Discover Helpful Twisted Tea Nutrition Facts - Blue Collar Nutrition

National Blue Collar Day is today! Save $20 on any order use code: bluecollar FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $75 OR MORE

November 09, 2024 8 min read

If you're anything like me, you've probably found yourself standing in front of the cooler at your local grocery store, eyeing that neon-blue can of Twisted Tea and wondering if it's as refreshing as it looks--or if it's just a sneaky way to get a little alcohol into your iced tea without anyone noticing.

But here's the thing: while Twisted Tea might look like just another fun, fruity drink, there's more going on inside that can than you might think. Whether you're casually sipping on a beach day or enjoying it with friends at a barbecue, it's important to understand what's going into your body.

In this article, we'll break down some helpful Twisted Tea nutrition facts, so you can be well-informed before cracking open that can. We'll cover everything from calories to sugar content, alcohol levels, and even some tips on how to enjoy Twisted Tea responsibly (because hey, knowledge is power!). So, grab a seat, maybe a cold one, and let's dive into the details!

What Is Twisted Tea?

Before we get to the nutrition facts, let's quickly talk about what Twisted Tea actually is. At its core, Twisted Tea ingredients include:

  • Water
  • Tea
  • Barley Malt
  • Citric Acid
  • Glucose
  • Fructose
  • Natural and Artificial flavors

It's often served cold and carbonated, with flavors ranging from the original lemon to peach, raspberry, and even mango varieties. Basically, it's everything you'd want in a refreshing drink, with the added benefit of alcohol.

Twisted Tea has gained a pretty solid following over the years, especially in the summertime, and has become a go-to for people who enjoy the taste of iced tea but are looking for a little more kick. And while it's a fantastic option for relaxing, we still need to take a closer look at what's inside to make sure you're sipping responsibly. 

Twisted Tea Nutrition Facts Overview

Here are the basic nutrition facts for a standard 12-ounce can of Twisted Tea Original (keep in mind that nutrition will vary slightly depending on the flavor you choose):

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Alcohol Content: 5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

So, you can see right away that Twisted Tea isn't exactly a low-calorie beverage. But we'll get into the specifics of what's contributing to that calorie count in just a moment. For now, let's break down each of these components and explore how they impact your drink and your health.

Twisted Tea Calories: 220 Per 12oz Can

Let's start with the most obvious number here: calories. A 12-ounce can of Twisted Tea packs a punch with 220 calories. While this might not be as calorie-heavy as some other alcoholic drinks (looking at you, sugary cocktails), it's still something to consider if you're keeping an eye on your daily intake. But why is the calorie count so high?

A big chunk of those 220 calories comes from the sugar content, which we'll talk more about in the next section. The fact that Twisted Tea is a malt-based beverage (meaning it's brewed with malted barley, just like beer) also adds a few calories, even though it's not as heavy as a full beer. Still, if you're watching your waistline, you might want to enjoy Twisted Tea in moderation, especially if you plan on having more than one.

Now, if you're looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you might want to check out the Twisted Tea Light version, which comes in at around 120 calories per can (less sugar, fewer carbs). But for the original flavor, 220 calories is the ballpark number to expect.

Twisted Tea Sugar Content: 22 Grams

Sugar is the next key player in the Twisted Tea game. A 12-ounce can of the original Twisted Tea contains 22 grams of sugar, which is a significant amount. For reference, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men, meaning a single can of Twisted Tea takes up most of your daily sugar allowance. Yikes!

The sugar in Twisted Tea primarily comes from the added sweeteners used to balance out the bitter and sometimes slightly astringent taste of the tea. Malted barley also contributes some sugars, though these are fermented to create alcohol, which means you're not tasting the full sugar content that you'd find in, say, a soda or juice. Still, 22 grams of sugar is quite a bit, so if you're concerned about your sugar intake, it's something to keep in mind.

The sugars in Twisted Tea aren't the natural sugars you'd find in, say, fruit, but rather refined sugars that are added to make the beverage sweeter. If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, Twisted Tea Light has 4 grams of sugar per can, which is a much more modest amount. Or, you can look into other low-sugar options like hard seltzers or straight-up iced tea with a splash of liquor (if you're going the DIY route).

Carbohydrates: 27 Grams Per Can

In addition to the 22 grams of sugar, each 12-ounce can of Twisted Tea also contains 27 grams of carbohydrates. This is another important consideration, especially for those who are watching their carb intake-whether because they're following a low-carb diet like Keto or simply trying to eat healthier. Most of these carbs come from the same sugars we just mentioned, so if you're cutting out sugar, you're also cutting out carbs.

Since Twisted Tea is based on malt, it behaves a bit like beer in terms of its carb content. Beer is made from grains (typically barley), and those grains contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates. Twisted Tea isn't as carb-heavy as some beers, but it still falls into that same category.

For comparison, a light beer might have around 5-10 grams of carbs, so Twisted Tea definitely comes in higher. This carb content is also why Twisted Tea isn't typically considered a "diet" beverage. If you're managing your carbs or calories, it's best to keep track of how many cans you're enjoying and how that fits into your daily total.

