Caffeine Content in Sweet Tea
Sweet Tea is a popular drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is a mainstay of the Southern United States, and lately, its popularity has been increasing with coffee- and tea-drinkers of all kinds. But, how much caffeine is actually in sweet tea?
Caffeine Content of Sweet Tea
The caffeine content in sweet tea can vary depending on the type of tea and method of preparation. Generally speaking, black tea contains the most caffeine, with about 50-90 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. Green tea contains about 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. The amount of caffeine in sweet tea can also be affected by how long the tea is steeped and how much tea is used per cup. Due to the added sugar, sweet tea contains less caffeine than un-sweetened tea. The average cup of sweet tea, with about a teaspoon of sugar, contains about 20-35 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving.
Caffeine vs Caffeine-Free Sweet Tea
Caffeine-free sweet tea is possible, and can be made by using caffeine-free herbs like spearmint, rosehip, and chamomile. These herbs can be steeped along with traditional black or green tea to make a caffeine-free sweet tea. If you are looking for a drink that contains no caffeine whatsoever, there are also herbal teas like hibiscus and rooibos that can be used to make a naturally caffeine-free sweet tea.
Health Benefits of Sweet Tea
In addition to its great taste, sweet tea has several health benefits. Sweet tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of some diseases and keep the body healthy. It can also help with hydration and electrolyte balance, as the sugar and electrolytes in the tea can help replenish those lost during strenuous exercise.
Conclusion
Sweet tea is a great beverage that can be enjoyed by coffee- and tea-drinkers of all kinds. Depending on the type of tea and method of preparation, the caffeine content in sweet tea can vary, with an average cup containing about 20-35 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. For those looking to go completely caffeine-free, there are caffeine- and sugar-free herbal alternatives. Sweet tea also has some great health benefits like providing antioxidants, hydration, and electrolyte balance.
