10 Best Unsweetened Iced Tea, Ranked by Experts
Discovering the best unsweetened iced tea can elevate your refreshment game. Perfect for those who love a pure, crisp taste without added sugars, the right brew offers a delightful balance of flavor and refreshment. Let's explore the top picks that stand out in quality and taste.
Top Picks
Source: Amazon
Our pick: Luzianne Unsweetened Iced Tea Bags
Luzianne Unsweetened Iced Tea Bags are a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth, refreshing glass of iced tea without any added sweetness. This family-size pack includes 24 tea bags per box, and with six boxes in the pack, it offers plenty of tea for regular consumption.
Pros:
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Smooth and Crisp Flavor – Luzianne tea is specially blended for iced tea, resulting in a smooth and refreshing taste without bitterness. It has a clean finish that is perfect for those who enjoy classic iced tea.
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Consistently Fresh – The packaging ensures that the tea bags remain fresh, preserving the full-bodied flavor. Even after multiple brews, the tea maintains its quality.
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Easy to Brew – The tea bags are large enough to make a full pitcher with just one or two bags, depending on strength preference. The brewing process is simple, whether using hot water to steep before cooling or making cold brew tea.
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Affordable Bulk Packaging – This six-pack bundle is cost-effective, especially for households that drink tea frequently. It saves money compared to buying single boxes.
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No Artificial Ingredients – Since it is unsweetened, it contains no added sugars or artificial flavors, making it a healthier choice for those who prefer pure tea.
Cons:
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Requires Filtering for Best Clarity – Some users notice a small amount of tea sediment when brewing, especially with cold brew methods. While this does not affect flavor, filtering the tea before serving can help improve clarity.
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Not Individually Wrapped – The tea bags are not individually wrapped, which may be a downside for those who prefer extra freshness or portability. However, storing them properly in a sealed container helps maintain their quality.
Luzianne Unsweetened Iced Tea Bags are a solid choice for iced tea lovers who appreciate a smooth and refreshing brew without added sweeteners. It is easy to prepare, affordable in bulk, and delivers consistent quality. While it may not be the boldest black tea available, its mild and crisp profile makes it a great option for daily iced tea drinking.
Also great: Pure Leaf Iced Tea
Pure Leaf Unsweetened Real Brewed Tea is a convenient option for those who enjoy ready-to-drink iced tea without any added sugar, calories, or artificial ingredients. Packaged in 18.5 fl oz bottles and sold in a 12-pack, it is ideal for on-the-go refreshment or stocking up for regular tea drinkers.
Pros:
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Authentic Tea Flavor – Made from real brewed tea leaves rather than tea concentrate, it has a natural, crisp taste without bitterness. The flavor is clean and smooth, similar to freshly brewed tea.
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No Sugar or Calories – A great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to sweetened beverages. It allows drinkers to enjoy tea without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
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Convenient and Ready-to-Drink – The individual bottles are easy to take on the go, making them perfect for work, travel, or outdoor activities. No need to brew or prepare anything.
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No Artificial Ingredients – The ingredient list is simple and natural, which appeals to those who prefer minimally processed drinks.
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Good Shelf Life – The bottles have a decent shelf life, making it easy to stock up without worrying about quick expiration.
Cons:
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Plastic Bottles – While convenient, the plastic packaging may not be ideal for those looking for more environmentally friendly options. However, the bottles are recyclable.
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Not as Strong as Homemade Brew – While the taste is smooth, some tea enthusiasts may find the brew to be on the lighter side compared to traditional homemade iced tea.
Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea is an excellent choice for those who want a convenient, zero-calorie, and sugar-free iced tea with an authentic brewed taste. It is refreshing, natural, and perfect for anyone looking to cut down on sugary drinks. While it may not have the same depth of flavor as homemade iced tea, its convenience and clean ingredient list make it a worthwhile option.
Also great: Gold Peak Tea
Gold Peak Real Brewed Unsweetened Black Tea offers a smooth and refreshing tea experience without any added sugar or calories. Made from high-quality tea leaves, it delivers a natural, clean taste that resembles homemade iced tea. This pack includes six 16.9 fl oz bottles, making it a convenient option for on-the-go tea lovers.
Pros:
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Authentic Brewed Flavor – The tea has a natural, well-balanced taste, free from artificial additives or concentrates. It is smooth without being too strong or too weak.
