Do my healthy beverages contain sugar?

The Sugar Content in Beverages You Thought Were Healthy

Many popular beverages, from sports drinks to flavored coffees, are loaded with hidden sugars. Let's look at the sugar content in drinks often consumed for health, hydration, or a quick pick-me-up.

Sports Drinks: More Sugar Than Sweat

After a challenging workout, you might reach for a sports drink like Gatorade to replenish electrolytes. But did you know that a 20-ounce bottle contains a whopping 21 grams of sugar?

That's more than 5 teaspoons. While sports drinks can be helpful for intense, prolonged exercise, most people are better off refueling with water and a balanced snack.

The Bitter Truth About Flavored Coffee

That vanilla latte or caramel macchiato might give you a morning boost but also a hefty dose of sugar. A 16-ounce Starbucks-flavored coffee can have up to 25 grams of sugar—that's over 6 teaspoons.

Opt for a regular coffee with a splash of milk, or try a sugar-free syrup to cut back on the sweet stuff.

Iced Tea's Hidden Sweetness

Iced tea is often seen as a healthier alternative to soda, but many commercially available options are far from innocent. A 16-ounce bottle can pack 33 grams of sugar - more than 8 teaspoons.

When craving a refreshing drink, try making your iced tea at home using unsweetened tea bags and adding a touch of honey or lemon for flavor.