How Many Calories in a Cup of Sweet Tea?
We all know tea is packed with a number of health benefits, so it’s no surprise that many people are turning to tea as an alternative to sugary drinks. But have you ever wondered how many calories in a cup of sweet tea?
Sweet tea is known as a southern staple, and it’s usually made with tea bags, boiled water, and sugar. Both sweetened and unsweetened teas can be rich in antioxidants, but the added sugar in sweet tea makes the calorie count much higher.
Calories in a Cup of Sweet Tea
The exact amount of calories in a cup of sweet tea depends on how much sugar you add. Here’s a breakdown of how many calories in a cup of sweet tea, on average:
- 1 teaspoon of sugar: 16 calories
- 2 teaspoons of sugar: 32 calories
- 3 teaspoons of sugar: 48 calories
Keep in mind that a teaspoon of sugar is equal to 4 grams, so if you’re using a different measurement, you can easily convert it by remembering that 1 teaspoon of sugar is about 16 calories.
Calories in Other Types of Tea
Unsweetened teas contain no added sugar and very few calories. A cup of unsweetened green tea has about 2 calories, while a cup of black tea has about 4 calories.
When it comes to flavored teas, the calorie count tends to be slightly higher. A cup of chamomile tea with honey, for example, has about 32 calories.
Benefits of Tea
The beauty of tea is that it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Green tea, for example, is associated with a number of health benefits, including increased brain function and reduced risk of heart disease.
Regardless of how many calories are in your cup of tea, be sure to enjoy it in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, and no one wants that!
As you can see, the number of calories in a cup of sweet tea is largely dependent on the amount of sugar that’s added. So, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider drinking unsweetened iced tea or drinking tea with less added sugar.
