21 floz (621 ml) Sweet Tea contains 170 calories, making it a sweet and satisfying beverage choice. Whether you enjoy it on a hot summer day or as a refreshing pick-me-up, sweet tea has become a beloved Southern tradition. But what's in it and is it good for you?

Sweet tea is made by brewing loose tea leaves and sugar, resulting in a light, flavorful beverage. However, it's important to note that it contains added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and health problems when consumed in excess. In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content of sweet tea, its benefits and drawbacks, and alternative options to help you make informed decisions about your beverage choices.

Whether you're a sweet tea lover or just curious about it, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of sweet tea and see what it's all about.

Calories in Sweet Tea

As mentioned earlier, a 21 floz (621 ml) serving of sweet tea contains 170 calories. This can vary depending on the amount of sugar used in the recipe and the serving size. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of how much sweet tea you're consuming and to consider alternatives that may have fewer calories. A high intake of added sugars has been linked to numerous health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. While sweet tea can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it's important to keep your overall sugar intake in check.

Fat and Sugar Content in Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is typically made with water, tea leaves, and sugar. Depending on the recipe, it can contain varying amounts of added sugar and potentially fat if cream or milk is added. The USDA reports that an 8 oz (237 ml) serving of sweet tea contains around 22 grams of sugar and no fat. If you're concerned about your sugar intake, there are ways to cut down on the amount of added sugar in your sweet tea without sacrificing flavor. For example, you can try brewing tea with fresh fruit, such as lemon or raspberries, to add natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or honey to sweeten your tea.

Benefits of Drinking Sweet Tea

While sweet tea should be consumed in moderation due to its added sugar content, it does have some potential health benefits. Tea itself is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Research has also suggested that tea consumption, including sweet tea, may be linked to a lower risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between tea consumption and health outcomes.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Tea

If you're interested in making your own sweet tea at home, it's a relatively simple process that requires just a few ingredients. To get started, you'll need: 8 tea bags (preferably black tea), 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 8 cups of water, and lemon (optional). Here's how to do it: Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot or saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. Step 2: Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Step 3: Let the tea cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator. Step 4: Serve over ice and garnish with lemon if desired. Enjoy!

Sweet Tea vs Regular Tea

So, what's the difference between sweet tea and regular tea? The main difference is that sweet tea contains added sugar, while regular tea does not. Regular tea, when consumed without added sugar or milk, is a calorie-free beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Both sweet tea and regular tea can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, but consuming excessive amounts of added sugars can lead to health problems. To keep your sugar intake in check, you may want to choose unsweetened tea or use alternative sweeteners like stevia or honey.

Sweet Tea for Weight Loss

Contrary to popular belief, sweet tea is not a miracle weight loss drink. While it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, consuming excess sugar can lead to weight gain. If you're looking to lose weight, it's important to focus on creating a calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise. Choosing low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods and beverages like water, unsweetened tea, and herbal tea can help you achieve your goals without sacrificing flavor.

Sweet Tea and Diabetes

While sweet tea can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet, it's important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their sugar intake. Excess sugar consumption can lead to blood sugar spikes and contribute to poor diabetes management. If you have diabetes, it may be best to choose unsweetened tea or use a sugar substitute like stevia or artificial sweeteners.

Healthy Alternatives to Sweet Tea

If you're looking for alternative beverage options that are lower in sugar and calories, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas: 1. Unsweetened iced tea: This is a calorie-free option that can be enjoyed as is or with a splash of lemon juice. 2. Sparkling water with fruit: Add sliced fruit like strawberries, oranges, or cucumbers to a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing and low-calorie drink.

Serving Size and Portion Control

When it comes to sweet tea, serving size and portion control are important factors to consider. A 21 floz (621 ml) serving of sweet tea contains 170 calories, so it's important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake and to practice portion control when consuming sweet tea. If you're watching your weight or sugar intake, consider using smaller glasses or drinking unsweetened tea instead. Additionally, you can try diluting your sweet tea with water to reduce the overall sugar content.

Sweet Tea and Hydration

Sweet tea can be a refreshing and satisfying beverage choice, particularly on hot days. While it does contain added sugars, it can still contribute to your overall daily fluid intake and help prevent dehydration. In general, it's important to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you're physically active or live in a hot climate. You can supplement your water intake with other low-sugar beverages like unsweetened tea, herbal tea, and fruit-infused water.