Whole-Food Beverages Guide
40 items classified under standard Whole-Food guidelines.
This guide covers all 40 beverages classified under Whole-Food guidelines. Whole-Food evaluates foods primarily by processing level, which determines how each item in this category is classified.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Tea | Allowed | 0kcal |
| Chai Tea | Allowed | 53kcal |
| Coffee | Allowed | 34kcal |
| Decaf Coffee | Allowed | 34kcal |
| Espresso | Allowed | 9kcal |
| Green Tea | Allowed | 1kcal |
| Herbal Tea | Allowed | 2kcal |
| Kombucha | Allowed | 16kcal |
| Lemon Water | Allowed | 29kcal |
| Matcha | Allowed | 324kcal |
| Plain Kombucha | Allowed | 407kcal |
| Sparkling Water | Allowed | 0kcal |
| Apple Juice | Limited | 48kcal |
| Beer | Limited | 238kcal |
| Bone Broth | Limited | 16kcal |
| Coconut Water | Limited | 37kcal |
| Cranberry Juice | Limited | 46kcal |
| Electrolyte Drinks | Limited | 10kcal |
| Flavored Coconut Water | Limited | 18kcal |
| Flavored Kombucha | Limited | 16kcal |
| Half and Half | Limited | 131kcal |
| Hot Chocolate | Limited | 72kcal |
| Kefir | Limited | 62kcal |
| Kombucha (Hard) | Limited | 394kcal |
| Lactose-Free Milk | Limited | 167kcal |
| Oat Milk | Limited | 45kcal |
| Orange Juice | Limited | 47kcal |
| Plain Coconut Water | Limited | 18kcal |
| Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks | Limited | 27kcal |
| Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets | Limited | 84kcal |
| Wine | Limited | 85kcal |
| Apple Cider | Not Allowed | 46kcal |
| Diet Soda | Not Allowed | 0kcal |
| Energy Drinks | Not Allowed | 43kcal |
| Flavored Water | Not Allowed | 19kcal |
| Hard Seltzer | Not Allowed | 24kcal |
| Rum | Not Allowed | 231kcal |
| Tequila | Not Allowed | 231kcal |
| Vodka | Not Allowed | 231kcal |
| Whiskey | Not Allowed | 231kcal |
Classification Breakdown
12 Allowed — These beverages are minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 19 Limited — These items have moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 9 Not Allowed — These are an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives.
The target is NOVA group 4 — ultra-processed foods built from extracted components and additives.
Allowed Beverages (12)
Black Tea
AllowedAt 0kcal calories per 100g, Black Tea falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, black tea sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Sparkling Water at 0kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Chai Tea
AllowedAt 53kcal calories per 100g, Chai Tea falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Within this category, it falls between Apple Juice and Kefir for calories, ranking 26 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Coffee
AllowedCoffee is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 34kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Within this category, it falls between Lemon Water and Decaf Coffee for calories, ranking 17 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Decaf Coffee
AllowedAt 34kcal calories per 100g, Decaf Coffee falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Within this category, it falls between Coffee and Coconut Water for calories, ranking 18 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Espresso
AllowedWith 9kcal calories per 100g, Espresso earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, espresso sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Electrolyte Drinks at 10kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Green Tea
AllowedGreen Tea is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 1kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, green tea sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Herbal Tea at 2kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Herbal Tea
AllowedHerbal Tea is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 2kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, herbal tea sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Espresso at 9kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Kombucha
AllowedAt 16kcal calories per 100g, Kombucha falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, kombucha sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Bone Broth at 16kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lemon Water
AllowedAt 29kcal calories per 100g, Lemon Water falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Nutritionally, it also delivers 2.8g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks and Coffee for calories, ranking 16 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Matcha
AllowedWith 324kcal calories per 100g, Matcha earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 30.6g protein and 5.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Beer at 238kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Plain Kombucha
AllowedAt 407kcal calories per 100g, Plain Kombucha falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Beyond the primary classification, plain kombucha also provides 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Kombucha (Hard) at 394kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sparkling Water
AllowedAt 0kcal calories per 100g, Sparkling Water falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 40 items in this category, sparkling water sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Diet Soda at 0kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Limited Beverages (19)
Apple Juice
LimitedWith 48kcal calories per 100g, Apple Juice earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Orange Juice and Chai Tea for calories, ranking 25 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Beer
LimitedWith 238kcal calories per 100g, Beer earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 14.2g protein and 18.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Whiskey at 231kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Bone Broth
LimitedBone Broth is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 16kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 40 items in this category, bone broth sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Flavored Kombucha at 16kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Coconut Water
