Is Sweet Tea Caffeinated?
The debate about whether sweet tea contains caffeine has been around for years. It’s mostly the Northern US vs. the Southern US states that can’t agree whether the most classic Southern beverage is caffeinated.
What Is Sweet Tea?
Sweet tea is a popular Southern beverage made with black or green tea, which is brewed strong with a lot of sugar. It’s usually served cold with lots of ice.
Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?
Simply put, yes, sweet tea is caffeinated. Any tea made with tea leaves will contain varying amounts of caffeine. Black tea usually has more caffeine than white tea and green tea, while matcha and flavored teas may have the most caffeine of all. In addition, the longer you steep the tea leaves, the more caffeine will be released into the brewed tea.
How Caffeinated Is Sweet Tea?
The caffeine content in sweet tea varies greatly due to how it’s brewed. On average, an 8-ounce glass of sweet tea contains about 14 to 28 mg of caffeine. Of course, this depends on the type of tea used, the strength the tea is brewed, the amount of sugar used, and if any other additives are included.
Should You Drink Sweet Tea?
It really depends on how sensitive you are to caffeine and how much caffeine you’re used to consuming in an average day. For some, the low amount of caffeine in sweet tea may not have much of an effect. However, if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid sweet tea altogether or to at least limit your intake.
Benefits of Sweet Tea
Despite the debate on whether sweet tea contains caffeine, there are some benefits consume the beverage. Here are a few of the benefits to remember:
- Adequate Hydration: A glass of sweet tea is much more hydrating than a cup of coffee, which can contribute to dehydration.
- Antioxidants: Sweet tea is packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support your body’s natural healing process.
- Lower Calories: A glass of sweet tea has a lot fewer calories compared to many other sugary drinks.
In the end, it all depends on your personal preference. Whether sweet tea has caffeine may be a matter of opinion, but ultimately it has a mild level of caffeine that may or may not have an effect on you.
