Defining Sweetness: The Criteria
To determine the sweetest drink, we must first establish the ground rules. Is it based on the highest concentration of sugar, measured in grams per serving, or the subjective perception of sweetness? While a high sugar count is a good indicator, some artificial sweeteners can create a powerful sweet flavor with zero caloric sugar. The ultimate answer, therefore, requires a look at both naturally occurring and manufactured liquids.
Natural Contenders for the Sweetest Drink
Plant Nectars and Juices
Naturally produced nectar, the sugary secretion from glands in flowers, is one of nature's purest sweet liquids. The concentration of sugar in nectar can vary from 3% to 80% depending on the plant species, but this is rarely consumed directly by humans in its most concentrated form. Sugarcane juice, freshly extracted and unprocessed, is a highly sweet beverage sold in many parts of the world. However, its sweetness is modest compared to processed alternatives. Another candidate is concentrated fruit juice, where much of the water is removed to intensify the sugar content, though this often still contains less total sugar than some commercial drinks.
The Super-Sweet Protein: Thaumatin
If we consider a liquid containing a natural super-sweet substance, the discussion must include Thaumatin. This intensely sweet protein, derived from the West African Katemfe fruit, is thousands of times sweeter than regular sugar. While the pure protein is not a drink, it can be added to water to create a liquid that is overwhelmingly sweet, long-lasting, and nearly calorie-free.
Commercial Titans of Sugar
When it comes to widely available, mass-produced beverages, the competition for the sweetest title gets intense. These drinks are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener derived from starch.
The Giant Fountain Sodas
Massive fountain drinks sold in convenience stores are notorious for their sugar load. A 7-11 Super Big Gulp, for example, has been reported to contain an astonishing 40 teaspoons of sugar, or 146 grams. The sheer volume combined with high sugar concentration makes this a powerful contender.
High-Calorie Shakes
Specialty milkshakes and frappes from fast-food chains are also packed with sugar and calories. A large chocolate shake can contain over 160 grams of sugar, according to one report, easily rivaling the sugar content of oversized sodas.
Energy Drinks and Specialty Coffees
Some large-size energy drinks and flavored coffee concoctions can also be shockingly high in sugar. These beverages are often designed for maximum flavor impact and can contain over 60 grams of sugar in a single serving.
The Scientific and Culinary Extremes
Beyond what is commercially sold, a few other liquids can lay claim to the title of sweetest drink on Earth.
Rich Simple Syrup
For bartenders and chefs, a 'rich' simple syrup is made with a higher ratio of sugar to water, often 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by volume. This creates a thick, viscous liquid that is far sweeter than regular 1:1 simple syrup. The liquid is so concentrated that at room temperature, the sugar is already on the verge of re-crystallizing, making it one of the sweetest pure sugar liquids possible.
The Synthetic Sweetener: Lugduname
For the ultimate in sweetness, no sugar-based liquid can compete with a beverage sweetened with Lugduname. This synthetic compound is estimated to be between 220,000 and 300,000 times sweeter than sucrose. While not approved for consumption, a tiny, almost undetectable amount could make a beverage overwhelmingly sweet. The scientific potency of this compound places it firmly at the top of the list for potential sweetness, even if it's not a commercial reality.
Comparison of Sweet Substances
| Substance | Sweetness Relative to Sucrose (Approx.) | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane Juice | 1.0–1.2 | Natural | Consumable |
| Rich Simple Syrup | 1.5–1.7 | Manufactured | Consumable |
| High Fructose Corn Syrup | 1.2–1.6 | Manufactured | Consumable |
| Thaumatin | 3,250x | Natural Protein | Approved for Consumption |
| Lugduname | 220,000–300,000x | Artificial Compound | Not Approved |
Conclusion: No Single Answer
Ultimately, there is no single, easy answer to what is the sweetest drink on Earth. A naturally-derived liquid using Thaumatin could be the sweetest calorie-free option, while a homemade concoction using rich simple syrup would hold the highest pure sugar concentration. When considering commercial drinks, a large fountain soda or high-calorie shake would likely top the list for sugar content per serving. However, the most potent example of pure sweetness comes from a scientifically engineered compound like Lugduname. The choice depends on your criteria for what qualifies as the ultimate "sweetest drink."
