Do Starbucks Iced Teas Have Sugar? A Comprehensive Guide

According to Starbucks' official nutrition facts, standard iced black and iced green teas are made unsweetened by default, containing 0 grams of sugar and 0 calories. This may come as a surprise to many, as sweet tea is a cultural staple in some regions. The presence of sugar in Starbucks iced teas depends entirely on the type of tea and how it is ordered.

Quick Summary

Starbucks' standard iced black, green, and passion tango teas are served unsweetened, but tea lemonades and other specialty teas contain added sugar by default. Customers can customize any drink to control the sweetness level, adding syrups or leaving them out completely.

Key Points

• Unsweetened by Default: The standard iced black, green, and passion tango teas at Starbucks are brewed unsweetened and contain 0 grams of sugar and 0 calories.

• Lemonades Contain Sugar: Iced tea lemonade versions, like Iced Black Tea Lemonade, are sweetened by default and contain added sugar from the lemonade mix.

• Customization is Key: You can easily control the sweetness by asking for fewer pumps of syrup, using sugar-free options, or adding your own sweeteners.

• Check the Menu: Be mindful when ordering as specialty iced tea drinks and refreshers typically come with added sugar.

• Zero-Sugar Options Available: For a completely sugar-free drink, stick to the plain unsweetened iced black, green, or passion tango teas.

The Default Sweetness of Starbucks Iced Teas

For a long time, there was confusion among customers about whether Starbucks iced teas were automatically sweetened. This was due to a previous standard of adding a cane sugar syrup to iced teas by default. However, Starbucks changed its policy, and its standard brewed iced teas—Iced Black Tea, Iced Green Tea, and Iced Passion Tango Tea—are now served unsweetened unless you request otherwise. This means that when you order these specific teas, they contain 0 grams of sugar and 0 calories.

Which Iced Teas Contain Sugar by Default?

While the plain iced teas are sugar-free, not all iced tea beverages on the menu follow this rule. The primary exception is any iced tea that is combined with lemonade or other sweetened ingredients. These drinks are premixed with sugar and contain a significant amount of sugar by default. It is crucial to remember this distinction when ordering, especially if you are monitoring your sugar intake.

• Iced Black Tea Lemonade: This classic beverage is inspired by an Arnold Palmer and is shaken with lemonade that contains sugar. A Grande size contains 11 grams of sugar.
• Iced Green Tea Lemonade: Similar to its black tea counterpart, this drink is also combined with sweetened lemonade. A Grande size contains 11 grams of sugar.
• Iced Passion Tango® Tea Lemonade: For those who enjoy the vibrant, tropical flavor of the Passion Tango tea, the lemonade version adds a sweet, tangy kick that also comes with added sugar. A Grande contains 11 grams of sugar.

How to Order Your Iced Tea with Less Sugar

Starbucks is known for its high level of drink customization, which is perfect for managing sugar consumption. If you want a sweetened iced tea but want to control the amount of sugar, you have several options. The key is to communicate your preferences clearly to your barista.

1. Request a specific number of syrup pumps: Standard iced teas were once sweetened with a certain number of pumps of liquid cane sugar based on size. You can order your unsweetened tea and ask for just 1 or 2 pumps of your favorite syrup instead of the standard amount.
2. Use sugar-free syrups: Starbucks offers a variety of sugar-free syrups, most notably sugar-free vanilla. You can add this to any unsweetened iced tea for flavor without the added sugar. Some locations may also have sugar-free cinnamon dolce or caramel options.
3. Opt for a different sweetener: Instead of the liquid cane sugar, you can ask for alternative sweeteners to be added, such as packets of Splenda or Stevia. These mix-ins allow you to control the exact amount of sweetness.
4. Order tea with infusions: Consider adding a fruit-based infusion to your iced tea. These often provide flavor with less sugar than a full pump of syrup or lemonade.

The Healthiest Iced Tea Choices at Starbucks

If you are aiming for a zero-sugar, zero-calorie iced tea experience, your best bets are the plain, unsweetened varieties. These not only lack sugar but are also packed with antioxidants.

Unsweetened Iced Teas:

• Iced Black Tea
• Iced Green Tea
• Iced Passion Tango Tea

If you prefer a little flavor, ordering one of these unsweetened teas with a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup is a popular, low-carb option.

Unsweetened vs. Lemonade Iced Teas: A Comparison

To highlight the difference in sugar content, this table compares the nutritional information for a Grande (16 fl oz) of the standard unsweetened iced teas versus their lemonade counterparts.

