Beverages, NESTEA, tea, black, ready-to-drink, lemon
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
A chilled, ready-to-drink black tea with a bright lemon twist, this beverage offers a crisp, sweet-tart flavor profile with a smooth, liquid texture. It is a light, refreshing option that provides 36 calories per 100g, almost entirely from 9.09g of sugar, with no protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy lemon flavor that makes it a highly refreshing and thirst-quenching drink, especially on a hot day. It's a nostalgic, convenient staple that fits easily into a busy lifestyle, offering a familiar, comforting taste without the need for preparation.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (9.09g per 100g) can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for those monitoring their intake, such as individuals with diabetes or those seeking to reduce added sugars. To counteract this, practice strict portion control (e.g., a 118g serving), avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, or consider diluting it with water or ice to reduce the sugar per serving.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Offers a refreshing, hydrating alternative to plain water
- Contains antioxidants from black tea
- Convenient, no-brew beverage for on-the-go consumption
- Low in calories compared to many other sweetened drinks
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original NESTEA was launched in 1948 as a powdered mix, and its ready-to-drink bottled version became a global phenomenon, with the lemon flavor being one of the most iconic and widely recognized varieties worldwide.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 91.2 g |
| Energy | 36.0 kcal |
| Energy | 152 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.12 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 9.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 36.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 19.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 21.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.06 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.13 mg |
| Fluoride, F | 89.9 ug |
| Caffeine | 3.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Is this beverage suitable for a low-sugar diet?
No, it is not ideal for a low-sugar diet due to its 9.09g of sugar per 100g. Consider opting for a sugar-free or unsweetened version, or diluting it with water to reduce the sugar concentration per serving.
Does it contain caffeine?
Yes, as it is made from black tea, it contains caffeine, though the exact amount can vary. It may provide a mild energy boost but could affect those sensitive to caffeine.
Can it be used in cooking or baking?
While primarily a beverage, its sweet-tart lemon flavor can be used to enhance certain desserts, such as lemon tea cakes or as a liquid in sorbets, but it is not a traditional cooking ingredient.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.36 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 9.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.11 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.