The question of whether is green tea considered a sugary drink is a simple one in its purest form, but it becomes more nuanced when considering commercial, ready-to-drink options. In short, the defining factor is the presence of added sugars.
The Truth About Plain Green Tea
When you steep green tea leaves in hot water, the resulting brew is almost entirely water, with trace amounts of minerals, vitamins, and beneficial antioxidants known as catechins.
- Zero Sugar: A standard 8-ounce cup (about 240ml) of unsweetened, home-brewed green tea contains 0 grams of sugar and 0 grams of carbohydrates.
- Minimal Calories: It has fewer than 3 calories per serving, making it a calorie-free beverage option.
- Healthy Alternative: Due to its lack of sugar and high antioxidant content, health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend unsweetened tea as a primary healthy beverage choice alongside water.
The Sugary Counterparts: Bottled & Flavored Green Teas
The perception of green tea as a potentially sugary drink often stems from the wide variety of ready-to-drink (RTD) products available in stores. These beverages often include significant amounts of added sweeteners for flavor.
For example, while an unsweetened bottle of Pure Leaf green tea might have 0 grams of sugar, other popular brands can have as much as 34 grams of sugar in just an 8-ounce serving. Health definitions for "sugary drinks" specifically include any non-alcoholic beverage with added caloric sweeteners, such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, or honey.
How Health Organizations Define a Sugary Drink
Public health bodies define sugary (or sugar-sweetened) beverages (SSBs) by their added sugar content, which contributes excess calories with little to no nutritional value. The WHO recommends limiting the intake of free sugars (all added sugars plus those in honey and fruit juices) to less than 10% of total daily energy intake, with a further reduction to below 5% for additional health benefits.
Because plain green tea has no free sugars, it falls outside this definition. However, a commercially sweetened green tea drink is squarely categorized as a sugary beverage and contributes to daily free sugar intake just like a regular soda or fruit punch.
Beverage Sugar Content Comparison Table
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the approximate sugar content in typical serving sizes of various beverages. Note that values for commercial products can vary by brand and size.
| Beverage Type | Serving Size | Approximate Sugar (g) | Sugary Drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Brewed Green Tea | 1 cup (240 mL) | 0 g | No |
| Canned/Bottled Sweetened Green Tea | 8 oz (240 mL) | ~34 g (varies widely) | Yes |
| Regular Cola | 12 oz (355 mL) | ~40 g | Yes |
| 100% Fruit Juice | 1 cup (240 mL) | ~22 g | Yes* |
| Sports Drink | 20 oz (600 mL) | ~36 g | Yes |
*Note: 100% fruit juice contains naturally present sugars, which are classified as "free sugars" by the WHO due to their liquid form and lack of fiber, and should be limited.
Conclusion
Unsweetened, traditionally brewed is green tea considered a sugary drink? No, it is not. It is a zero-sugar, low-calorie beverage packed with antioxidants. Its health benefits are best realized when consumed without added sugar, honey, or other caloric sweeteners. The only time green tea becomes a sugary drink is when a manufacturer, barista, or consumer adds sugar or syrups. When choosing green tea, always check the label to ensure you're drinking the healthy, unsweetened version.
For more detailed information on healthy eating and beverage choices, consult the guidelines from major health authorities like the World Health Organization.
