ICED TEA

Common questions

Is ICED TEA healthy?

ICED TEA scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This iced tea contains organic black tea concentrate, which provides beneficial antioxidants, but it is also high in added sugars, which can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

How processed is ICED TEA?

ICED TEA is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive ICED TEA's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Organic Black Tea Concentrate, Ascorbic Acid count in its favor; Organic Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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ICED TEA

Sweet Leaf Tea Co.
60 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Sweet Leaf Tea Co.
Category Tea
Summary

This iced tea contains organic black tea concentrate, which provides beneficial antioxidants, but it is also high in added sugars, which can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes. The presence of 'natural flavors' adds to the lack of transparency in the ingredient list. Despite being organic, the product is highly processed, which limits its overall health score.

Key ingredients 6

Organic Black Tea Concentrate
Good

Organic black tea concentrate provides antioxidants such as flavonoids, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation. Being organic, it is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, enhancing its health profile. Black tea also contains caffeine, which can improve alertness and focus.

Risks

Excessive caffeine intake can lead to insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants that may support cardiovascular health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ascorbic Acid
Good

Vitamin C — beneficial even when serving as a preservative.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant properties and supports immune health, though typically in small amounts in processed foods.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient that serves as the base for the beverage. It is essential for hydration and does not contribute any calories or nutrients. The quality of water can vary, but it generally poses no health risks in this context.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in beverages. It is generally recognized as safe and naturally occurs in citrus fruits. However, in processed foods, it is often synthetically produced.

Risks

In rare cases, citric acid can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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Organic Cane Sugar
Bad

Organic cane sugar is a source of added sugars, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues like obesity and diabetes. Despite being organic, it still impacts blood sugar levels similarly to regular sugar. The high sugar content in beverages is a concern for overall health.

Risks

Excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

See more about Organic Cane Sugar →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are often used to enhance taste but lack transparency regarding their specific composition. They can include a variety of chemical compounds, which may not always be beneficial. The term 'natural' does not guarantee the absence of synthetic additives or allergens.

Risks

Potential allergens or synthetic additives may be present, posing risks for sensitive individuals.

See more about Natural Flavors →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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