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Is Thai Tea Bad For You? The Side Effects to Know

Q: Is Thai tea bad for you?

Thai tea isn't bad in moderation, but it's high in sugar and calories from sweetened condensed milk, and it contains caffeine. Drinking it occasionally is fine for most people; daily large servings add up in sugar. You can make a lighter version with less sweetener and plant or low-fat milk.

Q: Can I drink Thai tea while pregnant?

Thai tea contains caffeine (roughly 40-65 mg per serving), and most health bodies advise pregnant people stay under about 200 mg of caffeine per day. One serving usually fits within that, but it depends on your total daily intake. The high sugar is also worth watching. Check with your doctor or midwife about your own limits.

Q: How much sugar is in Thai tea?

A typical sweetened Thai tea has roughly 25-40 g of sugar per glass, mostly from sweetened condensed milk and added sugar. That's a large share of the recommended daily limit, so it's best treated as a sweet drink rather than an everyday beverage.

★★★★★Diet & Health·Updated June 2026

Thai tea is a treat, not a health drink - and that's fine. It isn't "bad for you" in moderation, but it does pack sugar, calories, and caffeine worth understanding. Here are the real side effects, who should be careful, and how to make a lighter version.

Quick note: this is general information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, managing a health condition, or sensitive to caffeine, check with your doctor about what's right for you.

The main things to watch

1. Sugar

This is the big one. A standard sweetened Thai tea has roughly 25-40 g of sugar per glass, mostly from sweetened condensed milk plus added sugar. That's a large slice of the daily recommended limit in a single drink. Frequent large servings can contribute to weight gain and blood-sugar spikes.

2. Calories

Between the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar, a full glass typically lands around 150-250 calories - more for large or blended versions. Worth knowing if you're tracking intake. See our full Thai tea calories breakdown.

3. Caffeine

Thai tea is made from strong black tea, so it carries caffeine - roughly 40-65 mg per serving. For most adults that's modest (a cup of coffee is ~95 mg), but it can affect sleep or cause jitters if you're sensitive or drink it late. Our caffeine guide has the details.

4. Food coloring

The signature orange usually comes from added food dye (often Sunset Yellow). It's an approved additive within standard limits, but some people prefer to avoid synthetic dyes - in which case an uncolored Thai tea blend is an easy swap.

Thai tea during pregnancy

The two things to keep in mind are caffeine and sugar. Most health bodies advise pregnant people stay under about 200 mg of caffeine a day. A single Thai tea (40-65 mg) usually fits comfortably within that, but it counts toward your daily total alongside coffee, soda, and chocolate. The high sugar is also worth moderating. As always, your doctor or midwife can give guidance for your situation.

Is there any upside?

Yes, in moderation. Black tea contains antioxidants (polyphenols), and a small serving can be a satisfying treat. The issue is rarely the tea itself - it's the amount of sugar and milk piled on top. See our Thai tea health benefits piece for the balanced view.

How to make Thai tea healthier

Cut the sweetener. Use half the condensed milk, or sweeten lightly with sugar you control.
Swap the milk. Use low-fat milk, or oat/coconut for a lighter, dairy-free cup.
Go dye-free. Choose an uncolored Thai tea blend.
Try the lighter cousins. Thai lime tea (cha manao) skips the milk entirely - bright, refreshing, and far lower in sugar.

Thai Tea Mix (make it your way)

Brewing at home lets you control the sugar and milk - far lighter than the stall version.

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FAQ

Is Thai tea bad for you?

Not in moderation. It's high in sugar and calories from condensed milk and contains caffeine. Occasional servings are fine for most people; daily large ones add up. A lighter homemade version helps.

Can I drink Thai tea while pregnant?

It contains ~40-65 mg caffeine per serving. Most guidance is to stay under ~200 mg of caffeine daily in pregnancy, so one serving usually fits - but it counts toward your total, and the sugar is worth watching. Ask your doctor about your limits.

How much sugar is in Thai tea?

Roughly 25-40 g per sweetened glass, mostly from sweetened condensed milk and added sugar. Best treated as a sweet treat, not an everyday drink.

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Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Chaayen earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only link gear we'd brew with. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.