Sugar-free iced tea
Sugar-free iced tea is a chilled, refreshing beverage made by brewing tea (typically black or green) and serving it over ice without any added sweeteners. It's a popular, hydrating alternative to sugary sodas and juices, enjoyed worldwide but particularly iconic in the American South as 'sweet tea' made without the sugar. The base ingredients are simply tea leaves or bags, water, and ice, sometimes with a slice of lemon for garnish.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This drink is essentially calorie-free and contains no significant fat, protein, or carbohydrates, making it an excellent hydrating choice. Its key nutritional contribution is hydration and a modest amount of antioxidants from the tea itself, with a calorie count of nearly zero per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 2 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Fluoride | 0.3 mg |
| Polyphenols | Variable |
| Caffeine | 20-45 mg |
| Vitamin C | Trace (if lemon added) |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a health-conscious adaptation of traditional sweet tea, a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine. Nutritionally, it's unique as a zero-calorie, naturally flavored beverage that provides polyphenols (antioxidants) without any of the sugar or artificial additives found in many diet drinks.
