The sweetest sweet tea is typically made with a high sugar content, often using Southern recipes that can include up to a cup of sugar per gallon.
Southern sweet tea is a cultural icon, but not all sweet teas are created equal. The sweetness level depends on sugar concentration, brewing methods, and brand formulations. We analyzed commercial brands and fast-food chains to determine which sweet tea truly delivers the most sugar-packed flavor.
The Science of Sweet Tea
Sweetness in tea is directly related to sugar concentration measured in molarity (M). Higher molarity means more sugar molecules per liter:
| Molarity | Sugar Concentration |
|---|---|
| 1M | 342g sugar per liter |
| 2.5M | 855g sugar per liter |
| 3M | 1026g sugar per liter |
| 3.1M | 1060g sugar per liter |
Commercial Sweet Tea Rankings
Based on sugar content and taste tests:
- Milo’s Sweet Tea (3.1M equivalent) – The Southern classic uses pure cane sugar
- Lipton Extra Sweet (3M equivalent) – Specially formulated for maximum sweetness
- Bojangles’ Legendary Iced Tea – Restaurant chain known for extra-sweet brew
Fast Food Sweet Tea Showdown
An Alabama taste test of 18 chains revealed:
Top Contenders
- Milo’s Hamburgers – “Oh-so-sweet with perfectly chewy ice”
- Bojangles’ – “Sweet and strong with distinctive flavor”
- Chick-fil-A – “Made with pure cane sugar”
Sweetness Failures
- Krystal’s – “Warm water with sugar sprinkled in”
- Burger King – “How Yankees imagine sweet tea”
- Taco Bell – “Best with vodka to mask the taste”
Making Extreme Sweet Tea at Home
For maximum sweetness:
- Use 2 cups sugar per gallon (creates ~3M solution)
- Add sugar to hot tea for complete dissolution
- Consider using simple syrup for consistent sweetness
For perfect tea-making equipment, check our guide to the best commercial blenders and best blenders for beverages.
Pro Tip
Super-sweet teas pair well with citrus flavors. Try adding lemon slices or orange zest to balance extreme sweetness while maintaining the sugar rush Southerners crave.
