It’s widely acknowledged that water is the most hydrating and healthiest beverage choice. However, cravings for something different can lead you to various options. From fruit juices to ready-made coffee and sodas, choices abound, but many of these drinks are laden with sugar—sometimes even more than what’s found in candy bars.
As per the American Heart Association, men should limit their intake of added sugars to no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) each day, while women should aim for no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories). Many sugary beverages exceed these recommendations by a significant margin.
Although numerous drinks are marketed as refreshing or energizing, many are deceptively high in sugar. To help navigate the drink aisles in grocery stores, Eat This, Not That! has compiled a list ranking the 12 unhealthiest drinks based on sugar content, from the least to the most alarming.
<h2><span>Pepsi</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Pepsi" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 can)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 150<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 30mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 41g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 41g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.pepsicoproductfacts.com/Home/Product?formula=35005*26*01-01&form=RTD&size=12" target="_blank">Pepsi</a> may be a soda classic, but it's essentially a sugar bomb. One bottle contains as much sugar as <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.nutritionix.com/food/oreo-cookies" target="_blank">eight Oreo cookies</a>.</p>
<h2><span>AriZona Green Tea</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="AriZona Green Tea" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (20 oz bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 170<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 0mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 43g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 42g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/arizona-green-tea/ID=300440987-product?ext=gooFY23_GOO_RET_RETAILDEMANDGEN_Performance+Max+-+Grocery_REV_SRC_PMAX_PMAX_NA_PMAX_ENG__pla_with_promotion_local&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18146674215&gbraid=0AAAAAD7MwhQnjoI8z_etyq5OS30guYeTu&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjo7DBhCrARIsACWauSl-poY54D2i612lBPze8aVxG4ssBv8VDLxYa32KQQo2eQoK981HDWYaAjr6EALw_wcB" target="_blank">AriZona Green Tea</a> tricks consumers into thinking it’s healthy. In reality, it’s more like sugary water with a hint of tea. Drinking a whole bottle puts you nearly double over the daily recommended sugar intake for women. Additionally, it contains high fructose corn syrup, associated with various health issues like weight gain and heart disease according to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-high-fructose-corn-syrup" target="_blank">Cleveland Clinic</a>.</p>
<h2><span>Barq’s Root Beer</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Barq’s Root Beer" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 can)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 180<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 65mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 44g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 44g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p>Barq’s Root Beer brings nostalgic vibes yet packs a hefty dose of sugar, including high fructose syrup. Additionally, it contains caffeine which may surprise some consumers.</p>
<h2><span>Welch’s Grape Concord Juice</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Welch’s Grape Concord Juice" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 180<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 15mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 46g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 44g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 1g</p>
<p>A bottle of <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.qfc.com/p/welch-s-100-concord-grape-juice/0004180033711#:~:text=Gluten%20Free,Vitamin%20C90mg100%25" target="_blank">Welch’s Grape Concord Juice</a> may sound like a child’s drink, but it’s essentially liquid candy for adults.</p>
<h2><span>Mountain Dew</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Mountain Dew" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 170<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 60mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 46g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 46g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p>If your drink emits an unnatural glow, it's probably not doing your body any favors. <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.haggen.com/shop/product-details.960020469.html" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> packs a hefty amount of sugar alongside high caffeine levels, creating a double threat to your metabolism.</p>
<h2><span>Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 270<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 4.5g (Saturated fat: 3g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 140mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 48g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 46g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 10g</p>
<p>While undeniably delicious, a <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.pepsicoproductfacts.com/Home/Product?formula=STARFRAP_M_100203&form=RTD&size=13.7" target="_blank">Starbucks Frappuccino</a> is essentially a sugar rush, surpassing even many dessert items in sugar content.</p>
<h2><span>Naked Blue Machine Juice</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Naked Blue Machine Juice" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 270<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 20mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 64g (Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 52g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 2g</p>