Sodium: 10mg Per Can

If you're concerned about sodium in your diet, you'll be happy to know that Twisted Tea isn't loaded with it. At just 10 milligrams per can, the sodium content is relatively low. Most of the sodium comes from the process of brewing the tea and is a natural part of the malt beverage.

The low sodium content means that Twisted Tea is a good choice if you're avoiding salty foods or watching your blood pressure. Just keep in mind that you'll probably find more sodium in things like chips or salty snacks, so if you're pairing your Twisted Tea with a side of potato chips, you'll need to account for the sodium from both sources.

Alcohol: 5% ABV

Twisted Tea is classified as a "hard tea" because it contains alcohol, and each can has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%. That's comparable to a standard beer, which typically falls between 4% and 6% ABV. So, if you've been eyeing that Twisted Tea for a bit of a buzz, you're looking at a moderate alcohol content-enough to enjoy, but not enough to leave you stumbling after one can (unless, of course, you're a lightweight).

The 5% ABV makes Twisted Tea a great choice if you're looking for something easy-drinking that doesn't require too much thinking. But remember: while it may taste like sweet, refreshing iced tea, it's still alcohol, and drinking responsibly is important.

Twisted Tea Varieties: What's Different?

Now that we've covered the basics, you might be wondering about the various flavors of Twisted Tea and whether they differ in terms of nutrition. Here's a quick rundown of the most popular Twisted Tea varieties:

  • Twisted Tea Original: 220 calories, 22g sugar, 5% ABV
  • Twisted Tea Light: 120 calories, 4g sugar, 5% ABV
  • Twisted Tea Half & Half: 220 calories, 23g sugar, 5% ABV (this is a lemon tea and sweet tea mix)
  • Twisted Tea Peach: 220 calories, 22g sugar, 5% ABV
  • Twisted Tea Mango: 220 calories, 22g sugar, 5% ABV

The main differences here are in flavor and sugar content. The "Light" version is the obvious winner if you're cutting back on sugar, while the fruit-flavored varieties like peach and mango offer a sweeter twist on the original. The calorie and sugar content is largely the same across the board, so if you're really craving a fruity taste, the fruit-flavored versions will hit the spot.

So, you've been enjoying a cold, refreshing Twisted Tea on a hot summer day, and maybe you've had that thought: Is this actually good for me? I mean, it's got tea in it, and tea is supposed to be healthy, right? So surely mixing that with a little alcohol can't hurt... right?

Well, let's dive into the potential health benefits of drinking Twisted Tea. I'm not saying it's a miracle beverage, but there are a few things we can discuss. So grab your can, take a sip, and let's get into it.

1. It's Tea, and Tea is Good for You... Kinda

Twisted Tea is made with brewed tea, and regular tea (whether black, green, or herbal) is known for being packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants, like polyphenols, are thought to help fight free radicals in your body.

An excess of free radicals can cause harm to DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, potentially leading to a higher likelihood of developing cancer and other illnesses. Studies have linked antioxidants to a variety of health benefits, including gut health, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

So, in theory, a little tea in your Twisted Tea could contribute to some of these benefits--though it's hard to say how much actual tea is in each can, and the alcohol probably cancels out some of the goodness.

2. It's Hydrating (Sort of)

We know that staying hydrated is important, but can Twisted Tea help with that? Maybe! After all, the base of Twisted Tea is brewed tea, which is made with water. Drinking water is vital for hydration, and the tea itself can technically help in that department.

But here's the kicker: Twisted Tea also contains alcohol, which is a diuretic--meaning it encourages your body to expel more water. So, while it might contribute to hydration initially if you're drinking a few cans in one sitting, it might have the opposite effect in the long run. Basically, don't use Twisted Tea as your primary hydration source.

3. The Mental Boost (Thanks, Alcohol)

This one is less about Twisted Tea benefits to your body and more about your mood: The alcohol content in Twisted Tea (5% ABV) might give you a little boost in relaxation or mood elevation, which some people find beneficial for mental health. Of course, too much alcohol can have the opposite effect, so moderation is key. But hey, if you're sipping responsibly, a little liquid courage and relaxation never hurt anyone.

Conclusion: Not Exactly a Health Drink

So, does Twisted Tea have health benefits? Well, not really in the sense of being a superfood or a health tonic. But in moderation, it can be an enjoyable way to unwind with a little bit of tea, a little bit of booze, and some fleeting mental clarity. Just remember-drinking responsibly is the real key to keeping things healthy.

Twisted Tea-A Refreshing Choice With Some Considerations

Twisted Tea is a refreshing and fun alternative to beer and sugary cocktails, but it's important to be aware of what you're drinking. With 220 calories, 22 grams of sugar, and 27 grams of carbs per can, Twisted Tea nutrition facts aren't the lightest drink in the fridge. However, if you're craving a sweet, boozy iced tea experience, Twisted Tea hits the mark.

Having said that, effectively managing your energy levels involves taking a comprehensive approach that involves proper nourishment, supplement intake, and lifestyle modifications. From crucial vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin D to amino acids, each nutrient contributes to revitalizing your body.

If you're looking to regain control of your energy levels and return to a state of normalcy, look into the assortment of top-notch vitamins and supplements provided by Blue Collar Nutrition. Take a look at our Energy Supplements to boost your day and improve your overall health.

Leave a comment