LimitedCoconut Water is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 37kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Decaf Coffee and Energy Drinks for calories, ranking 19 of 40. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | 18kcal | 0.2g | 0g | 4.2g | 0g |
| Sweetened | 37kcal | 0.2g | 0g | 9.1g | 0g |
Cranberry Juice
LimitedCranberry Juice is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 46kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Oat Milk and Apple Cider for calories, ranking 22 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Electrolyte Drinks
LimitedElectrolyte Drinks is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 10kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 40 items in this category, electrolyte drinks sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Kombucha at 16kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flavored Coconut Water
LimitedWith 18kcal calories per 100g, Flavored Coconut Water earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Flavored Kombucha and Plain Coconut Water for calories, ranking 11 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flavored Kombucha
LimitedAt 16kcal calories per 100g, Flavored Kombucha falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 40 items in this category, flavored kombucha sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Flavored Coconut Water at 18kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Half and Half
LimitedAt 131kcal calories per 100g, Half and Half falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.5g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Wine at 85kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Hot Chocolate
LimitedHot Chocolate is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 72kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Kefir and Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets for calories, ranking 28 of 40. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Kefir
LimitedAt 62kcal calories per 100g, Kefir falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Chai Tea and Hot Chocolate for calories, ranking 27 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Kombucha (Hard)
LimitedWith 394kcal calories per 100g, Kombucha (Hard) earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Matcha at 324kcal. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lactose-Free Milk
LimitedLactose-Free Milk is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 167kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Half and Half at 131kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oat Milk
LimitedAt 45kcal calories per 100g, Oat Milk falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Energy Drinks and Cranberry Juice for calories, ranking 21 of 40. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Orange Juice
LimitedWith 47kcal calories per 100g, Orange Juice earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Apple Cider and Apple Juice for calories, ranking 24 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Plain Coconut Water
LimitedAt 18kcal calories per 100g, Plain Coconut Water falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Flavored Coconut Water and Flavored Water for calories, ranking 12 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks
LimitedAt 27kcal calories per 100g, Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Hard Seltzer and Lemon Water for calories, ranking 15 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets
LimitedAt 84kcal calories per 100g, Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 26000mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Hot Chocolate and Wine for calories, ranking 29 of 40. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Wine
LimitedAt 85kcal calories per 100g, Wine falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Unsweetened Electrolyte Tablets and Half and Half for calories, ranking 30 of 40. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Not Allowed Beverages (9)
Apple Cider
Not AllowedApple Cider is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 46kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Cranberry Juice and Orange Juice for calories, ranking 23 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Diet Soda
Not AllowedWith 0kcal calories per 100g, Diet Soda earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 40 items in this category, diet soda sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Green Tea at 1kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Energy Drinks
Not AllowedEnergy Drinks is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 43kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Coconut Water and Oat Milk for calories, ranking 20 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flavored Water
Not AllowedFlavored Water is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 19kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It also contains 2.1g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Plain Coconut Water and Hard Seltzer for calories, ranking 13 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Hard Seltzer
Not AllowedHard Seltzer is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 24kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Flavored Water and Sweetened Electrolyte Drinks for calories, ranking 14 of 40.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rum
Not AllowedAt 231kcal calories per 100g, Rum falls into the Not Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Lactose-Free Milk at 167kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tequila
Not AllowedWith 231kcal calories per 100g, Tequila earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rum at 231kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Vodka
Not AllowedWith 231kcal calories per 100g, Vodka earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Tequila at 231kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Whiskey
Not AllowedWith 231kcal calories per 100g, Whiskey earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Vodka at 231kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central