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# Can I have tea or coffee?
- URL: https://www.preanaesthesia.com/can-i-have-tea-or-coffee/
- Published: 2026-09-13T04:45:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-13T08:25:26.000Z
- Description: Fasting rules for tea and coffee depend on what they contain and the instructions supplied for your procedure.
- Author: preetam satish
- Tags: Fasting, #Import 2026-09-12 18:04

Tea or coffee without milk may count as a clear liquid under many fasting protocols. Rules differ for milk or creamer, including small quantities. Sugar alone does not necessarily make a drink non-clear, but the hospital’s permitted-drinks list takes priority.

Follow the drink, quantity and timing instructions supplied for your procedure. Do not change your fasting plan because another hospital or website uses a different definition.

## Related reading

- [Why do I have to fast before anaesthesia?](https://www.preanaesthesia.com/why-do-i-have-to-fast-before-anaesthesia/)
- [When should I stop eating and drinking?](https://www.preanaesthesia.com/when-should-i-stop-eating-and-drinking/)
- [What counts as a clear liquid?](https://www.preanaesthesia.com/what-counts-as-a-clear-liquid/)
- [Can I drink water before surgery?](https://www.preanaesthesia.com/can-i-drink-water-before-surgery/)
- [What if I accidentally ate or drank?](https://www.preanaesthesia.com/what-if-i-accidentally-ate-or-drank/)