D id you know that the best tea for health has been part of human culture for over 5,000 years? Tea stands as the second most-consumed beverage worldwide after water. When it comes to making healthy choices for your daily cup, the debate between milk tea and herbal tea deserves your attention.
Black tea, often used as the base for milk tea, offers impressive health benefits on its own. In fact, drinking at least two cups of black tea daily lowers the risk of death from any cause by almost 13% compared to non-tea drinkers[2]. However, adding milk and sweeteners changes this profile significantly[3]. Herbal tea, on the other hand, often comes without these additions. Finding the best tea to drink for health means understanding what goes into your cup and how it affects your body.
“The cup you choose in 2025 may define your health journey — will it be the creamy comfort of milk tea or the natural healing of herbal blends?”
Understanding the Basics: What Are Milk Tea and Herbal Tea?
Milk tea refers to any tea drink with milk added, typically made
using black tea as the base. Its creamy texture comes from dairy or plant-based milk,
while sugar is often added for sweetness[4].
Herbal tea, meanwhile, isn’t technically tea at all—it’s an infusion
of dried flowers, leaves, seeds, bark, roots, or fruits. Examples include chamomile,
peppermint, hibiscus, ginger, and rooibos[5].
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea vs Milk Tea
Herbal teas are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage, support digestion, and even provide stress relief[6]. Chamomile promotes relaxation, peppermint eases gastrointestinal discomfort, and hibiscus supports immunity[7]. Milk tea also has benefits, but studies suggest milk may reduce antioxidant absorption[8], and added sugar or cream increases calories[9].
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Milk Tea | Herbal Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Base Composition | Black tea with added milk (dairy/plant-based) | Dried flowers, leaves, roots, or fruits |
| Caffeine Content | ~47mg per cup | Generally caffeine-free |
| Calories | 92–150 per cup | Minimal (unless sweetened) |
| Key Nutrients | Calcium, vitamins from milk | Antioxidants, therapeutic compounds |
| Health Benefits | Calcium, comforting flavor | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive & stress relief |
| Drawbacks | Lactose issues, weight gain, caffeine-related sleep disruption | Possible drug interactions, allergies |
Conclusion
After examining both options thoroughly, the choice between milk tea and herbal tea ultimately depends on your health goals. Herbal teas clearly offer superior benefits for those prioritizing wellness in 2025: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, digestive support, and stress relief—without the calories or caffeine. Milk tea provides comfort and calcium but comes with drawbacks such as added sugar, calories, and potential digestive discomfort.
Choose your cup wisely in 2025 — your health may thank you.
Green Tea vs Milk Tea – A Health Assessment (Samaaratea)
Types of Tea – A Comprehensive Guide (ArtfulTea)
Herbal Tea vs Black Tea (Red Rock Teahouse)
Healthline – The Benefits of Tea with Milk
Healthline – Tea for Stress
Nutritionix – Milk Tea Nutrition
Harvard – Health Benefits of 3 Herbal Teas
PubMed – Study on Tea and Health
Times of India – Tea and Digestion
Everyday Health – Teas for Weight Loss
The Tea Shop – Does Milk Tea Increase Weight?
Ellementry – Should Milk Be Added to Tea?
NHS – Lactose Intolerance
Healthline – Caffeine in Tea vs Coffee
Star Health – Side Effects of Milk Tea
Health.com – Herbal Teas that Affect Medications
EatingWell – Herbal Teas and Medication Interactions
Healthline – Can You Be Allergic to Tea?
Harvard Nutrition Source – Tea