Is Sweetened Green Tea Unhealthy? The Truth About Sugar Content
Introduction
“Isn’t green tea supposed to be healthy? But sweet green tea seems too sugary…”
It’s a common concern—especially when people expect tea to be calorie-free. While sweetened green tea (often sold as powdered drink mixes in Japan) does contain sugar, it’s important to understand the actual amounts and compare them to other beverages before jumping to conclusions.
This article breaks down the sugar content in sweet green tea and shows how it stacks up against sodas, sports drinks, and vegetable juices.
How Much Sugar Is in Sweetened Green Tea?
A typical serving of powdered sweetened green tea (about 10–15g of powder per 100–150ml cup) contains:
- Around 8–15 grams of sugar per cup
- The primary ingredient is usually sugar, not tea
That’s higher than you might expect from something called “tea.”
Sugar Comparison: Green Tea vs. Other Drinks
| Beverage | Sugar Content (approx.) per serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetened Green Tea (15g) | 12–15g | May increase if mixed with milk |
| Cola (12 oz / 350ml can) | ~39g | Standard soda drink |
| Sports Drink (500ml) | ~25g | Marketed as healthy but sugary |
| Vegetable Juice (200ml) | ~10–12g | Mostly from natural fruit sugars |
| Unsweetened Green/Barley Tea | 0g | Zero sugar, zero calories |
Conclusion: While sweet green tea has less sugar than soda or sports drinks, it still contains a moderate amount of sugar—especially if consumed under the assumption that it’s “just tea.”
Context Matters: How You Drink It
- One to two cups per day is generally not a health concern
- You can adjust sweetness by:
- Using less powder
- Diluting with more water
- Many brands now offer low-sugar or sugar-free options, giving you more control
Why the Misunderstanding Happens
- People often assume all “tea” = zero-calorie and healthy
- Green tea and matcha have strong health associations, so sweetened versions feel contradictory
- But in reality, sweet green tea is a type of flavored beverage, not traditional tea
Who Should Be More Careful?
- People with diabetes or prediabetes, or those on low-carb diets
- Anyone drinking multiple cups per day should consider switching to lower-sugar alternatives
- That said, for most people, enjoying sweet green tea occasionally as a treat is perfectly fine
Conclusion
Sweetened green tea does contain sugar, but less than many sodas or sports drinks. It’s not inherently “unhealthy,” but you should treat it as a sweet beverage, not a zero-calorie tea. By understanding what you’re drinking and adjusting your intake, you can continue to enjoy green tea without guilt.
