Tea (Black, Strong Brew)

TLDRLast updated 3 October 2026

Strong plain black tea is low FODMAP at 243 ml. Fructans are moderate at 250 ml and high at 307 ml. The preparation uses one tea bag steeped for three to five minutes.

Serving sizes for tea (black, strong brew)

The references are 243 ml low, 250 ml moderate and 307 ml high in fructans. They apply to the specified strong brew, not every black tea preparation.

Moderate
1 cupabout 250 ml

Tested serving sizes

Tested serving sizes for Tea (Black, Strong Brew) and their Gut Friendly rating
ServingAmountMain FODMAPRating
1 cup250 mlFructans 0.1 gModerate
243 ml portion243 mlFructans 0.03 gLow
307 ml portion307 mlFructans 0.3 gAvoid

Breakdown for 1 cup

0gFructose
0gLactose
0.1gFructans
0gGOS
0gSorbitol
0gMannitol
1 cupabout 250 ml

Is tea (black, strong brew) low FODMAP?

The small difference between the 243 ml low reference and the 250 ml moderate reference makes cup volume worth measuring. Fructans are the group that changes; the other listed groups remain low. This entry is for strong tea without milk. Strong tea with cow's milk and tea with a low FODMAP milk alternative are separate preparations.

Tea (Black, Strong Brew) and IBS: what to know

FODMAP ratings do not describe caffeine tolerance. NHS IBS guidance advises limiting caffeinated drinks. If comparing tea routines, record the brew time, cup volume and any sweetener, rather than only the number of cups.

Gut-friendly ways to eat tea (black, strong brew)

Use a timer to reproduce the listed three-to-five-minute brew with one tea bag. Measure the drink in a marked jug to learn how much your usual cup holds. Check sugar, honey or other additions independently. If preparing a pot, keep the strength and amount poured in mind; a top-up is additional tea rather than a new low portion automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Is one cup of strong black tea low FODMAP?

The listed 250 ml cup is moderate in fructans. The smaller 243 ml reference is low, so use the volume rather than the word cup.

How long is the tea brewed in this guide?

The preparation uses one tea bag infused for three to five minutes. A weak brew is a separate preparation.

Does this portion include milk?

No. This is the plain strong-black-tea entry. Use the matching milk-containing guide if that is how you make it.

Can I use this guide for a café tea?

Only when the strength, additions and serving can be matched reasonably. An unknown brew or large takeaway cup may differ from this reference.

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Sources and editorial notes

Published and maintained by Gut Friendly. This guide has not been independently reviewed by a dietitian. Serving information comes from our food catalogue. Where references are listed, they explain the research and preparation differences. Check the original source for current portions.

Gut Friendly provides general information, not medical advice.