Does peppermint tea help with hunger while fasting?

Some people find its strong taste takes the edge off a craving. The effect is modest and varies from person to person.

Does peppermint tea have caffeine?

No. Pure peppermint tea is caffeine-free.

Can peppermint tea cause heartburn?

In some people, yes. If you notice reflux after a cup, try a different herbal tea during your fast.

Does peppermint tea break autophagy?

Unlikely. It has about 2 calories and no sugar or protein, though no study has tested it directly.

Does Peppermint Tea Break a Fast? No

Reviewed by the FastTrack team · Updated June 2026

Short answer: No

Peppermint tea does not break a fast. A cup brewed with water has about 2 calories and no caffeine, so it leaves insulin, ketosis and weight loss alone. Many people use its strong, fresh taste to get past a craving late in the fast.

Calories	~2 kcal per cup
Breaks a weight-loss fast?	No
Breaks ketosis?	No
Breaks autophagy?	Unlikely
Insulin impact	Negligible

Why peppermint tea keeps you fasted

Steeping peppermint leaves releases menthol and other aromatic compounds into the water, with almost no energy. USDA data put brewed herbal teas at about 1 calorie per 100 ml. That is far below anything that would raise insulin or end a fast.

Heartburn and digestion

Peppermint is a traditional remedy for an upset stomach, and peppermint oil capsules have reasonable evidence for irritable bowel symptoms. Peppermint tea appears safe, though research on the leaf itself is limited. Peppermint can trigger heartburn or reflux in some people, which may be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Bottled mint drinks and some blends contain sugar, so check the label.

How much is safe

Drink as much as you like during the fast. If it brings on heartburn, switch to chamomile or ginger tea.

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Frequently asked questions

Does peppermint tea help with hunger while fasting?: Some people find its strong taste takes the edge off a craving. The effect is modest and varies from person to person.
Does peppermint tea have caffeine?: No. Pure peppermint tea is caffeine-free.
Can peppermint tea cause heartburn?: In some people, yes. If you notice reflux after a cup, try a different herbal tea during your fast.
Does peppermint tea break autophagy?: Unlikely. It has about 2 calories and no sugar or protein, though no study has tested it directly.