What Iced Tea Has No High Fructose Corn Syrup?

Recent research shows decreasing HFCS use, yet many major beverage brands still rely on it. Finding iced tea that has no high fructose corn syrup requires careful label reading, but several great options exist.

Quick Summary

Bottled iced teas sweetened with cane sugar, monk fruit, or stevia, alongside many unsweetened options, are available. Brewing iced tea at home allows for control over ingredients like honey or fruit juice.

Key Points

• Check Labels for Alternatives: Brands like Honest Tea and Pure Leaf often sweeten with cane sugar or stevia, avoiding high fructose corn syrup.

• Consider Unsweetened Brands: Tejava and some Gold Peak varieties offer unsweetened iced teas with no added sweeteners.

• Brew Your Own Tea: Making iced tea at home gives total control over ingredients, enabling use of natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.

• Understand Sweetener Options: Cane sugar is natural, stevia and monk fruit are zero-calorie, and honey offers unique flavor and benefits.

• Identify and Avoid HFCS: High fructose corn syrup is in many mass-market iced teas, so careful label reading is essential.

Navigating the Sweetened Iced Tea Aisle

Many mainstream brands use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) because it is an inexpensive sweetener. However, a growing number of brands are catering to health-conscious consumers by using natural alternatives.

Brands Sweetened with Natural Sugars

These iced teas use natural sugar sources, such as granulated sugar or cane sugar, instead of high fructose corn syrup.

• Honest Tea: Honest Tea, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola, offers many varieties of organic iced tea that are sweetened with organic cane sugar or organic stevia. Their commitment to organic ingredients and fair trade makes them a popular choice.
• Pure Leaf: Many of Pure Leaf's unsweetened and slightly sweetened varieties are made without HFCS. The Slightly Sweet Black Tea, for example, is sweetened with sugar. Always check the specific product label, as some lines may differ.
• Tazo Iced Tea: A variety of Tazo's bottled iced teas use cane sugar. Like other brands, Tazo offers both sweetened and unsweetened options. The Organic Iced Tea line is an especially good choice for avoiding HFCS.

Brands Sweetened with Zero-Calorie Alternatives

For those who want sweetness without the calories, these brands use natural, zero-calorie sweeteners.

• Tejava: This brand specializes in premium bottled iced tea and is available in unsweetened varieties. It is a perfect choice for those who prefer their tea without any added sweetener.
• Gold Peak: Some of Gold Peak's unsweetened iced tea varieties contain no sweeteners at all. Their "Diet" lines may contain artificial sweeteners, so careful label reading is recommended.
• SweetLeaf: The company SweetLeaf produces stevia-sweetened beverages and teas. Their stevia-sweetened teas offer a zero-calorie alternative without the use of artificial sweeteners or HFCS.

Brewing Your Own Iced Tea: Complete Control

Making iced tea at home is the best way to ensure no HFCS is used and allows for total control over the type and amount of sweetener. It is surprisingly easy and offers endless customization options.

1. Select Your Tea: Choose your favorite black, green, or herbal tea bags or loose-leaf tea. For black tea, Lipton or Luzianne bags are a classic choice.
2. Brew a Concentrate: Bring water to a boil, then steep the tea bags for 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired strength. A pinch of baking soda can prevent cloudiness.
3. Sweeten Naturally (Optional): While the tea is still hot, dissolve your chosen sweetener. Options include pure cane sugar, maple syrup, or honey. For zero-calorie alternatives, consider stevia or monk fruit.
4. Add Cold Water: Pour the concentrate into a pitcher and add the remaining cold water to reach the desired volume.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tea for at least an hour before serving over ice. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint.

Comparison of Iced Tea Sweeteners

Sweetener Type	Flavor Profile	Health Considerations	Availability & Cost
High Fructose Corn Syrup	High sweetness, neutral flavor	Linked to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Highly processed.	Very common in mass-market brands. Low cost.
Cane Sugar	Clean, sweet taste	Natural, but still a sugar. Best in moderation.	Widespread availability, moderate cost.
Stevia	High sweetness, some may detect a slight aftertaste	Zero-calorie, natural origin. No impact on blood sugar.	Readily available, affordable.
Honey	Rich, complex sweetness	Natural, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Higher calorie count than sugar.	Widespread availability, moderate cost.
Unsweetened	Pure tea flavor	Zero sugar, zero calories. Can taste bitter to some palates.	Available across many brands.

Making the Best Choice for You

Your perfect iced tea depends on personal preferences and health goals. If you want to avoid HFCS but still enjoy a sweet beverage, brands like Honest Tea and Tazo with cane sugar are excellent choices. For a zero-calorie sweet tea, look for products using stevia, or make your own with a stevia blend. For those who prefer no sweetness, unsweetened iced teas are readily available from brands like Tejava and Gold Peak, as well as many store brands. The ultimate flexibility, however, lies in making your own at home, where you can control every ingredient for a perfect, personalized brew.

Conclusion

While high fructose corn syrup is a prevalent ingredient in many commercial iced teas, it is far from the only option. A variety of bottled iced teas, from Honest Tea's organic options to Tejava's unsweetened black tea, offer delicious alternatives. By reading labels carefully or simply brewing iced tea at home, a refreshing and satisfying drink without high fructose corn syrup can be found. A little effort can lead to a healthier, more flavorful iced tea experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)?

High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch often used in processed foods and drinks, including many bottled iced teas, because it is inexpensive.

Why should I avoid high fructose corn syrup?

Many choose to avoid high fructose corn syrup for health reasons, including a possible link to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Are there any diet iced teas that don't use high fructose corn syrup?

Yes, many 'diet' or 'zero sugar' iced teas use alternative sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners instead of high fructose corn syrup.

Can I make sweet iced tea at home without HFCS?

Yes, brewing your own tea allows for the use of natural sweeteners like pure cane sugar, honey, or maple syrup to control sweetness and avoid HFCS completely.

Is all bottled iced tea made with HFCS?

No, a growing number of brands, including Honest Tea, Pure Leaf, and Tazo, use alternative sweeteners like cane sugar or offer unsweetened versions.

Does brewing my own iced tea save money?

Yes, brewing your own iced tea is generally much more cost-effective than purchasing bottled versions, and it allows complete control over the ingredients.

How can I tell if an iced tea has high fructose corn syrup?

Always read the ingredients list on the bottle. High fructose corn syrup will be clearly labeled if included.