How many calories does peach ice tea have? A detailed nutritional breakdown

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Starbucks, a 16oz Iced Peach Green Tea contains 60 calories, but this can vary dramatically by brand and preparation. So, how many calories does peach ice tea have? The answer depends heavily on the ingredients and sugar content, ranging from almost zero to over 150 calories per serving.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for peach iced tea varies widely based on added sugar, sweeteners, and brand. Sweetened versions are high in calories, while unsweetened and diet options are very low. Nutritional labels and homemade recipes offer control over intake.

Key Points

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: The biggest calorie factor is added sugar; unsweetened tea has very few calories, while sweetened versions are sugar-heavy.
Brand Variations: Calorie counts differ significantly between brands, with some containing over 150 calories and others, like Lipton Diet, having just 5.
Diet Options: Diet or sugar-free versions of peach iced tea use artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without the calories.
Homemade Control: Making your own allows for complete control over ingredients, enabling you to use fresh fruit and low-cal sweeteners.
Sugar is the Calorie Source: Most calories in sweetened peach iced tea come from added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, not the tea or natural peach flavor.
Check Labels: Always read nutritional labels on store-bought teas, as an 'iced tea' can have as many calories as a soda.

The Core Factors That Determine Calories in Peach Iced Tea

The primary driver of calories in peach iced tea is the added sugar. While pure brewed tea and natural peach flavor have very few calories, the addition of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or concentrated peach syrups can quickly increase the calorie count. Understanding the difference between sweetened and unsweetened varieties is the first step in managing your intake.

Sweetened Peach Iced Tea

Most commercially available and restaurant-served peach iced teas are sweetened. These can contain significant amounts of added sugar, making them comparable to soda in caloric value. A single bottle or large serving can easily contain over 100 calories, with nearly all of them coming from the sugar content. This is a crucial detail for anyone monitoring their sugar or calorie intake.

Unsweetened and Diet Peach Iced Tea

For those seeking a low-calorie alternative, unsweetened and diet versions are the best choice. Unsweetened iced tea with a natural peach flavor has minimal calories, as the tea itself and the fruit flavor add almost none. Diet varieties use artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without the caloric impact of sugar, with some containing as few as 5 to 10 calories per bottle.

Homemade Peach Iced Tea: The Ultimate Control

Making peach iced tea at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and, therefore, the calorie count. You can use fresh, ripe peaches to create a natural peach flavor, which contributes minimal calories and adds beneficial nutrients and fiber. For sweetness, you can choose from a variety of options:

Calorie-free sweeteners: Options like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol can add sweetness without any calories.
Minimal sugar: Adding a small amount of honey or sugar allows for a touch of sweetness while keeping the overall calorie count low.
No added sugar: For the lowest calorie option, rely solely on the natural sweetness from the peaches themselves.

Calorie Comparison: Popular Peach Iced Teas


Brand/Type	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)
Snapple Peach Tea	16 fl oz	160 kcal	40g
Starbucks Iced Peach Green Tea	16 fl oz (Grande)	60 kcal	12g
Lipton Diet Peach Iced Tea	16.9 fl oz	5 kcal	0g
Homemade Unsweetened	16 fl oz	<10 kcal	0-3g (natural)
Swiss Premium Peach Iced Tea	12 fl oz	160 kcal	38g

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Sweeteners: The type of sweetener used is the most significant factor. Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame) add zero calories, while sugars (high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar) are calorie-dense.
Preparation Method: The amount of peach syrup or juice concentrate added can vary. Homemade versions using real fruit will naturally be lower in calories than those using processed, sugary syrups.
Portion Size: Larger servings, like a large fast-food or cafe drink, will contain more calories than a smaller glass, regardless of the ingredients.
Additional Ingredients: Any extra ingredients, such as flavor shots, sugary garnishes, or other additions, can increase the total calorie count.

Tips for a Low-Calorie Peach Iced Tea

Choose the right base: Start with unsweetened black or green tea. Green tea offers additional antioxidant benefits.
Flavor with fresh fruit: Use muddled or puréed fresh peaches to get a robust, natural flavor without added sugar.
Consider low-cal sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter taste, use a natural, calorie-free sweetener instead of sugar.
Infuse and chill: For a simple, no-fuss method, steep tea bags with sliced peaches in a pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight. This cold-brew method creates a naturally sweet and refreshing drink.
Be mindful of labels: Always check the nutrition facts on store-bought bottled drinks. Don't assume an iced tea is healthy just because it's not a soda.

Conclusion

The calorie content of peach iced tea is not fixed; it is a variable that depends entirely on the preparation and ingredients. Sweetened commercial versions can be high in calories due to added sugar, while unsweetened, diet, and homemade versions can be very low. By paying attention to nutritional labels and making your own beverage at home, you can easily control how many calories does peach ice tea have and make a healthier choice. When opting for a pre-packaged option, always scrutinize the nutrition label to understand its true caloric impact. For a guilt-free indulgence, the best and most flavorful option is always to brew your own and sweeten it naturally or with a calorie-free alternative. For more insight into the health benefits of tea, consider exploring reputable sources like Seven Teahouse's blog on Peach Oolong Tea Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 16oz serving of sweetened peach iced tea can contain between 60 and over 150 calories, depending on the brand and amount of added sugar.

To make a low-calorie version at home, use fresh peaches, unsweetened brewed tea, and a calorie-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar.

Diet or sugar-free peach iced teas are very low in calories, not completely calorie-free. For instance, Lipton Diet Peach Iced Tea has about 5 calories per bottle.

Unsweetened iced tea with natural peach flavoring contains minimal calories, generally less than 10 calories per serving, as the flavor comes from an essence rather than sugar.

The vast majority of calories in a sweetened peach iced tea come from the added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or sugary peach syrups, not the tea or fruit itself.

A Grande (16oz) Iced Peach Green Tea from Starbucks contains 60 calories, which is lower than many other pre-packaged options.

Not necessarily. Many bottled peach iced teas are still loaded with sugar, so it is important to check the nutritional label before assuming it's a healthy alternative to soda.