Understanding How Many Calories Are in 8 Ounces of Sweet Tea?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

An 8-ounce serving of commercially bottled sweet tea typically contains between 70 and 80 calories, with most of these calories coming from added sugar. The exact number of calories in 8 ounces of sweet tea can vary significantly depending on the amount of sugar added, the specific brand, and whether it's homemade or store-bought.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 8 ounces of sweet tea is heavily influenced by sugar content. Commercial brands average 70-80 calories, while homemade versions can be higher or lower depending on the recipe. Unsweetened tea, by contrast, has a negligible number of calories.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Range: An 8-ounce serving of commercial sweet tea generally contains 70 to 80 calories from added sugar.
Sugar is the Main Factor: The vast majority of calories in sweet tea come from sugar; unsweetened tea has almost zero calories.
Varies by Brand: Calorie counts differ between brands and can be higher or lower depending on their specific recipe.
Homemade Offers Control: Making sweet tea at home gives you complete control over the amount and type of sweetener used.
Lower-Calorie Options Exist: You can reduce your calorie intake by using alternative sweeteners like stevia, adding fruit infusions, or mixing with unsweetened tea.
Read the Label: For bottled teas, always check the nutrition label for the most accurate calorie and sugar information.

Calorie Breakdown of an 8 oz Sweet Tea

Plain, unsweetened black tea contains a negligible amount of calories, typically just 2-3 per 8-ounce serving. The majority of the calories in sweet tea come directly from added sugar. A standard teaspoon of granulated sugar contains about 16 calories. Given that some commercial and homemade sweet teas add multiple teaspoons of sugar per serving, the calorie count can escalate quickly.

For example, some popular bottled brands report around 80 calories for an 8 oz serving, derived from approximately 20-21 grams of sugar. This is roughly equivalent to about 5 teaspoons of sugar. Homemade sweet tea can vary even more dramatically; a traditional Southern recipe might use up to 1 cup of sugar per gallon, which equates to about 100 calories per 8-ounce cup.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Type of Sugar: Using different types of sweeteners, such as honey or agave nectar, will alter the final calorie total. Honey, for instance, has more calories per tablespoon than granulated sugar.
Sweetener Amount: The most critical factor is the amount of sweetener used. A tea with less sugar will, by definition, have fewer calories.
Brand Variations: Calorie counts differ between brands due to their unique recipes and sugar concentrations. It's always best to check the specific nutrition label for the most accurate information.
Added Flavorings: Ingredients like lemon juice (without added sugar) will not substantially increase calories, but flavored syrups will add more.

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Tea: A Comparison

To highlight the impact of sugar, let's compare the calorie content of sweetened and unsweetened tea, using an 8-ounce serving size as the benchmark.


Feature	Sweet Tea	Unsweetened Tea
Calories	Typically 70-100+	2-3 calories
Sugar	Varies, can be 20g+	Essentially zero
Carbohydrates	Significant amount	Minimal
Key Calorie Source	Added sugar	Minimal, if any
Health Impact	Can contribute to weight gain and increased sugar intake	Offers potential health benefits without added sugar, aids hydration

Strategies for Reducing Sweet Tea Calories

For those who enjoy sweet tea but want to reduce their sugar and calorie intake, several effective strategies can help. Transitioning away from high-sugar versions doesn't mean sacrificing flavor entirely.

Here are some simple tips for enjoying a lower-calorie tea:

Reduce the Sugar: Gradually cut back the amount of sugar you add to your tea. Your taste buds will adjust over time.
Use Natural, Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Opt for natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. These can provide sweetness without the caloric load.
Try Unsweetened Iced Tea: Start with a glass of unsweetened iced tea and add a minimal amount of a low-calorie sweetener to control the sweetness yourself.
Infuse with Fruit: Add fresh fruit like lemon slices, berries, or peach slices to add a hint of natural sweetness and flavor without extra calories.
Create a Half-and-Half: Mix half sweet tea with half unsweetened tea to cut the sugar content and calories in half while still retaining some sweetness.

The Difference Between Commercial and Homemade Sweet Tea

When considering calories, it's vital to differentiate between commercially produced sweet tea and a homemade recipe. Bottled or pre-made sweet tea has a standardized recipe, meaning the calorie count per serving is fixed and listed on the nutrition label. However, homemade tea offers full control over ingredients and, crucially, the amount of sugar added. For instance, a traditional Southern sweet tea recipe might call for a high amount of sugar, whereas a home cook focused on health can easily reduce or replace the sweetener.

Conclusion: How to Enjoy Sweet Tea Mindfully

An 8-ounce glass of sweet tea typically contains 70 to 100 calories, depending on the sugar content, while unsweetened tea has almost zero calories. The significant difference lies in the added sugar. While sweet tea can be an enjoyable treat, it's important to be mindful of the calories and sugar you're consuming. By opting for a reduced-sugar version, using natural sweeteners, or infusing your tea with fruit, you can enjoy the flavor with fewer caloric consequences. This allows for a more balanced approach to enjoying this classic beverage without overdoing it on sugar.

For more detailed nutritional information and a comparison of various sweetened beverages, consider reviewing resources on general beverage nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count varies widely based on the amount of sugar added and the specific brand. Homemade sweet tea can also have a different calorie count depending on the recipe used.

The calories in sweet tea come almost exclusively from the added sugar. Plain, unsweetened tea leaves themselves contain a negligible number of calories.

Unsweetened iced tea is nearly calorie-free. An 8-ounce cup of freshly brewed black tea has only about 2-3 calories, which is considered negligible.

You can reduce calories by adding less sugar, using natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, mixing with unsweetened tea, or infusing with fruit for natural flavor.

While a teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories, a tablespoon contains about 48 calories. This can quickly add up when making sweet tea.

Homemade sweet tea allows for precise control over sugar content. Store-bought versions have a fixed calorie count listed on the nutrition label, which may or may not be higher than what you'd prepare yourself.

Honey is a natural sweetener, but it actually has more calories per serving than granulated sugar. Using less of either is the key to reducing calories.