Is Jujube Tea High in Sugar? A Look at the Sweetness and Nutritional Facts

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

While fresh jujube fruit is naturally sweet and low in calories, the sugar content becomes highly concentrated when the fruit is dried. Therefore, many wonder, is jujube tea high in sugar? The answer largely depends on whether the tea is prepared from plain dried fruit or a sweetened commercial mix, making moderation key for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Jujube tea's sweetness is derived from the natural sugars in the dried fruit. The total sugar content can vary significantly based on whether the tea is homemade or a commercial product, especially those with added sweeteners.

Key Points

Sugar Content Varies: Homemade jujube tea's sugar comes naturally from the fruit, while commercial mixes often contain significant added sweeteners.
Diabetics Should Be Cautious: Due to its concentrated natural sugars, dried jujube tea should be consumed in moderation by those with diabetes, and a doctor should be consulted.
Opt for Homemade for Control: Preparing the tea at home allows full control over the fruit-to-water ratio and avoids the high sugar load found in many pre-sweetened commercial products.
Rich in Antioxidants and Vitamin C: Beyond the sweetness, jujube tea offers significant nutritional benefits, including potent antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamin C.
Supports Sleep and Digestion: Thanks to its fiber content and calming properties, jujube tea is known in traditional medicine for promoting better sleep and improving digestive health.

The Natural Sweetness of Jujube Fruit

Jujubes, also known as red or Chinese dates, are naturally sweet fruits. Their sugar profile includes natural sugars like fructose and glucose. However, the crucial distinction in determining the final sugar content of the tea lies in the form of the fruit used. Fresh jujubes are relatively low in calories and have a balanced natural sweetness. The drying process, which is how most tea-grade jujubes are prepared, concentrates these natural sugars and calories significantly. The amount of natural sugar extracted into your tea will depend on the quantity of dried fruit used and the brewing duration.

Factors That Influence Jujube Tea's Sugar Content

Several factors can influence the final sugar content of your cup of jujube tea, making it range from a mildly sweet, low-sugar drink to a much more caloric one. Awareness of these factors allows for better control over your intake.

Preparation Method: Homemade tea made simply by steeping dried jujube slices in hot water will contain only the natural sugars extracted from the fruit. The sweetness is controllable by adjusting the amount of fruit. In contrast, many commercial instant jujube tea mixes are pre-sweetened with added sugars or syrups, leading to a much higher sugar load per serving.
Added Sweeteners: While homemade tea can be naturally sweet, some recipes or preferences call for additional sweeteners. Common additions include honey or brown sugar, which significantly increase the overall sugar and calorie count.
Fruit-to-Water Ratio: The more dried jujube you use for a given amount of water, the more concentrated the flavor and natural sugars will be in the final tea.
Brewing Time: Longer brewing times allow more of the natural sugars and flavor compounds to be extracted from the fruit into the water, resulting in a sweeter, more robust tea.

Homemade vs. Commercial Jujube Tea: A Nutritional Comparison

To better understand the sugar difference, consider this comparison table contrasting a simple homemade version with a typical commercial alternative. The values are approximate and can vary widely, but they illustrate the general difference in sugar concentration.


Feature	Homemade Jujube Tea (using 1/4 cup dried slices)	Commercial Jujube Tea (instant mix)
Preparation	Steeped dried fruit only	Powdered mix, often with added sugars
Sugar Source	Natural fructose and glucose from the fruit	Natural fruit sugar + Added sweeteners (e.g., sugar, honey)
Typical Sugar Content	~5-10 grams (or less, depends on amount used)	>10 grams per serving (can be much higher)
Calorie Count	Low (mostly from fruit sugars)	Higher (from added and natural sugars)
Control	Full control over sweetness	Minimal control over sweetness

Jujube Tea and Diabetes: A Need for Moderation

While jujube fruit contains beneficial antioxidants and fiber, its sugar content, especially in dried form, is a key consideration for individuals with diabetes.

