How much sugar is in lychee green tea?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The sugar content in lychee green tea can range dramatically, with some pre-packaged drinks containing upwards of 30g of sugar, while a plain, unsweetened brew has virtually none. The final sugar amount is heavily influenced by how the tea is prepared, whether you use fresh lychee or syrup, and the addition of other sweeteners or toppings like boba pearls.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in lychee green tea varies significantly based on preparation, with commercial varieties often containing high amounts due to added sweeteners and syrups, and homemade versions offering control over sweetness levels. Adding toppings like boba pearls also increases the total sugar. Sugar-conscious consumers should check nutritional labels or prepare their own.

Key Points

Variable Sugar Content: Lychee green tea's sugar level ranges from near zero in unsweetened homemade versions to over 65g in large, sweetened commercial boba teas.
Commercial vs. Homemade: Commercial versions from cans and cafes are often high in sugar due to added syrups and high-fructose corn syrup, whereas homemade tea offers complete sugar control.
Toppings Add Sugar: Popular additions like boba pearls, which are steeped in syrup, can add 15-30g of sugar to a drink on their own.
Check Labels and Customize: For pre-packaged drinks, check nutrition labels. When ordering from a cafe, request a reduced or sugar-free option to manage intake.
Use Fresh Fruit: To make a healthier version at home, use fresh lychees for natural flavor and minimal sugar, instead of pre-made, sugary syrups.
Be Aware of Serving Size: The sugar content advertised for commercial drinks can be based on a smaller or larger serving size than what you order, so pay close attention.

Understanding the Sugar Variables in Lychee Green Tea

Lychee green tea has gained popularity for its refreshing, floral, and subtly sweet flavor. However, the seemingly healthy combination of green tea and fruit can be deceptive when it comes to sugar content. The amount of sugar in your cup can vary immensely, from a trace amount in a freshly brewed, unsweetened version to a high-sugar dessert-like drink from a cafe. The key differences lie in commercial versus homemade preparation, the type of lychee used, and the addition of extra ingredients like syrups and toppings.

Commercial Lychee Green Tea: A Hidden Sugar Trap

When purchasing bottled or cafe-prepared lychee green tea, it's crucial to examine the nutritional information. Many commercial versions are loaded with added sugars to create a consistent, palatable flavor profile. Some brands list cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup as major ingredients. For example, a single can of Hawaiian Sun Lychee Green Tea can contain around 31g of sugar, while a large serving of lychee green tea from a boba shop like 85C Bakery Cafe can contain up to 65g. This is often far above the recommended daily sugar intake, particularly for those monitoring their health.

Read the label: Always check the nutrition facts on bottled products to understand the added sugar content.
Ask for customization: When ordering from a cafe, request a reduced sugar level or a sugar-free option if available.
Be aware of serving sizes: Many cafe drinks are supersized, meaning the sugar content is often calculated for a large portion, not a standard serving.

The Role of Syrups and Add-ins

The primary culprit for high sugar levels in many lychee green teas is the use of concentrated lychee syrups and other sweeteners. A standard recipe might call for multiple pumps of a pre-made lychee syrup, which can contribute a significant amount of sugar. Furthermore, popular additions elevate the sugar count even higher:

Boba pearls: Tapioca pearls are often boiled in a sugary syrup before being added to the tea. A typical serving can add between 15-30g of sugar.
Canned lychees: The liquid syrup canned lychees are stored in is extremely sugary. Some homemade recipes use this syrup, adding a substantial amount of sweetness.
Additional syrups: Bubble tea variations often include extra pumps of cane sugar syrup or brown sugar syrup, further increasing the total sugar load.

The Healthier Homemade Option

For those who enjoy the flavor but want to manage their sugar intake, making lychee green tea at home is the best solution. A homemade version allows complete control over the ingredients and sweetness. Instead of using artificial syrups, you can create a natural lychee simple syrup or use fresh fruit for flavor and natural sweetness.

Start with fresh lychee: Use fresh, peeled, and pitted lychee fruit to blend into a puree or macerate to extract natural sweetness and flavor.
Brew your own green tea: Use high-quality green tea bags or loose leaves to ensure a robust, flavorful base without any added sugars.
Use a controlled sweetener: If you desire more sweetness, add a measured amount of a natural sweetener like honey, agave, or a sugar-free alternative. Some homemade recipes use a sugar-to-water ratio to make a controlled syrup.

Comparison of Lychee Green Tea Sugar Content


Type of Lychee Green Tea	Typical Sugar (g)	Typical Serving Size	Notes on Sugar Source
Homemade, Unsweetened	0-5g	8-12 oz	Primarily from natural lychee fruit.
Bottled (e.g., Hawaiian Sun)	~31g	11.5 oz can	High-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar.
Boba Shop (no boba, large)	35-65g	24 oz	Lychee syrup, cane sugar syrup.
Boba Shop (with boba, large)	50-80g+	24 oz	Lychee syrup, boba pearl syrup, cane sugar.
Cafe-Prepared (custom sugar)	Varies	16-24 oz	Controlled sugar syrup, can be adjusted down.

Making Conscious Choices

Navigating the world of lychee green tea and its sugar content requires awareness. A basic, unsweetened brew is inherently a low-sugar beverage, with any sweetness coming directly from the lychee fruit itself. The moment commercial syrups, canned fruit juices, or sugary toppings like boba are introduced, the drink transforms into a high-sugar treat. By understanding the sources of sugar, you can make informed decisions, whether that means asking for less syrup at a bubble tea shop or opting to brew your own healthier version at home. For more information on managing sugar intake, you can consult resources from the American Heart Association.

Conclusion

The amount of sugar in lychee green tea is not fixed but depends on its preparation. While a plain, homemade version can be very low in sugar, commercial and bubble tea versions can be extremely high, sometimes containing more than an entire day's recommended sugar intake. Awareness of ingredients and customization options are key to enjoying this flavorful drink while keeping your health goals in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large lychee green tea from a bubble tea shop can contain a significant amount of sugar, ranging from 35g to over 65g, depending on the sweetness level and addition of toppings like boba pearls.

Yes, many cafes offer customizable drinks where you can request a lower sugar percentage or a sugar-free option. For a guaranteed sugar-free drink, brewing your own tea at home with fresh lychees is the best method.

Not necessarily. While bottled versions might contain less sugar than some large bubble teas with toppings, many are still heavily sweetened with cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

You can reduce sugar by using fresh lychee for natural sweetness instead of canned lychees or syrup. If you still want added sweetness, use a controlled amount of a natural sweetener like honey or agave.

Yes, boba pearls contribute a significant amount of sugar. A typical serving of tapioca pearls is steeped in a sugary syrup and can add 15-30g of sugar to the total.

Plain, brewed green tea contains no sugar. Any sugar content in a lychee green tea comes from the fruit, added syrups, or toppings.

Some large, sweetened lychee green teas from cafes or bubble tea shops can have a comparable, and in some cases even higher, sugar content than a can of soda. A standard can of cola typically contains around 39g of sugar.