoy

• Brew 2–3 cups daily
• Or make a matcha latte: whisk matcha powder with hot water, stir in unsweetened almond milk (hot or iced)

Fast facts

• Rich in antioxidants
• Zero calories when brewed plain
• May modestly reduce body fat over time

2. Black Coffee (No sugar)

Why it’s a go-to among drinks for weight loss

Black coffee stimulates metabolism, supports fat burning, and suppresses appetite—when consumed without added sugar or cream.

How to enjoy

• 1–2 cups per morning or early afternoon
• Add cinnamon or a splash of skim milk if needed (minimal impact)

Be mindful of: Too much caffeine can disrupt sleep or cause jitteriness, which may backfire on weight loss.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Drink

Fat‑loss benefits: ACV can slow gastric emptying, lower blood sugar spikes after meals, and promote a sense of fullness.

How to enjoy

• Mix 1–2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water.
• Add lemon juice or a drop of honey for flavour (keep within 5 g added sugar if possible).

Timing: Drink 10–15 minutes before meals to reduce overeating.

4. Protein Shake (Plant or Whey)

Why a protein-rich beverage is among top drinks for weight loss

Protein supports satiety, preserves lean muscle during calorie deficit, and has a high thermic effect (it burns more calories in digestion).

How to enjoy

• Blend unsweetened protein powder with water or almond milk.
• Add spinach, berries, ice for volume.

Sample recipe

1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal), 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (30 kcal), handful spinach, ½ cup frozen cherries → <200 calories, ~20–25 g protein.

5. Iced Hibiscus Tea

Weight loss perks

Hibiscus tea has been shown to reduce body fat and cholesterol levels in small studies, and its tart flavour keeps sugar cravings at bay.

How to enjoy

• Brew hibiscus petals or tea bags, chill, and serve over ice with lemon.
• No sweetener needed; add just a touch of stevia if desired.

Hydration tip: A refreshing sugar‑free way to sip more fluids and fight cravings.

6. Vegetable Juice (Low Sodium)

Why it ranks among drinks for weight loss

Vegetable juices made from low-sugar veggies deliver fibre, electrolytes, and nutrients without excess sugar—making them more satiating than fruit juices.

How to enjoy

• Juice cucumbers, celery, spinach, or kale with lemon and ginger.
• Use a high‑speed blender (keep the pulp for fibre) or cold‑press

Smart prep: Make in small batches to retain freshness; aim for ≤100 ml per serving without salt or sugar added.

7. Kefir or Drinkable Greek Yogurt (Plain)

Digestive and fat-burning benefits

Kefir is probiotic-rich and protein-packed, helping manage hunger and support gut health—key to efficient metabolism.

How to enjoy

• Sip ~½ cup per snack or breakfast.
• Choose unsweetened, low-fat versions to keep calorie count low.

Pro tip: Add cinnamon or berries for flavour instead of sweetened yogurt.

8. Lemon‑Ginger Detox Drink

Why people include it in drinks for weight loss routines

Lemon and ginger together may aid digestion, reduce bloating, and slightly increase metabolic rate.

How to enjoy

• Steep sliced ginger in hot water for 5 min
• Squeeze half a lemon into it
• Drink before meals or any time during the day

Keeps sugar cravings away: The zing helps distract from hunger or snack urges.

9. Sparkling Water with Citrus or Herbs

Benefits

Flavoured seltzer or sparkling mineral water delivers fizz and flavour—making it easier to avoid sugary sodas or juices, with zero calories.

How to enjoy

• Add lemon slices, cucumber, or mint leaves
• Opt for brands with no sweeteners or sodium

When to use: Great as an afternoon pick-me-up or soda substitute.

10. Oolong Tea

Why oolong appears in many drinks for weight loss lists

Oolong tea bridges green and black tea and has been associated with improved fat oxidation and energy expenditure.

How to enjoy

• Steep traditional oolong leaves for 3–5 minutes
• Drink as a calm but effective afternoon tea

Pro tip: Pair with a small protein snack (e.g. handful nuts) to make a mindful mini-meal.