Potential Effects on Blood Sugar: Some preliminary studies suggest that compounds in jujube may help lower blood sugar levels. However, this is largely based on animal studies or concentrated extracts, and robust human research is limited.
Recommended Approach: Given the concentrated sugar in dried jujubes, moderation is essential for people managing blood sugar. It is crucial to monitor blood glucose levels after consumption.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Individuals with diabetes or those taking antidiabetic medication should consult a doctor before regularly consuming jujube tea. WebMD warns that jujube's effect on blood sugar could potentially cause levels to drop too low when combined with medication.

Beyond Sugar: The Nutritional Benefits of Jujube Tea

Beyond its sweet taste, jujube tea offers a range of nutritional benefits when prepared correctly. A simple homemade tea can provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Here are some key advantages:

Rich in Antioxidants: Jujubes are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which help fight cell damage from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Immune System Support: The high vitamin C content supports a robust immune system.
Digestive Health: Jujube contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation.
Promotes Relaxation and Sleep: Traditionally used to calm the mind and body, jujube tea may help improve sleep quality due to compounds like saponins and flavonoids.
Mineral Content: It provides a good source of important minerals such as potassium and iron.

Conclusion: Is Jujube Tea High in Sugar?

So, is jujube tea high in sugar? The answer depends heavily on how it is prepared. A homemade tea using only dried jujubes is naturally sweet, with a moderate sugar content that can be controlled by the amount of fruit used. However, many commercial instant teas contain significant amounts of added sugar and should be viewed more as a sweetened beverage than a simple herbal tea. For those monitoring their sugar intake, particularly individuals with diabetes, opting for a homemade version and consuming it in moderation is the safest approach. The tea still provides numerous health benefits, from antioxidant and immune support to digestive and calming effects, making it a healthy choice when managed responsibly.

For an additional resource on managing blood sugar through dietary choices, consult this article on nutrition and diabetes from the National Institutes of Health.

Keypoints

Sugar Content is Variable: The sweetness of jujube tea depends on its preparation, with dried fruit providing natural sugars and commercial mixes often containing high levels of added sugar.
Moderation is Key for Diabetics: Individuals with diabetes should drink jujube tea in moderation, preferably homemade, and monitor their blood sugar levels, as the fruit contains concentrated sugars.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade tea from dried jujubes allows for precise control over sugar content, while commercial options should be checked for added sweeteners that increase calories.
Health Benefits Beyond Sugar: The tea provides valuable nutrients like antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which can aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote relaxation.
Consult a Professional: Anyone with diabetes or on related medication should speak with a healthcare provider before regularly consuming jujube tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dried jujube fruit has a much higher concentration of sugar and calories by weight compared to fresh jujube fruit because the water content is removed during the drying process, leaving the sugars highly concentrated.

People with diabetes can drink jujube tea, but they should do so in moderation. Due to the concentrated sugars in dried jujubes, it's recommended to opt for a homemade version without added sweeteners and to monitor blood sugar levels closely.

Commercial instant jujube tea products are often higher in sugar because they frequently contain added sweeteners like sugar, honey, or syrup to enhance flavor and shelf life. This differs from a simple homemade brew using only the dried fruit.

Jujube tea offers several health benefits, including boosting immunity with its high vitamin C content, supporting digestion through its dietary fiber, providing antioxidants, and promoting relaxation and better sleep.

To make a low-sugar jujube tea, simply steep a small amount of dried jujube slices in hot water. Avoid adding extra sweeteners like honey or sugar. You can also balance the flavor with non-sweet ingredients like ginger or cinnamon.

Yes, WebMD indicates that jujube may lower blood sugar, which could interfere with antidiabetic medications. It can also have sedative effects that might interact with central nervous system depressants. Always consult a healthcare provider before using jujube as a supplement, especially if you are on medication.

Some animal and preclinical studies suggest that jujube extracts may have a positive effect on blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, but more robust human trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish firm recommendations.