While tea is often perceived as a healthy choice, many commercially brewed and bottled teas contain shockingly high levels of added sugar, posing a substantial threat to one’s health. There are hidden sugars in popular products like Brisk Lemon Iced Tea, a bottled tea that contains 48 grams of sugar. Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea, another iced tea product, also comes with 44 grams of sugar per 20-ounce bottle. Both of these sugar levels account for most of your daily allotted sugar intake.
Affordability exacerbates the issue of these sugary teas. This is exemplified by AriZona Tea, which is known for its “99 cents” price point. The low cost of these teas encourages regular, excessive sugar consumption, which poses a significant health risk.
High sugar intake carries severe health risks, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems, according to The American Heart Association. Regular consumption of these high-sugar teas can lead to weight gain, elevated blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and increased risk of heart disease.
Being aware of the sugar content in commercially sold teas is essential for making informed beverage choices. Not all teas are equal, and labels can significantly impact health. As consumers, we must read labels, understand the risks of high sugar intake, and choose teas that align with our health goals.