Drink (Grande Size)	Sugar Content	Calories	Customization Potential
Iced Black Tea (Unsweetened)	0g	0	Fully customizable, add your own sweetener or flavor.
Iced Black Tea Lemonade	11g	50	Can be ordered with light or no lemonade to reduce sugar.
Iced Green Tea (Unsweetened)	0g	0	Fully customizable, add your own sweetener or flavor.
Iced Green Tea Lemonade	11g	50	Order with less lemonade to reduce sugar.
Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened)	0g	5	Fully customizable, add your own sweetener or flavor.
Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade	11g	50	Request less lemonade to lower the sugar count.

It is clear from this comparison that opting for the plain, unsweetened versions of Starbucks' iced teas is the best way to avoid sugar entirely. Customizing the lemonade versions with less or no lemonade is also an effective strategy for those who enjoy the flavor but want to reduce the sugar load.

The Role of Customization and Barista Communication

Your final drink’s sugar content is largely in your hands. A key part of managing your sugar intake at Starbucks is knowing exactly how to order. Many baristas are well-versed in customizations, and clear communication ensures you get exactly what you want.

• Be specific: Instead of saying “less sweet,” which can be subjective, ask for a specific number of pumps (e.g., “two pumps of liquid cane sugar”).
• Emphasize “unsweetened”: When ordering an iced tea lemonade, you can ask for the tea to be made with unsweetened tea and then request a specific number of syrup pumps, effectively customizing your own Arnold Palmer from scratch.
• Utilize the app: The Starbucks app allows for detailed customization of drinks, letting you select the number of syrup pumps or choose sugar-free options before you even get to the counter.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Do Starbucks iced teas have sugar?" is both yes and no. The foundational iced black, green, and passion tango teas are brewed and served unsweetened, making them zero-sugar by default. However, the popular iced tea lemonades and other specialty iced tea beverages automatically contain added sugar from the lemonade or syrups. Customers have full control over the sweetness by ordering unsweetened and adding their preferred amount of sugar or sugar-free syrup. With this information, you can confidently navigate the menu and choose an iced tea that perfectly aligns with your taste and dietary goals.

Sources

• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Black Tea: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/457/iced/nutrition
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Black Tea. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/457/iced
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Passion Tango® Tea: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/461/iced/nutrition
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Green Tea: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/459/iced/nutrition
• Reddit. (2019, April 8). Does the iced black tea come sweetened? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/baqt40/does_the_iced_black_tea_come_sweetened/
• starbucks-menus.com. (2025, February 12). Starbucks Iced Teas Menu With Prices 2025. Retrieved from https://starbucks-menus.com/starbucks-iced-teas/
• Hip2Keto. (2021, May 19). Starbucks Announces That Unsweetened is the New Default. Retrieved from https://hip2keto.com/order-keto-unsweetened-iced-tea-at-starbucks/
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Black Tea Lemonade: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/458/iced/nutrition
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Black Tea Lemonade. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/458/iced
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Green Tea Lemonade: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/460/iced/nutrition
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Iced Passion Tango® Tea Lemonade: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/462/iced/nutrition
• Starbucks. (n.d.). Ways to customize your beverage at Starbucks. Retrieved from https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/ways-to-customize-your-beverage-at-starbucks/
• Reddit. (2024, April 28). What is no or very low calories at Starbucks but still tastes good? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/1cfc3ea/what_is_no_or_very_low_calories_at_starbucks_but/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starbucks iced black tea sweetened?

No, Starbucks iced black tea is served unsweetened by default. It contains 0 grams of sugar unless you specifically ask for a sweetener to be added.

Does Starbucks' iced green tea have sugar?

No, the standard iced green tea is served unsweetened. It contains 0 grams of sugar and 0 calories by default. However, the Iced Green Tea Lemonade does contain sugar.

Are Starbucks' iced tea lemonades sweet?

Yes, all iced tea lemonades, including the black, green, and passion tango varieties, are sweetened by default due to the lemonade mixer. For example, a Grande Iced Black Tea Lemonade contains 11 grams of sugar.

How can I order a low-sugar iced tea at Starbucks?

To order a low-sugar iced tea, request the unsweetened version and specify the number of syrup pumps, or ask for a sugar-free syrup option like sugar-free vanilla.

What is the difference between classic syrup and liquid cane sugar?

Historically, classic syrup was used as the default sweetener, but now liquid cane sugar is used when sweetness is requested for plain iced teas. Liquid cane sugar is a blend of cane sugar and turbinado sugar and may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I get a sugar-free flavored iced tea at Starbucks?

Yes, you can order an unsweetened iced black, green, or passion tango tea and add a sugar-free syrup, such as vanilla, to get a flavored drink without the added sugar.

Do I need to be explicit about ordering unsweetened iced tea?

While the standard is unsweetened, it is a good practice to explicitly state 'unsweetened' when ordering your iced tea to avoid any miscommunication with the barista and to ensure no liquid cane sugar is accidentally added.