Does Starbucks Iced Green Tea Come with Sugar?
No, Starbucks' standard Iced Green Tea is not sweetened automatically. Since March 2021, the chain's brewed iced teas are made without added liquid cane sugar or other syrups. This change allows customers to choose the sweetness and health value of their drinks.
The Iced Green Tea base is made from green tea with spearmint, lemongrass, and lemon verbena, mixed with ice. If ordered without changes, the drink has zero calories and sugar. The barista only adds sweetener if asked.
How to Order Unsweetened Iced Green Tea
To make sure your drink is sugar-free, follow these steps:
- State it clearly: When you order, say, “Iced Green Tea, unsweetened.”
- Use the app: In the app, choose 'Sweeteners' and confirm 'No Liquid Cane Sugar' or 'No Classic Syrup.'
- Taste before you leave: Take a sip before you leave the store. If it's too sweet, ask them to remake it.
Other Iced Green Tea Drinks
While the plain Iced Green Tea is unsweetened, other green tea drinks have sugar:
- Iced Green Tea Lemonade: This drink uses Starbucks' lemonade, which is pre-sweetened.
- Iced Peach Green Tea: This drink has a sweetened peach juice.
- Iced Matcha Lattes: The matcha powder at Starbucks is pre-sweetened, so these drinks have sugar.
Comparison Table: Unsweetened vs. Sweetened Green Tea Options
| Drink Name | Default Sugar Content | How to Order Unsweetened | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Green Tea | 0g | Standard order | Made with green tea, mint, lemongrass, and lemon verbena. |
| Iced Green Tea Lemonade | High | Order 'Iced Green Tea, no lemonade, unsweetened' and add fresh lemon wedges if desired. | Lemonade is pre-sweetened and a significant source of sugar. |
| Iced Peach Green Tea | High | Order 'Iced Green Tea, no peach juice, unsweetened.' | The peach juice is sweetened and contains sugar. |
| Iced Matcha Latte | Very High | Cannot be ordered sugar-free. Order a plain 'Iced Green Tea' instead. | The matcha powder itself is a sweetened mix. |
Health Benefits: Choosing the Unsweetened Option
The plain Iced Green Tea is great for those who want low or no sugar. The caffeine provides energy, and the tea has antioxidants. The unsweetened base lets you control the flavor by adding your own zero-calorie sweetener or enjoying the natural flavors.
Brewed Green Tea vs. Matcha at Starbucks
Many customers confuse the brewed Iced Green Tea with Matcha drinks:
- Iced Green Tea (Brewed): A simple mix of green tea and herbs with ice. It has no sugar and no calories.
- Matcha (Powdered Blend): A powder mix with sugar and green tea powder. Matcha lattes are sweetened.
Conclusion
The question "does Starbucks put sugar in their iced green tea?" is answered: no, not unless requested. The Iced Green Tea is a zero-sugar, zero-calorie drink. However, other green tea drinks like the Lemonade or Matcha Latte have high sugar. Order the base tea unsweetened for a healthier drink. For a sugar-free drink, choose the plain Iced Green Tea and avoid add-ins unless you know the sugar content. The current policy helps customers make informed, healthier choices. Unsweetened iced tea is a response to consumer demand for less sugar.
Ordering Tips
For a healthy, low-sugar green tea, order a "Venti Iced Green Tea, unsweetened" and ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup or extra lemon wedges.
Health Benefits of Unsweetened Green Tea
Unsweetened green tea is full of healthy compounds, such as catechins and antioxidants. Drinking it without sugar boosts these benefits.
- Catechins and Antioxidants: Green tea has antioxidants called catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which protect cells.
- Calorie-Free Hydration: It's a flavorful, calorie-free way to stay hydrated without added sugar.
- Enhanced Focus: The caffeine and L-theanine can give sustained energy and focus without the jitters.
- Supports Metabolism: Some studies suggest green tea can aid a healthy metabolism.
