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Does Milo's sweet tea have artificial sweeteners?

3 min read

Milo's Tea Company, founded in 1946, built its reputation on using simple, natural ingredients. This legacy of natural ingredients raises a common question for health-conscious consumers: does Milo's sweet tea have artificial sweeteners?

Quick Summary

This guide explains the ingredient differences in Milo's products, detailing which versions use pure cane sugar and which incorporate artificial sweeteners like sucralose. It covers the specific sweeteners in each popular variety, helping you choose the right tea for your dietary needs.

Key Points

  • Not all Milo's teas are the same: The presence of artificial sweeteners depends on the specific product line.

  • Milo's Famous Sweet Tea uses pure cane sugar: The original and extra sweet versions contain only water, fresh tea, and pure cane sugar.

  • Zero Calorie Sweet Tea contains sucralose: This specific product is sweetened artificially to remove calories and sugar.

  • No high-fructose corn syrup: The company is committed to not using high-fructose corn syrup in its products.

  • Easy to identify: Product labels clearly state the ingredients, helping customers differentiate between the naturally sweetened and artificially sweetened options.

  • Supports different dietary needs: Milo's offers a range of products to accommodate those who prefer natural ingredients and those who require zero-sugar alternatives.

In This Article

Understanding the Sweeteners in Milo's Tea

When asking, "Does Milo's sweet tea have artificial sweeteners?" the answer depends on which specific product you're examining. Milo's offers several tea varieties, and their sweetening agents differ greatly. The company is transparent about its ingredients, making it easy to check the product label for confirmation.

The Original and Extra Sweet Teas: Pure Cane Sugar

For those who prefer traditional, natural sweetness, Milo's Famous Sweet Tea and Extra Sweet Tea are the go-to choices. Both are made with only three simple ingredients: filtered water, fresh brewed tea, and pure cane sugar. These teas contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or added colors, aligning with the company's long-standing philosophy. The use of real sugar means these products contain calories and carbohydrates, which should be considered for those managing their sugar intake.

The Zero Calorie Variety: Sucralose

Conversely, Milo's Zero Calorie Sweet Tea does contain an artificial sweetener. To achieve its zero-calorie status, the company uses sucralose, a popular no-calorie sugar substitute. This allows customers to enjoy a sweet tea taste without the calories associated with pure cane sugar. While sucralose is not sugar, many reviews praise the Zero Calorie version for its clean taste and lack of a strong aftertaste often associated with artificial sweeteners.

Navigating the Options

Understanding the distinction between these products is key for making an informed purchase, especially for individuals with specific dietary needs or those who wish to avoid artificial additives. The brand's commitment to labeling makes it simple to differentiate between the varieties on the shelf. The packaging and product name, such as "Zero Calorie," are clear indicators of the sweetener used.

Comparing Milo's Sweet Tea Varieties

Feature Milo's Famous Sweet Tea Milo's Zero Calorie Sweet Tea
Sweetener Used Pure Cane Sugar Sucralose
Calories per Serving (12oz) 110 calories 0 calories
Carbohydrates per Serving (12oz) 27g (26g added sugars) 1g (0g added sugars)
Artificial Sweeteners No Yes
Aftertaste Smooth, like homemade tea Minimal, but some detect it
Primary Audience Those who prefer natural ingredients Individuals watching calories or sugar intake

What are the main ingredients in Milo's Famous Sweet Tea?

Milo's Famous Sweet Tea is made with three simple ingredients: filtered water, fresh brewed tea, and pure cane sugar. The company emphasizes its commitment to natural ingredients and avoids preservatives and artificial colors. This minimal ingredient list is a cornerstone of the brand's reputation for quality and homemade taste. By using real, high-quality tea leaves and pure cane sugar, Milo's provides a classic, straightforward sweet tea experience without unnecessary additives.

The rise of "clean-label" beverages

Milo's long-standing philosophy of using simple, natural ingredients has put it ahead of a growing market trend. Many consumers are now seeking "clean-label" products, meaning items with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. Milo's marketing often highlights this aspect of their traditional products, appealing to those who scrutinize ingredient lists. This approach contrasts sharply with many other mass-produced bottled teas that rely on high-fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients for sweetness and preservation.

A choice for every preference

The availability of both naturally sweetened and artificially sweetened options allows Milo's to cater to a broad range of customer preferences. A person can choose the rich, natural flavor of the classic sweet tea or opt for the zero-calorie version to support a specific diet, such as a ketogenic or low-sugar plan. This flexibility ensures that Milo's remains a popular choice in the crowded beverage market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether a Milo's sweet tea has artificial sweeteners depends entirely on the product line. The flagship Milo's Famous Sweet Tea and Extra Sweet Tea do not contain any, relying solely on pure cane sugar. However, the Zero Calorie Sweet Tea is specifically formulated with sucralose to provide a sugar-free, calorie-free option. By checking the label for the specific product name, consumers can easily determine which sweetener is used and choose the tea that best fits their dietary and health goals.

More resources

For more information on Milo's products and their ingredients, visit the official Milo's Tea Company website: https://drinkmilos.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milo's Famous Sweet Tea and Extra Sweet Tea are both sweetened with 100% pure cane sugar.

Yes, Milo's Zero Calorie Sweet Tea uses sucralose, a popular artificial sweetener, to provide a sugar-free, calorie-free beverage.

No, Milo's teas do not contain high-fructose corn syrup. The company highlights its use of pure cane sugar as a key differentiator.

The ingredients are filtered water, fresh brewed tea, and pure cane sugar. It contains no preservatives, additives, or artificial colors.

You can check the product label for the ingredient list. Look for the "Zero Calorie" version, which explicitly lists sucralose as its sweetener.

Milo's Zero Calorie Sweet Tea is often considered suitable for keto and low-carb diets because it is sweetened with sucralose, which does not contain sugar or calories.

While many find the Zero Calorie version to have a clean taste, some customer reviews mention a slight aftertaste from the sucralose.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.