I Tried 10 Sweet Tea Brands - I Have Some Thoughts on Each

Sweet tea is more than just a drink; it’s a way of life for many. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or enjoying it with a meal, finding the perfect sweet tea is essential.

But with so many iced tea brands on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one stands out from the rest. That's why I decided to take matters into my own hands—or rather, my own taste buds—and try 10 different sweet tea brands. From household names to niche brands, I have some thoughts on each one.

As I delved into this taste test, I considered several factors: sweetness level, tea flavor, and overall refreshment. Each of these tea brands offers something unique, but not all of them hit the mark.

Whether you're looking for a traditional sweet tea or a twist on the classic, this guide will help you find the best option to satisfy your cravings.

In this article, I’ll break down my experience with each of these iced tea brands, highlighting what makes them worth trying—or not. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which tea brands deserve a spot in your refrigerator.

1. Lipton Iced Tea: A Timeless Classic

When it comes to iced tea brands, Lipton is practically synonymous with the drink. Their sweet tea offers a smooth and consistent flavor that’s neither too overpowering nor too subtle.

It strikes a good balance between tea and sweetness, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a classic iced tea experience.

Pros: Consistent flavor, widely available, good balance of tea and sweetness.

Cons: Some might find it too sweet, lacking in strong tea flavor.

2. Arizona Sweet Tea: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Arizona is one of the most recognizable tea brands, known for its large cans and affordable prices.

The sweetness level is moderate, and the tea flavor is light, making it a refreshing option for those on a budget. However, the tea taste might not be robust enough for some.

Pros: Affordable, large serving sizes, easy to find.

Cons: Light tea flavor, may not satisfy those who prefer stronger tea.

3. Pure Leaf Sweet Tea: Authentic and Refreshing

Pure Leaf has carved out a niche among iced tea brands by offering an authentic, fresh-brewed taste.

Their sweet tea is no exception, delivering a clean and natural flavor. It’s not overly sweet, which allows the tea’s natural flavors to come through, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts.

Pros: Fresh-brewed taste, not too sweet, no artificial flavors.

Cons: Slightly pricier, may not appeal to those who like their tea very sweet.

4. Gold Peak Sweet Tea: Home-Style Goodness

Gold Peak sweet tea aims to replicate the taste of homemade tea, and it comes pretty close. The tea flavor is prominent, and the sweetness is balanced, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional, home-brewed iced tea.

Pros: Strong tea flavor, balanced sweetness, available in various sizes.

Cons: Limited availability in some regions, mild sweetness may not satisfy everyone.

5. Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea: A Southern Staple

Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea is beloved in the South for its rich, robust tea flavor and perfect level of sweetness. It’s brewed fresh and contains no preservatives, offering a taste that’s close to homemade.

If you’re looking for an authentic Southern sweet tea experience, Milo’s is a top contender.

Pros: Strong, rich tea flavor, perfect sweetness, no preservatives.

Cons: Hard to find outside the South, might be too strong for some.

6. Nestea Sweet Tea: Light and Refreshing

Nestea has been a staple among iced tea brands for years, offering a lighter and more refreshing option for sweet tea lovers. The tea flavor is mild, and the sweetness is subtle, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less intense drink.

Pros: Light and refreshing, not overly sweet, widely available.

Cons: Mild flavor, may be too light for those who prefer stronger tea.

7. Snapple Sweet Tea: Bold and Sweet

Snapple is well-known for its wide range of beverages, and their sweet tea is no exception.

It offers a bold tea flavor paired with a satisfying level of sweetness. Snapple’s sweet tea is perfect for those who enjoy a drink with a strong flavor profile.

Pros: Bold tea flavor, satisfying sweetness, widely available.

Cons: May be too sweet for some, not as natural-tasting as other brands.

8. Sweet Leaf Tea: Organic and Flavorful

Sweet Leaf Tea is an excellent choice for those who prefer organic beverages. Made with real sugar and natural ingredients, this tea offers a rich flavor without any artificial aftertaste.

It’s a great option for those who want a more natural approach to their sweet tea.

Pros: Organic, rich flavor, natural ingredients.

Cons: More expensive, limited availability.

9. Tejava Iced Tea: For the Purists

Tejava offers a unique unsweetened iced tea that allows you to control the level of sweetness. While it’s not technically a sweet tea, it’s perfect for those who prefer to add their sweetener. The tea flavor is robust and satisfying, making it a great base for customization.

Pros: Strong tea flavor, unsweetened, customizable.

Cons: Not sweetened, requires additional sweetener.

10. Honest Tea Honey Green Tea: A Different Twist

Honest Tea takes a different approach with their Honey Green Tea. Instead of traditional black tea, this option uses green tea and a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s a lighter, less sweet option that’s perfect for those who want to try something a little different.

Pros: Unique flavor, lightly sweetened, organic.

Cons: May not appeal to traditional sweet tea lovers, more expensive.

Final Thoughts on These Iced Tea Brands

After trying these 10 sweet tea brands, it’s clear that there’s a wide range of flavors and styles available. Whether you prefer a classic like Lipton or want to try something organic like Sweet Leaf, there’s a tea brand out there for every taste.

For those who like a bold and sweet flavor, Snapple might be your best bet. If you’re looking for something more natural, Pure Leaf and Sweet Leaf offer excellent options.

And for those who prefer to keep things light and refreshing, Nestea and Honest Tea provide a great choice.

No matter your preference, there’s no shortage of iced tea brands to explore. So grab a glass, pour yourself some sweet tea, and find your favorite!