Iced tea has become a popular beverage choice, especially during hot weather. According to the Tea Association of the USA, Americans drank almost 4 billion gallons of tea in 2023, with 75 to 80 percent being iced tea. Freshly brewed iced tea shares many of the health benefits of hot tea, potentially improving heart health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline and diabetes. However, it's important to consider the sugar content and other additives in ready-to-drink iced teas.
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea, especially when freshly made, offers several health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. Joe Vinson, PhD, professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, emphasizes that the tea must be rich in antioxidants to provide these benefits. These antioxidants, known as polyphenols, contribute to improved heart health and a reduced risk of conditions like cognitive decline and diabetes.
The Sugar Problem
One of the main concerns with ready-to-drink iced teas is their high sugar content. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that less than 10 percent of daily calories should come from added sugars, which is less than 50 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet. Many sweetened iced teas can easily push you over this limit. For example, Snapple Half ’n Half contains 51 grams of added sugars and 210 calories in 16 ounces.
Sugar Substitutes
To avoid high sugar content, many diet iced teas use sugar substitutes such as aspartame or sucralose. While these options are low in sugar and calories, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners. As an alternative, you can add a small amount of sugar or agave syrup to your tea.
Gold Peak Green Tea: A Closer Look
Gold Peak offers a variety of iced teas, including green tea options. While green tea is often seen as a healthy choice, it's essential to read the label carefully. Many bottled green teas contain added sugars, just like their black tea counterparts.
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Gold Peak Zero Sugar Raspberry Sweet Tea
One of the newer offerings from Gold Peak is the Zero Sugar Raspberry Sweet Tea. This tea aims to deliver the bold flavor of Real Brewed Raspberry Sweet Tea without the calories and sugar. It's marketed as a refreshing, guilt-free option for those who enjoy iced tea with a taste of summer.
Interpreting Claims on Iced Tea Bottles
Claims on iced tea bottles can be misleading, so it’s important to understand what they really mean:
- Tad sweet or slightly sweet: These terms are not regulated and can vary widely between brands. Teas with this claim may still contain a significant amount of sugar.
- No artificial sweeteners: This claim means the tea does not contain artificial sweeteners but may still have sugar, stevia, or sugar alcohols.
- No sugar, sugar free, or zero sugar: By law, these products must contain less than 0.5 gram of sugars per serving.
- Fair Trade Certified: This certification indicates that the farmers who grew the tea or sugar were paid fairly and provided with safe working conditions. However, it may apply to only one ingredient.
Brewing Your Own Iced Tea
Making iced tea at home is a simple and cost-effective way to control the amount of sugar and additives. You can brew tea using tea bags or loose-leaf tea, either by steeping it in hot water and then cooling it or by steeping it in cold water for a longer period.
Hot vs. Cold Brewing
A 2016 study in the Journal of Food Science found little difference in the polyphenol content of tea brewed in hot water for 5 minutes versus cold water for 2 hours. However, hot water may result in a stronger brew.
Antioxidant Content Over Time
The antioxidant content of tea can decrease over time. According to Vinson, the antioxidant content of brewed tea can decrease by about 10 percent per day.
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