Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea Nutrition Facts & Health Insights
Chick-fil-A’s Sweet Tea contains 140 calories, 0g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 34g sugars per medium serving, making it a sweet but high-sugar beverage option.
Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is a fan favorite, but how does it stack up nutritionally? This in-depth guide covers everything from calorie counts to sugar content and healthier alternatives. Learn what makes this Southern-style beverage both delicious and potentially concerning for some diets.
Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea Nutrition Breakdown
The classic Chick-fil-A sweet tea is brewed daily using real cane sugar. Here’s the detailed nutritional information for different serving sizes:
| Size | Calories | Sugar (g) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12oz (Kids) | 120 | 30 | 28 |
| 16oz (Small) | 160 | 40 | 37 |
| 20oz (Medium) | 200 | 50 | 47 |
| 32oz (Large) | 320 | 80 | 75 |
Key Ingredients
The sweet tea contains:
- Freshly brewed tea (water, tea leaves)
- Cane sugar
- Citric acid (for freshness)
Health Considerations
Sugar Content
A large Chick-fil-A sweet tea contains 80g of sugar – that’s 200% of the FDA’s recommended daily limit for added sugars. Consuming this much sugar regularly can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Increased diabetes risk
- Tooth decay
- Energy crashes
Caffeine Levels
With 75mg in a large, the caffeine content is moderate – about half a cup of coffee. This makes it a better choice than energy drinks for those sensitive to caffeine.
Healthier Alternatives at Chick-fil-A
1. Half & Half Tea
Mix sweet and unsweet tea to cut sugar in half. A large would then have 40g sugar instead of 80g.
2. Sunjoy®
This blend of diet lemonade and sweet tea reduces calories while maintaining flavor. A large has just 80 calories.
3. Unsweet Tea
Zero calories and sugar when ordered plain. Add your own sweetener to control intake.
How It Compares to Other Sweet Teas
Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is similar to other fast food versions:
- McDonald’s (32oz): 280 cal, 70g sugar
- Starbucks (24oz): 200 cal, 50g sugar
- Panera (30oz): 240 cal, 60g sugar
For a healthier homemade option, try cold brewing your own tea using a cold press juicer to extract maximum flavor with less bitterness.
Special Diet Considerations
For Diabetics
The high sugar content makes regular sweet tea a poor choice. Opt for unsweet or half-sweet versions.
Keto Diet
With 80g carbs in a large, sweet tea doesn’t fit keto macros. Try an iced coffee with heavy cream instead.
Weight Loss
At 320 calories, a large sweet tea can represent 16% of a 2000-calorie diet. Switching to unsweet could save 300+ calories daily.
Customization Options
Chick-fil-A offers several ways to modify your tea order:
- Ask for light ice to get more beverage
- Request half sweet/half unsweet
- Add lemon for flavor without calories
- Try Splenda or Stevia instead of sugar
Remember that nutrition can vary by location. Always check with your local restaurant for the most accurate information.
