Does Fever-Tree Tonic Have a Lot of Sugar?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

While standard tonic waters are known for being high in sugar, the truth about Fever-Tree's range is more nuanced. This popular mixer brand offers options with varying sugar levels, including a 'Refreshingly Light' version designed to reduce sugar and calories significantly.

Quick Summary

Fever-Tree's sugar content varies by product, with its standard tonic containing moderate levels, while the 'Refreshingly Light' version offers a low-sugar alternative made with fruit sugars. The brand avoids artificial sweeteners, differentiating it from many other tonic brands.

Key Points

Original has Sugar: The standard Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water contains a moderate amount of sugar, approximately 7.4-8g per 100ml, from natural cane sugar.
Light Version is Low-Sugar: The 'Refreshingly Light' variant uses fruit sugar (fructose) and has significantly less sugar, with only 2.9-3.8g per 100ml.
No Artificial Sweeteners: Unlike many diet tonics, both Fever-Tree options use natural sugars and contain no artificial sweeteners.
Lower Calorie Option: The 'Refreshingly Light' tonic offers a substantial reduction in calories compared to the original version.
Consider Your Diet: While the 'Light' version is a healthier option, it is not sugar-free and still contains calories, which should be considered within your overall dietary context.
Compare Brands: Fever-Tree's original tonic has sugar levels comparable to or slightly less than other standard tonics, while its light version is competitive with other low-sugar or 'diet' alternatives.

Comparing the Sugar Content in Fever-Tree Tonic

When reaching for a gin and tonic, many people are conscious of the hidden calories and sugar in their mixer. Fever-Tree is a premium brand that has gained popularity for its high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients. However, the question remains: does Fever-Tree tonic have a lot of sugar?

The answer depends entirely on which specific Fever-Tree product you choose. The brand offers a standard premium Indian tonic water and a 'Refreshingly Light' alternative. Knowing the difference is key to managing your sugar intake.

The Original: Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water

Fever-Tree's original Indian Tonic Water is made with cane sugar, along with natural quinine from the 'fever trees' of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other botanicals. It is not considered a low-sugar product, but its sugar content is still lower than many conventional tonic brands that use high-fructose corn syrup. For instance, nutritional information per 100ml shows approximately 7.4 to 8 grams of sugar, depending on the region. For a standard 200ml bottle, this amounts to 14.8 to 16 grams of sugar. This is still a significant amount, equivalent to roughly four teaspoons of sugar per bottle. While it avoids artificial additives, the sugar count is something to be mindful of if you're tracking your intake.

The Low-Sugar Alternative: Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Tonic Water

For those looking for a lower-sugar option, Fever-Tree's 'Refreshingly Light' version is the answer. This tonic is made with fruit sugar (fructose) instead of cane sugar, allowing the brand to create a product with significantly fewer calories and less sugar. A 100ml serving of the Refreshingly Light tonic contains just 3.8 grams of sugar. For a 200ml serving, that's only 7.6 grams of sugar. This is a substantial reduction compared to the original, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

A Deeper Look at Ingredients

Fever-Tree's commitment to natural ingredients is a core part of its brand identity.

Natural Quinine: The essential bitter flavour of tonic water comes from quinine, extracted from the cinchona tree, or 'fever tree'. Fever-Tree sources high-quality quinine, providing a clean bitterness.
Fructose vs. Cane Sugar: The choice to use fructose in the 'Light' version is a deliberate one. It provides sweetness without relying on the high-intensity artificial sweeteners that many other 'diet' or 'low-calorie' mixers use, which often leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Botanicals: The brand uses a blend of natural botanicals, like Mexican bitter oranges for the Indian tonic, to provide a rounded flavor profile that complements premium spirits.

Fever-Tree vs. Other Tonic Brands: A Sugar Comparison

To put the sugar content of Fever-Tree into perspective, it helps to compare it to other popular tonic water brands. The following table illustrates how Fever-Tree's products stack up against competitors.


