How Many Calories is in a Glass of Sweet Tea?
Sweet tea, a staple in many Southern households, is a delicious and refreshing beverage. But have you ever wondered how many calories are hiding in that glass of sweet, sweet tea? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of tea and explore the answer to this question.
A Glass of Sweet Tea: What’s in It?
Before we dive into the calorie count, let’s take a closer look at what’s in a typical glass of sweet tea. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
• Tea: Brewed black tea, made from black tea leaves and hot water
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar, added to the tea to sweeten it
• Ice: Chilled water, often added to the tea to cool it down
• Lemon slice: Optional, but a classic addition to sweet tea (and a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrients!)
How Many Calories are in a Glass of Sweet Tea?
Now that we know what’s in a glass of sweet tea, let’s get to the good stuff: the calorie count! Here are the estimated calories in a typical glass of sweet tea:
| Ingredient | Calories per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Black tea (1 cup, brewed) | 0 calories |
| Granulated sugar (1 cup, granulated) | 770 calories |
| Ice (1 cup) | 0 calories |
| Lemon slice (1 slice) | 2-3 calories |
Total Calories: 782-773 calories per glass of sweet tea
As you can see, the majority of the calories in sweet tea come from the sugar. One cup of granulated sugar contains a whopping 770 calories! To put that into perspective, a typical 12-ounce can of soda contains around 140-150 calories. So, in just one glass of sweet tea, you’re consuming nearly 5 times the amount of calories as you would in a can of soda.
The Effect of Sweet Tea on Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, sweet tea might not be the best choice for you. Consuming high-calorie drinks like sweet tea can hinder your weight loss efforts and even lead to weight gain. According to the American Heart Association, drinking just one 12-ounce can of sugar-sweetened soda per day can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%. And with sweet tea, you’re consuming significantly more calories than you would with soda.
Healthier Alternatives to Sweet Tea
If you’re hooked on sweet tea but want to reduce your calorie intake, here are some healthier alternatives to try:
• Honey-sweetened tea: Replace granulated sugar with honey, a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
• Steeped tea with lemon: Omit the sugar and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice instead for a burst of flavor.
• Herbal tea: Try herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or hibiscus for a caffeine-free and calorie-free alternative to black tea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a glass of sweet tea contains approximately 782-773 calories, with the majority coming from the sugar. If you’re trying to manage your weight or reduce your calorie intake, it might be worth considering a healthier alternative to sweet tea. However, if you just can’t resist the classic taste of sweet tea, try making some healthier adjustments to your recipe, such as using honey instead of sugar or omitting the sugar altogether.