Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Snapple's Straight Up Teas

So I was in Publix when I saw these new flavors of Straight Up Tea from Snapple. I loved the packaging, and though there were three varieties — Unsweetened, Sorta Sweet, and Sweet — I bought only the Sorta Sweet and Sweet since I have never liked unsweetened bottled teas. And just so you know, I rarely — and I'm talking every-six-months-or-so rarely — use any sweetener at all in my tea!

That said, I was curious what the difference would be in Snapple's Sorta Sweet and Sweet teas. I tried the Sorta Sweet first. It tasted like wimpy sweet tea with a slight, slight lemony flavor. Was this tea supposed to be flavored? I didn't think so. The citric acid, maybe? I drank only half the bottle of this tea, but it turns out, if I'd had the whole bottle, I would have consumed 21 grams of sugar. By way of comparison, there are 20 grams of sugar in a Snickers bar. Friends, I would have much preferred the Snickers bar, even if I had to melt it and sip it out of a bottle.


The Sweet tea? I'm sorry to say I didn't bother to read the labeling until I got home and had drunk half the bottle — or more than a Snickers bar's worth — of this tea. Ironically, I didn't think this sugar-laden beverage tasted that sweet, and goodness knows it should have, considering all the sugar. At home, I drink my iced tea unsweetened, and I do not miss the sugar. In fact, in iced tea or hot tea, I like to taste the flavor of my tea, not the sugar. I do, however, like to try all the new bottled teas for the sheer novelty of them. These disappointing Snapple drinks, however, are going on the been-there-done-that list and won't be repeat purchases. Do you usually drink your tea, hot or iced, sweetened? I'm betting that many of us do not, so I'd love to hear your thoughts!


9 comments:

  1. I drink it both ways. I make it unsweetened at home, but occasionally I will buy the diet tea with the blue cap from Publix.

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  2. I'm from the South, but, rarely drink sweet iced tea. I have a cup of hot tea around 3 in the afternoon.
    Now my Honey, who's from the NW, drinks sweet, iced tea year round! I suspect, he really wishes he was from the South!!
    Shari in Columbus, GA

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  3. I usually put a little Stevia in mine, but probably the "sorta sweet" would have been a little too sweet for me. I'm trying to wean myself back to unsweet. I don't usually buy bottled tea, though, it's so easy to brew my own that I don't even bother with bottled!

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  4. No sweetening for me in hot or iced. I don't buy bottled tea, but interesting to read your review. That is a lot of sugar in that bottle.

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  5. No sugar for me please..I drink both hot and cold tea unsweetened.
    I do like the flavor of Lipton's peach tea, but oh, my...it's just toooo sweet for my tastes. The same goes for a lot of the flavored teas I've tried.
    Just plain tea for me please.

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  6. No sugar hot or cold. However I found with some fruity teas sugar brings out the flavor. Monks Blend is one of my favorites, a little sugar makes it tast even better!

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  7. I prefer my iced tea unsweetened. I haven't found a bottled one that I like, so your reviews of them are appreciated. When it comes to hot tea, I like it sweet--with sugar or honey or jam. Putting jam into tea is an old Russian tradition, and I especially like to use raspberry jam. I also like a slice of lemon in my hot tea whenever possible. I have never liked milk in hot tea.--from DCCardsFan

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  8. Very interesting post. I also would prefer to have a Snickers instead. I have yet to have a decent bottled ice tea. Fresh ice tea in the summertime is my preference especially while doing errands. Actually, MacDonald's unsweetened ice tea is refreshing depending on which location it is purchased.

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  9. I've never cared for Snapple. To me they have a weird aftertaste. When I drink iced black tea I prefer it sweet. I normally use Splenda.

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