Brand	Product	Sugar per 100ml (approx.)	Sweetener Type	Key Feature
Fever-Tree	Premium Indian Tonic	7.4 - 8g	Cane Sugar	Natural ingredients, no artificial sweeteners
Fever-Tree	Refreshingly Light Tonic	2.9 - 3.8g	Fructose (Fruit Sugar)	Significantly lower calories
Schweppes	Original Tonic Water	8.2g (estimated average)	High-fructose corn syrup	Widely available, standard tonic
Schweppes	Slimline Tonic Water	0g	Artificial sweeteners	Calorie-free option
Q Mixers	Tonic Water	10g (estimated average)	Agave nectar	Higher sugar content, sweetened with agave
Fentimans	Tonic Water	8.5g (estimated average)	Pear juice concentrate, sugar	Botanically brewed, unique flavor

Is Fever-Tree Still a Healthy Choice?

While Fever-Tree positions itself as a premium, natural mixer, the sugar content must still be considered within the context of a balanced diet. The 'Refreshingly Light' option is a great step toward reducing calories, but it's not a zero-calorie beverage. It is also important to remember that all Fever-Tree products, like other tonics, are still considered a sugary beverage by many nutritional standards, even if the brand uses natural sugar sources. The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake.

For those with specific dietary concerns, such as diabetics, the 'Refreshingly Light' version is a better choice than the standard tonic, but it is not sugar-free and still requires careful consideration. Ultimately, the 'healthiest' option depends on your personal dietary goals. If avoiding artificial sweeteners is a priority, Fever-Tree is an excellent choice. If eliminating sugar altogether is the goal, other options or creating your own mix with tonic syrup and sparkling water may be preferable.

Conclusion

In summary, the statement that Fever-Tree tonic has a lot of sugar is a generalization that overlooks the brand's diverse product line. The original tonic water does contain a moderate amount of sugar from natural cane sugar, similar to or slightly less than many conventional brands. However, the 'Refreshingly Light' version offers a significant reduction in sugar and calories by using fruit sugar instead, making it a much better option for those monitoring their intake. This allows consumers to choose between a classic, full-sugar experience and a more mindful, low-sugar alternative, all while enjoying the natural, high-quality ingredients that the Fever-Tree brand is known for.

The Best Low-Sugar Tonic Waters for Your Next Cocktail

Alternatives for Sugar-Conscious Drinkers

Beyond Fever-Tree's own 'Refreshingly Light' product, several other options exist for those seeking even lower-sugar or completely sugar-free alternatives.

Tonic Syrups: Concentrated tonic syrups, often sold in artisanal or speciality shops, allow you to mix with soda water and control the exact amount of sugar or sweetener you add.
Club Soda: For a completely sugar-free mixer, club soda or sparkling water is an effective substitute. While it lacks the classic bitter quinine flavor, it adds fizz without calories.
Dedicated Sugar-Free Brands: Other brands offer completely sugar-free products using artificial sweeteners. Brands like Schweppes Slimline or Marlish English Tonic Water (Sugar Free) offer zero-sugar options.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize natural ingredients, low-sugar content, or a completely sugar-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, neither the standard nor the 'Refreshingly Light' version of Fever-Tree tonic is completely sugar-free, as both contain natural sugars. For a truly sugar-free mixer, you would need to look for a different brand that uses artificial sweeteners or choose club soda.

Fever-Tree's 'Refreshingly Light' tonic has significantly less sugar, with approximately 2.9-3.8g per 100ml compared to the standard tonic's 7.4-8g per 100ml.

Fever-Tree is often considered a premium, more natural alternative because it uses natural ingredients and avoids artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup. However, the sugar content of the standard version is comparable to or slightly less than other non-diet brands, so it is not necessarily 'healthier' from a sugar-content perspective, but rather a preference based on ingredients.

No, Fever-Tree does not use artificial sweeteners in its 'Refreshingly Light' tonic. It uses fructose, or fruit sugar, to achieve its lower calorie count.

The Refreshingly Light tonic has significantly fewer calories. For example, Fever-Tree states it has 46% fewer calories than its Indian Tonic Water.

Diabetics should approach Fever-Tree tonic with caution. While the 'Refreshingly Light' version is a lower-sugar option, it is not sugar-free and will affect blood sugar levels. Always consult a doctor or monitor blood sugar levels when consuming sugary beverages.

Sugar content can vary by flavor. It's best to check the nutritional label of each specific product, as some variants, like Elderflower, may have different sugar profiles than the Indian or Light tonics.