12 Popular Drinks That Are Way More Sugar Than You Realize
Many drinks that seem like a tasty pick-me-up can contain more sugar than you realize. Hidden sugars add up fast, making it easy to go over your daily limit without noticing.
Knowing which beverages are loaded with sugar can help you make smarter choices for your well-being. Once you know what to look for, you can keep your sugar intake in check.
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

A Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino blends coffee, milk, ice, and caramel syrup. It’s finished with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
This drink’s sweetness comes from both the syrup and the caramel topping. Customizing your order with less syrup or skipping the whipped cream can lighten up the sugar content.
Tropical Smoothies Mango Magic Juice

Mango Magic from Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a creamy blend of mango, pineapple, and yogurt. It tastes like a tropical treat.
Some versions can have up to 81 grams of sugar per serving, mostly from fruit and added sweeteners. Making your own smoothie at home with fresh fruit and no extra sugar can be a healthier option.
Red Bull Energy Drink

The original Red Bull contains a significant amount of sugar. Drinking it regularly can make your sugar intake add up fast.
Red Bull also offers sugar-free options with artificial sweeteners like sucralose. These provide the energy boost without the extra sugar.
Coca-Cola Classic Soda

A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic has about 39 grams of sugar. That’s more than the American Heart Association recommends for most people in a day.
This soda is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or sucrose. It’s easy for this drink to push you past your daily sugar limit.
Snapple Peach Tea

Snapple Peach Tea contains over 40 grams of sugar per bottle. The sweetness comes from real cane sugar.
Snapple now offers a Zero Sugar Peach Tea, which keeps the peach flavor without the sugar. Checking the label helps you keep your sugar intake in check.
Minute Maid Lemonade
A 12-ounce cup of Minute Maid Lemonade contains about 36 to 40 grams of added sugar. The sweetness comes from high fructose corn syrup.
Minute Maid offers lower-sugar options, like Zero Sugar and Light Lemonade. These give you the classic flavor with less sugar.
McDonald’s Sweet Tea

A medium McDonald’s sweet tea has about 38 grams of sugar. The tea is brewed hot, allowing a lot of sugar to dissolve.
The result is a very sweet, syrupy drink. Knowing this can help you decide if you want it as an occasional treat or opt for something with less sugar.
Vitamin Water Squeeze Orange
Vitamin Water Squeeze Orange may seem like a healthy choice. It contains added sugar that can add up quickly.
This drink also provides vitamin C and zinc to support your immune system. The sugar content is still higher than plain water or zero-sugar drinks.
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee

An iced coffee from Dunkin’ can seem like a simple choice. Many popular versions pack a surprising amount of sugar.
Adding flavor swirls like caramel or French vanilla increases the sugar content. Some drinks have over 100 grams of sugar.
If you want less sugar, ask for fewer pumps of syrup or skip sweeteners. This keeps the flavor but cuts down on sugar.
Naked Green Machine Smoothie

The Naked Green Machine smoothie is made from real fruit and vegetables, with no added sugar. It still contains about 35 grams of sugar per bottle.
Most of the sugar comes from the fruit itself. Watch your portion size if you’re keeping an eye on sugar.
Pepsi-Cola Soda

A 12-ounce can of Pepsi contains about 42 grams of sugar. That’s more than the daily limit recommended for women.
Pepsi has no protein or fiber, so the sugar calories don’t keep you full. Being aware of the sugar in your favorite drinks helps you make choices that fit your goals.
Arizona Arnold Palmer Half & Half
Arizona Arnold Palmer Half & Half combines iced tea and lemonade for a unique flavor. It’s a popular choice for a refreshing drink.
However, this beverage can contain more sugar than you might expect. Even though it tastes light and fruity, the sweetened versions pack a noticeable sugar punch.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, check the label carefully. There are lower-calorie options like the Diet Arnold Palmer, which still gives you that familiar flavor with fewer sugars.







