Snapple is a popular brand of ready-to-drink tea and juice beverages. Some Snapple products like their iced teas contain alcohol while others do not. The amount of alcohol in Snapple varies depending on the specific product.
Snapple Products Containing Alcohol
Some Snapple products contain trace amounts of alcohol from the fermentation process used to make the drinks. The main Snapple products that contain alcohol are:
Snapple Iced Tea
Snapple’s line of iced teas including flavors like Lemon Tea, Peach Tea, and Raspberry Tea contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. This minute amount of alcohol comes from the natural fermentation of tea leaves and is comparable to the alcohol content found in a ripe banana. The alcohol content is so low it cannot legally be labeled as an alcoholic beverage.
Snapple Lemonade Tea
Snapple Lemonade Teas such as their Peach Lemonade Tea also contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume from the natural fermentation process. The lemonade is added after fermentation so the alcohol level remains very low.
Diet Snapple Iced Tea
Diet or calorie-free versions of Snapple iced tea contain the same trace amounts of alcohol from fermentation. For example, Diet Peach Tea has less than 0.5% alcohol.
Snapple Products Without Alcohol
Many Snapple products are made without going through a fermentation process so they contain no alcohol whatsoever:
Snapple Juice Drinks
Snapple juice drinks like their lemonade, fruit punch, pink lemonade, and other flavors contain no alcohol and are considered non-alcoholic.
Snapple Sodas
Snapple sodas including their cream soda, root beer, and other flavors also contain no alcohol.
Snapple Bottled Water
Snapple’s bottled water line including flavored waters like orange mango contain no alcohol.
Snapple Alcohol Content by Product
| Snapple Product | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|
| Snapple Iced Tea (all flavors) | Less than 0.5% ABV |
| Snapple Lemonade Tea | Less than 0.5% ABV |
| Diet Snapple Iced Tea (all flavors) | Less than 0.5% ABV |
| Snapple Juice Drinks | 0% ABV |
| Snapple Sodas | 0% ABV |
| Snapple Bottled Water | 0% ABV |
Factors Affecting Alcohol Content
The main factors that influence the alcohol content in Snapple iced teas are:
1. Tea Fermentation
The natural fermentation process of tea leaves produces low levels of alcohol in brewed Snapple tea. Longer fermentation leads to more alcohol.
2. Time
The longer Snapple tea sits after brewing, the more time the fermentation has to produce alcohol, increasing the levels slightly. Newly manufactured Snapple has lower alcohol than older bottles.
3. Temperature
Warmer temperatures accelerate fermentation and alcohol production in Snapple iced tea. Colder storage temperatures slow fermentation and limit alcohol formation.
4. Tea Blend
Some tea leaves or blends are more prone to natural fermentation and converting sugars to alcohol than others. The specific blend of teas in each Snapple product impacts alcohol levels.
Is Snapple Considered an Alcoholic Beverage?
No, Snapple is not considered an alcoholic beverage due to its negligible alcohol content. According to United States tax and trade laws, a beverage has to contain at least 0.5% ABV to be classified as alcoholic. Since Snapple contains less than 0.5% alcohol, even in their fermented iced tea products, it does not meet the legal criteria for an alcoholic beverage. Snapple can be sold to all ages.
Does Snapple Need to Be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not required for Snapple products from a food safety standpoint since the acidity and lack of alcohol prevent microbial growth. However, chilling Snapple is recommended to best preserve the flavor and achieve the proper temperature for enjoyment. An unrefrigerated bottle of Snapple may gradually lose carbonation and taste over time.
Does Snapple Go Bad?
Properly stored, unopened Snapple products typically maintain quality for 9-12 months. Over time, the colors, flavors, vitamin C content, and carbonation will degrade, causing a lower quality drink. Signs that Snapple has gone bad include a change in appearance, flat or off taste, and sour or yeasty smell. Once opened, Snapple should be consumed within a few days and kept refrigerated.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapple’s iced tea products contain a tiny amount of alcohol, less than 0.5% ABV, from the natural tea fermentation process. Other Snapple beverages like juice, soda, and water have no alcohol content. While present in trace quantities, the alcohol in Snapple does not legally qualify it as an alcoholic drink. Proper refrigeration after opening helps maintain the taste and quality of Snapple tea and juice drinks. An unopened bottle of Snapple stays fresh for about one year.