Sweet tea is, without a trace of doubt, one of the most delicious drinks you can have (especially on a hot summer day). Does sweet tea have caffeine, though -- and is it bad for your health?
Our tea blog has scoured the internet for answers. Read on if you want to find out more.
What Is Sweet Tea, Actually?
Before we get into the caffeine question, let's first answer the basic question: what is sweet tea, actually?
Sweet tea is a drink made by steeping black tea in hot water and adding sugar and/or honey. It can also include lemon or other citrus fruits. Some variations use green tea instead of black tea.
The origins of sweet tea are unknown, but it's thought to have originated in the southeastern United States. Sweet tea is now enjoyed all over the country and around the world.
Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?
Now, onto the caffeine question. Does sweet tea have caffeine? The answer is: it depends.
Black tea contains more caffeine, while green tea contains a small amount of caffeine. So if you make sweet tea with black tea, it will have caffeine. If you make it with green tea, it will have less caffeine.
If you want your sweet tea to be 100% caffeine-free, you should make it with herbal tea as the basis for the drink.
How Much Caffeine Is in Sweet Tea?
Again, this depends on the type of tea you use. Black tea contains about 50 mg of caffeine per cup. Green tea contains about 25 mg of caffeine per cup.
So, if you make your sweet tea with black tea, it will have around 50 mg of caffeine in it. If you make it with green tea, it will have around 12.5 mg of caffeine. And if you make it with white tea, it will have even less caffeine. Herbal teas (such as hibiscus, chamomile, and peppermint) do not have caffeine at all.
Sweet Tea: Health Effects
Tea is a healthy drink and it comes with plenty of health benefits, including antioxidants, cancer-fighting compounds, and weight-loss benefits.
The caffeine in tea is also a health-beneficial compound. In moderate amounts, caffeine can improve mental performance, increase alertness, and boost energy levels. It can also help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
However, too much caffeine can be damaging. Also, it can be completely forbidden for someone who suffers from high blood pressure or stomach problems.
Moreover, it is very important to mention that the "sweet" part in tea might be completely unhealthy as well. Sugars and syrups used to make tea sweet are the main sources of empty calories, which can lead to weight gain if you drink too much tea.
So, all in all, sweet tea is not a "healthy" drink, but it's not as bad for you as some might think. It just depends on how much of it you consume, in the end.
Sweet Tea & Caffeine: FAQs
How much caffeine is in sweet tea?
Sweet tea contains caffeine when it is based on black tea or green tea. As such, a glass of sweet tea will have approximately 50 mg of caffeine if it is made with black tea and around 12.5 mg of caffeine if it is made with green tea.
Does Mcdonald's sweet tea have caffeine?
McDonald's sweet tea does have caffeine because it's based on black tea (as per original sweet tea recipes).