<p>Naked Blue Machine Juice may market itself as a health choice, but it primarily consists of fruit syrup. Its concentrated ingredients can spike blood sugar similarly to soda.</p>
<h2><span>Naked Green Machine Juice</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Naked Green Machine Juice" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 270<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 25mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 63g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 53g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 4g</p>
<p>The label on <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.nakedsmoothie.com/our-products/machines/green-machine" target="_blank">Green Machine</a> might shout "healthy," but it is heavily concentrated with fruit and lacks the actual nutrition you'd expect from greens. Whole fruits and vegetables are much better options.</p>
<h2><span>AriZona Real Brewed Sweet Tea Southern Style</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="AriZona Real Brewed Sweet Tea Southern Style" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (container)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 220<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 0mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 54g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 53g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p>AriZona's oversized cans may appear affordable, but they are often sugar traps. One can of <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.target.com/p/arizona-southern-style-sweet-tea-20-fl-oz/-/A-94436043#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Real Brewed Sweet Tea Southern Style</a> can deliver more than double the daily sugar allowance per typical serving.</p>
<h2><span>Monster Energy Drink</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Monster Energy Drink" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (1 can)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 230<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 370mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 54g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 54g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p>Monster drinks might seem like they give you wings, but the 54 grams of added sugar can lead to a severe energy crash. The additional stimulants may turn a simple drink into a jittery experience.</p>
<h2><span>Naked Mighty Mango Juice</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="Naked Mighty Mango Juice" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (15.2 oz bottle)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 290<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 20mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 68g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 57g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 2g</p>
<p>Naked Mighty Mango brings an overwhelming amount of sugar, more than a <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.snickers.com/products/chocolate/snickers-singles-size-chocolate-candy-bars-186-oz-bars" target="_blank">Snickers bar</a> and an 8 oz can of <a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/faq/ingredients#accordion-48d148dcfb-item-3b445d2be1" target="_blank">Coke</a> combined.</p>
<h2><span>AriZona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey</span></h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://via.placeholder.com/640x469" alt="AriZona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey" loading="lazy" />
<figcaption><span class="credit">Walmart</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Nutrition</strong>: per serving (23 fl oz)<br /><strong>Calories</strong>: 260<br /><strong>Fat</strong>: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)<br /><strong>Sodium</strong>: 20mg<br /><strong>Carbs</strong>: 68g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 68g)<br /><strong>Protein</strong>: 0g</p>
<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer external" href="https://drinkarizona.com/products/green-tea-20oz-tallboy?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=a87007450&pr_rec_pid=9789367550226&pr_ref_pid=9780510097682&pr_seq=uniform&selling_plan=692275478802" target="_blank">AriZona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey</a> claims the title of the unhealthiest drink available. Many consumers mistakenly believe it's healthy, but one serving can contain two to three days' worth of sugar.</p>
<p>This beverage contains high fructose corn syrup—an artificial sweetener heavily linked to various health issues, including obesity and fatty liver disease. While boasting a small amount of honey and vitamin C, the minuscule ginseng content doesn’t mitigate the detrimental sugar overload. What is meant to be a light, antioxidant-rich drink essentially acts more like a dessert.</p>Frequently Asked Questions
- What are healthier alternatives to sugary drinks?
- Consider drinking water, herbal teas, or homemade smoothies with fresh fruits.
<dt>How much sugar should I consume daily?</dt>
<dd>The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6-9 teaspoons of added sugar per day.</dd>
<dt>Can fruit juices be healthy?</dt>
<dd>While fruit juices can provide vitamins, they often contain high sugar levels and should be consumed in moderation.</dd>
<dt>What are the effects of high fructose corn syrup?</dt>
<dd>High fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity and various metabolic disorders.</dd>
<dt>Are energy drinks safe?</dt>
<dd>Energy drinks can be high in sugar and caffeine, which may lead to health issues like increased heart rate and anxiety.</dd>
<dt>Is it better to eat whole fruits than drink fruit juice?</dt>
<dd>Yes, consuming whole fruits provides fiber and reduces the sugar spike often associated with juices.</dd>
<dt>How can I reduce my sugar intake?</dt>
<dd>Read nutrition labels, choose whole foods, and opt for unsweetened beverages whenever possible.</dd>
</dl>