How to Integrate These Drinks into Your Weight Loss Routine

Best Timing for Drinks for Weight Loss

• Morning: Black coffee or green tea to kickstart metabolism
• Pre-meal: ACV drink or lemon‑ginger tea to curb appetite
• Snack times: Protein shake, plain kefir
• Afternoon slump: Hibiscus tea or sparkling water to prevent junk-food cravings
• After dinner: Warm oolong tea or herbal infusion for digestive support

Daily Plan Including Drinks for Weight Loss

Time of Day	Drink Option
Upon waking	Green tea or black coffee (plain)
Before lunch	ACV mix or lemon‑ginger drink
Mid‑afternoon	Sparkling water with cucumber or mint
Mid‑morning	Small protein shake (~150 kcal)
Evening	Oolong tea or hibiscus iced herbal tea
With snacks	Plain kefir or Greek yogurt smoothie

Why These Drinks Work for Weight Loss (Science-Backed)

Appetite and Satiety Control

• Protein drinks increase fullness and reduce hunger hormones.
• ACV and lemon‑ginger drinks blunt post-meal glycaemic response and slow stomach emptying—helping you eat less naturally.

Thermogenic Effect

• Green tea catechins and oolong polyphenols boost calorie burning.
• Caffeine provides a mild metabolism lift.

Hydration & Nutrient Intake

• Even unsweetened herbal teas count as hydration—but with more flavour than plain water.
• Kefir and veggie juices provide essential micronutrients (B vitamins, probiotics, potassium, magnesium).

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Weight Loss Drinks

• Adding sugar or syrups: Ruins the low-calorie benefit
• Over-relying: A drink is not a meal replacement unless appropriately balanced
• Ignoring quality: Cheap protein powders or bottled teas may contain hidden additives
• Drinking during meals: Excess liquid with meals can dilute digestion and satiety signals

Stay mindful—choose simple, minimally processed drinks to support your goals.

Practical Tips to Maximize Results with Weight Loss Drinks

Use smaller cups: A 12 oz cup of matcha or coffee keeps caffeine and calorie intake moderate.

Prep batches: Make iced hibiscus tea or lemon‑ginger drink in pitchers to save time.

Track liquid intake: If aiming for a calorie deficit, log measurable calories from protein shakes or kefir.

Customize flavours: Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or mint add flavour with no calories.

Drink mindfully: Sip slowly. Feel the flavours. Use the drink as a moment of pause—not a distraction.

Sample 7-Day Drinks for Weight Loss Plan

Day 1

• Morning: Green tea
• Pre-lunch: Apple cider vinegar drink
• Snack-time: Plain kefir
• Afternoon: Sparkling water with lemon
• Evening: Oolong tea

Day 2

• Morning: Black coffee
• Mid-morning: Protein smoothie
• Before dinner: Lemon‑ginger tea
• Night: Hibiscus tea

Day 3

• Morning: Matcha latte (unsweetened almond milk)
• Pre-meal: ACV with water
• Mid-afternoon: Vegetable juice (low sodium)
• Night: Oolong or green tea

…and so on, rotating the drinks to keep things interesting and hitting different benefits each day.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of drinks for weight loss doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or satisfaction. As you’ve seen, there’s a wide range of beverages—modern and traditional—that support fat loss, curb hunger, boost metabolism, and complement your diet beautifully.

Incorporate 2–3 of these strategic drinks daily along with a balanced diet, proper hydration, and consistent activity, and you’ll have a flavourful, effective, and sustainable way to support your weight loss goals without relying solely on water.

So choose your favourites—green tea in the AM, kefir as a snack, iced hibiscus in the afternoon—and sip your way to success. It’s the little changes that add up to big results.

FAQ

What are the best drinks for weight loss besides water?

Great alternatives include green tea, black coffee, lemon water, apple cider vinegar drinks, vegetable smoothies, and herbal teas like peppermint or ginger. These beverages can boost metabolism and reduce cravings naturally.

Does green tea help with weight loss?

Yes. Green tea contains catechins and a small amount of caffeine, which together may help increase fat burning and support weight loss when consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet.

Is black coffee good for losing weight?

A: In moderation, yes. Black coffee is calorie-free, boosts metabolism, and may enhance fat oxidation. Avoid adding sugar, syrups, or heavy cream to keep it weight-loss friendly.

Can apple cider vinegar drinks really burn fat?

Apple cider vinegar may help regulate blood sugar and promote fullness, which could reduce calorie intake. Mix 1–2 tablespoons in water before meals, but don’t overdo it—too much can harm your teeth or stomach.

What smoothies are best for weight loss?

Weight-loss-friendly smoothies include those with leafy greens, low-sugar fruits (like berries), protein (Greek yogurt or protein powder), and fibre (chia or flax seeds). Avoid high-sugar ingredients like juice or sweetened yogurts.