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Sweetened iced tea is a refreshing, chilled beverage made by brewing black tea and then sweetening it with sugar or simple syrup before serving over ice. It is a staple drink in the American South, where it's often served by the gallon at meals and gatherings.
This drink is primarily a source of quick energy from carbohydrates in the form of added sugar, with negligible fat or protein. A typical 12-ounce serving can contain around 100-150 calories, almost entirely from sugar.
Culturally, it's a defining beverage of Southern hospitality, but nutritionally, its high sugar content has made it a focal point in public health discussions about sugary drink consumption.