Is Brisk Iced Tea Healthier Than Soda?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite marketing that often suggests otherwise, a 12-ounce can of Brisk iced tea can contain a significant amount of added sugar, sometimes rivaling the sugar content of standard sodas. This raises a critical question for many consumers: is Brisk iced tea healthier than soda, or is it merely a sugary alternative in disguise?

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the nutritional profiles of Brisk iced tea and traditional sodas, scrutinizing their sugar, calorie, and ingredient differences. It reveals that while homemade iced tea is often a healthy choice, mass-produced, pre-sweetened versions like Brisk often mirror the health drawbacks of soda, making consumer awareness key.

Key Points

Similar Sugar Levels: A single serving of Brisk iced tea can have sugar and calorie counts that are surprisingly comparable to many sodas.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Both Brisk and many sodas rely on high-fructose corn syrup as a primary sweetener, not just natural sugars from tea.
Limited Nutritional Value: Unlike freshly brewed tea, bottled versions like Brisk offer very few antioxidants and little nutritional benefit, effectively acting as a sugary beverage.
Ultra-Processed: Health watchdog groups classify commercial iced teas like Brisk as ultra-processed foods, linking them to similar health risks as other sugary drinks.
Freshly Brewed is Best: For maximum health benefits, freshly brewed, unsweetened iced tea is the clear winner, allowing for total control over ingredients and sugar.
Read the Label: Don't be fooled by marketing. The nutrition facts panel provides the real information about sugar and calorie content.

Brisk vs. Soda: The Nutritional Reality Check

Many people swap soda for bottled iced tea, assuming it's a healthier option. However, commercial teas like Brisk can be surprisingly high in sugar, a fact obscured by their tea branding. A closer look at the nutritional labels reveals the reality of these popular beverages.

For example, a 12-ounce can of Brisk Lemon Iced Tea contains around 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories, with other varieties possibly containing more. This is often similar to or only slightly less than the sugar found in many popular sodas on a per-ounce basis. Both rely heavily on high-fructose corn syrup, and both are considered ultra-processed foods by some health organizations.

The Health Impact of Added Sugars

Excessive sugar intake, regardless of the source, has been linked to numerous health issues. These can include weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems. Replacing one sugary drink with another, even if the label is different, won't address the underlying health risks. The real benefit of tea lies in its natural antioxidants, which are often diluted or absent in highly processed, bottled versions.

Comparison Table: Brisk vs. Soda (12 oz Serving)


Feature	Brisk Lemon Iced Tea (12 oz)	Average Cola (12 oz)	Homemade Unsweetened Tea (12 oz)
Calories	~70	~150	~0
Added Sugar	~17g	~39g	0g
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Optional Natural Sweetener
Caffeine	~11mg	~34mg	Variable, depending on tea type
Antioxidants	Low to negligible	None	High (especially green and black tea)

Ingredients and Additives

Soda is known for its list of chemical ingredients, but many bottled iced teas are not far behind. Brisk, for instance, includes preservatives, caramel coloring, and artificial sweeteners in its formulation. These additives, designed to enhance shelf life and flavor, do not offer nutritional value and may have potential health concerns, according to some health watchdogs.

The Importance of Making Your Own

For those seeking the true health benefits of iced tea, brewing it at home is the best option. By controlling the brewing process, you can eliminate high-fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients. Here are some simple steps:

Brewing Process: Steep black or green tea bags in hot water. Adjust steeping time for desired strength.
Cooling: Let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Flavoring: Add fresh lemon slices, mint leaves, or a natural sweetener like honey or stevia in moderation, or enjoy it unsweetened.
Storage: Store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for a few days.

Making a Healthier Beverage Choice

For the health-conscious consumer, the comparison between Brisk and soda is less about choosing the lesser of two evils and more about understanding what constitutes a genuinely healthy beverage. Unsweetened, freshly brewed tea offers antioxidants, superior hydration, and zero added sugars, setting it apart from both Brisk and soda. Making mindful decisions requires reading labels carefully and choosing whole, unprocessed foods and drinks whenever possible. The marketing on a bottle can be misleading, but the nutrition facts panel provides the real story. For additional perspective on navigating sugary beverages, check out the resources provided by Consumer Reports on the subject.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

While Brisk iced tea may have fewer calories and sugar than some sodas, it is not a significantly healthier alternative due to its high added sugar content and artificial ingredients. For true health benefits, the optimal choice is to consume freshly brewed, unsweetened iced tea, which offers antioxidants and hydration without the health drawbacks of ultra-processed, sugary drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some bottled iced teas might have slightly less sugar than certain sodas, many still contain significant amounts of high-fructose corn syrup and offer minimal nutritional advantages. The best practice is to check the nutrition label for sugar content.

Depending on the variety and serving size, a can of Brisk iced tea can contain sugar levels that are similar to or only moderately lower than many mainstream sodas. Some comparisons show very little difference per ounce.

No. Bottled iced teas like Brisk often contain very low levels of tea antioxidants compared to freshly brewed tea. The health benefits associated with tea are largely negated by the heavy processing and added sugars.

Yes. Like soda, drinking Brisk iced tea can contribute to weight gain and other metabolic issues due to its high calorie count from added sugars, especially when consumed regularly.

High-fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener commonly used in both sodas and commercial iced teas. Excessive intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Yes, unsweetened, freshly brewed iced tea is the healthiest option. It contains powerful antioxidants and hydrating properties without the empty calories, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives found in most commercial versions.

Yes. A 12-ounce can of Brisk has about 11mg of caffeine, while a standard 12-ounce can of Coke contains around 34mg. However, both levels are relatively low compared to coffee.