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Zero Sugar & Zero Calories – A great option for those who want a refreshing beverage without added sweeteners or extra calories.
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Convenient Bottled Format – The 16.9 fl oz bottles are portable, making them easy to carry to work, the gym, or while traveling.
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Consistent Quality – Unlike homemade tea, which can vary in strength, Gold Peak provides a consistent taste with every bottle.
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No Artificial Preservatives – The ingredient list is simple, appealing to those who prefer a clean, natural beverage.
Cons:
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Milder Flavor Compared to Some Brands – While smooth, the tea might taste weaker for those who prefer a bolder black tea experience.
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Best Served Cold – The flavor is best when chilled, and drinking it at room temperature may make it taste slightly flat.
Gold Peak Real Brewed Unsweetened Black Tea is an excellent option for those who want a smooth, refreshing iced tea without any sugar or calories. It offers convenience and a clean, natural taste, making it a great alternative to sugary drinks. While it may not be as strong as homemade or some other brands, its consistent quality and convenience make it a reliable choice for iced tea lovers.
- KR Score9.6
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- BrandLuzianne
- KR Score9.4
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- BrandPure Leaf
- KR Score9.4
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- BrandGold Peak
- KR Score9.4
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- BrandPure Leaf
- KR Score9.4
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- BrandLipton
- KR Score9.2
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- BrandPure Leaf
- KR Score9.2
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- BrandITO EN
- KR Score9.0
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- BrandPure Leaf
- KR Score9.0
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- Brand365 by Whole Foods Market
- KR Score8.8
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- Brand365 by Whole Foods Market
Last update on 2025-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yes, unsweetened iced tea is generally better for you compared to its sweetened counterpart. Unsweetened iced tea is a calorie-free beverage, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. It also doesn't contain any added sugars, which can contribute to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. By choosing unsweetened iced tea, you can enjoy these benefits without the negative effects of added sugars.
What Brand of Iced Tea is Healthiest?
When it comes to the healthiest brand of iced tea, look for options that are organic, free from artificial flavors and preservatives, and contain no added sugars. Some of the top choices include:
- Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea: Known for its pure, natural ingredients and rich flavor without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Honest Tea Organic Unsweetened Iced Tea: Offers a variety of organic tea flavors that are unsweetened and free from artificial additives.
- Tejava Original Black Tea: A single-origin, unsweetened iced tea with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
What is the Best No Sugar Sweetener for Iced Tea?
The best no-sugar sweeteners for iced tea are natural alternatives that provide sweetness without adding calories or artificial chemicals. Some of the top choices include:
- Stevia: A natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It's calorie-free and much sweeter than sugar, so a small amount goes a long way.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: Extracted from monk fruit, this sweetener is also calorie-free and has a clean, sweet taste without any bitterness.
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It provides sweetness without calories and doesn't cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
How Do You Make Unsweetened Iced Tea Taste Better?
If you find unsweetened iced tea too plain, there are several ways to enhance its flavor naturally:
- Add Fresh Fruits: Slices of lemon, lime, orange, or berries can infuse your tea with a refreshing fruity flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Mint, basil, or rosemary can add a unique and aromatic twist to your iced tea.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or a few slices of ginger can provide warmth and depth to your iced tea.
- Cold Brewing: Cold brewing tea can result in a smoother, less bitter flavor compared to traditional brewing methods.
How Do You Make Tea Taste Sweet Without Sugar?
If you want your tea to taste sweet without adding sugar, here are some tips:
- Use Natural Sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol can provide sweetness without the calories and blood sugar spike.
- Add Sweet Spices: Cinnamon or vanilla can give your tea a naturally sweet flavor.
- Fruit Infusion: Adding fruits like apple slices, berries, or citrus fruits can impart a sweet taste to your tea.
- Coconut Water: Mixing a small amount of coconut water with your iced tea can add a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor.
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10 The Best Iced Tea, Expert Reviews
Top 10 The Best Bottled Iced Tea
10 Best Iced Tea Bags, Tested & Review
Best Unsweetened Tea, Easy To Use
In conclusion, the best unsweetened iced tea offers a refreshing, pure taste without added sugars, making it a great choice for health-conscious tea lovers. Whether you prefer classic black tea, green tea, or herbal blends, there’s an option to suit every palate. Choose a brand with quality ingredients and a smooth, crisp flavor for the perfect guilt-free refreshment.