Panera's Hibiscus Tea Options: A Tale of Two Teas
Panera Bread has updated its beverage lineup over the years, leading to some confusion about the sweetness level of its hibiscus teas. The key is knowing which specific hibiscus tea you are considering, as the answer differs between the Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea and the Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea.
The Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea: Unsweetened by Design
The Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea is crafted to be a zero-added-sugar option for customers seeking a naturally flavored, refreshing drink without extra sweeteners. It is brewed with Nigerian hibiscus, apple pieces, sweet blackberry leaves, rosehips, natural plum flavor, carob, and ginger. This combination creates a complex, fragrant herbal tea experience with a slightly tart and earthy profile, but no added sweetness. This is an ideal choice for those who want to control their sugar intake or prefer the natural taste of tea.
The Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea: Lightly Sweetened with Fruit Juice
Unlike its plum ginger counterpart, the Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea does contain a small amount of sugar, but it is not from added sugar. The sweetness comes from pomegranate and lime juice concentrates used for flavoring. A 20 fl oz serving contains approximately 2 grams of total sugar. This provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the hibiscus, making it a more fruity and accessible option for many drinkers. It's important to note that this is a minimal amount of sugar compared to the often high content found in traditional soft drinks and sweetened iced teas.
How to Tell the Difference When Ordering
When at a Panera location, both of these hibiscus teas are often available at the self-serve beverage station. Look for the specific label on the dispenser to ensure you are getting the version you want. The Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea is typically labeled "Naturally Flavored Herbal Tea," while the Plum Ginger version is identified as simply "Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea". If in doubt, checking the nutritional information on the Panera website or app before ordering is the most reliable method.
Making Your Panera Hibiscus Tea Your Way
For those who find the unsweetened Plum Ginger tea too tart or the Pomegranate tea not sweet enough, Panera offers a solution. At most locations, you can find a variety of sweeteners at the condiment station, including sugar packets, honey, or artificial sweeteners. This allows customers to customize their drink's sweetness level to their exact preference. Alternatively, you can mix the naturally flavored Pomegranate Hibiscus with the unsweetened iced tea for a balanced, less-sweetened flavor.
Comparison Table: Panera Hibiscus Teas
| Feature | Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea | Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Unsweetened | Lightly Sweetened |
| Source of Sweetness | None (0g added sugar) | Natural fruit juice concentrate (2g total sugar) |
| Added Sugar | 0g | 0g |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, tart, with ginger and plum notes | Tart and fruity, balanced with pomegranate |
| Total Calories (20 oz) | Typically under 10 calories | Approximately 15 calories |
| Primary Ingredients | Hibiscus, ginger, plum flavor, apple pieces | Hibiscus, pomegranate juice concentrate, lime juice concentrate |
| Best For... | Those seeking a no-sugar, naturally herbal taste | Those wanting a low-sugar, fruity herbal tea |
The Shift Toward Healthier Options
Panera's decision to offer a range of sweetness levels in its beverage lineup is part of a larger industry trend toward greater transparency and healthier options. By providing both unsweetened and lightly flavored choices, the company empowers customers to make more informed decisions about their dietary intake. This move addresses the growing consumer demand for reduced sugar consumption while still offering flavorful alternatives to traditional sodas.
Conclusion
So, is Panera hibiscus tea sweetened? The short answer is: it depends on the specific tea. The Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea is intentionally unsweetened with zero added sugar, while the Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea is lightly sweetened with natural fruit juice. For those watching their sugar intake, both are far better options than most sugary sodas, and the presence of both choices ensures there is a hibiscus tea for every preference. The ability to further customize the sweetness level means you are always in control of your beverage at Panera.
For more information on Panera's full beverage menu and nutritional details, you can visit their official website for comprehensive product details.
