AriZona Beverages is well known for its 99 cent tall cans of iced tea. The iconic bright green cans of AriZona Green Tea are a staple in gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery store beverage aisles across the United States. With its affordable price point and refreshing lightly sweetened taste, AriZona Green Tea has amassed a cult-like following over the past 30 years. But what exactly is in AriZona’s famous green tea? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information.
Ingredients
AriZona Green Tea contains the following ingredients:
Brewed Green Tea – The main ingredient in AriZona Green Tea is brewed green tea made from tea leaves. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that have been linked to various health benefits.
High Fructose Corn Syrup – AriZona Green Tea is lightly sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. HFCS is a liquid sweetener that is made from corn starch. It consists of glucose and fructose.
Citric Acid – Citric acid is added to enhance tartness and act as a preservative. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits.
Natural Flavors – “Natural flavors” refers to flavorings derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, roots, and meat rather than artificial chemicals. The exact components do not have to be disclosed.
Sodium Citrate – Sodium citrate is used as a buffering agent and preservative. It controls acidity levels.
Potassium Sorbate – Potassium sorbate is a preservative that prevents growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Ginseng Extract – AriZona Green Tea contains panax ginseng extract which is considered an adaptogen said to increase vitality.
Vitamin C – Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is added as an antioxidant.
Honey – Some varieties of AriZona Green Tea contain honey for additional sweetness.
Carbonated Water – Select varieties are made with carbonated water to give a bubbly, soda-like texture.
Guarana Extract – Some versions include guarana extract which is a natural caffeine source.
So in summary, the main ingredients in AriZona Green Tea are brewed green tea, corn syrup, and preservatives, plus flavorings, ginseng, vitamin C, and sometimes extras like honey, carbonation, and guarana.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for the classic AriZona Green Tea per 16 fluid ounce can:
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Potassium: 30mg
Total Carbs: 39g
Sugars: 36g
Protein: 0g
AriZona Green Tea has 39 grams of total carbohydrates per serving, which indicates it is high in carbohydrates and sugars compared to an unsweetened brewed green tea.
The majority of the carbs and calories in AriZona Green Tea come from the high fructose corn syrup. There is around 36 grams of sugar per 16 oz can.
The tea itself provides antioxidants from the green tea leaves, as well as a small amount of caffeine. Green tea contains beneficial plant compounds like catechins, polyphenols, and EGCG that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, brain-boosting, and metabolism-enhancing effects.
Sugar Content
One of the biggest concerns consumers have about AriZona Green Tea is the high sugar content. At 36 grams of sugar per 16 oz can, AriZona Green Tea has more sugar than most regular sodas.
For comparison, here is how much sugar is in AriZona Green Tea versus other popular beverages:
| Beverage | Sugar per 16 oz |
|---|---|
| AriZona Green Tea | 36g |
| Coca Cola | 39g |
| Pepsi | 41g |
| Dr. Pepper | 40g |
| Mountain Dew | 46g |
| Lipton Unsweetened Tea | 0g |
As you can see, AriZona Green Tea contains nearly as much sugar as a can of soda. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men. Considering one can of AriZona Green Tea already contains 36 grams, consumers should be mindful about limiting their intake to avoid consuming excess sugar.
HFCS Controversy
The high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in AriZona Green Tea is concerning to some health-conscious consumers trying to avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
HFCS is made by converting some of the glucose in corn syrup into fructose to produce a sweeter product. It is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages.
There is some controversy around the health effects of HFCS compared to regular sugar (sucrose). Critics argue HFCS negatively impacts metabolism and can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other problems. However, most mainstream health organizations consider HFCS and sucrose equally harmful in excess amounts. Both contain similar ratios of fructose and glucose.
That said, some consumers prefer to avoid HFCS due to the highly processed nature of the ingredient and pervasive use in Junk foods. Those concerned about their sugar consumption may want to limit beverages sweetened with HFCS like AriZona Green Tea.
Artificial Sweetener Varieties
In response to the criticism over AriZona Green Tea’s high sugar content, AriZona Beverages introduced lower calorie, diet versions sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
These alternative “Lite” and “Zero Calorie” versions contain the following sweeteners:
Aspartame – Aspartame is an artificial sweetener marketed as NutraSweet or Equal. It provides sweetness without calories but has been linked to headaches and other side effects in some individuals.
Sucralose – Sucralose, sold as Splenda, is an artificial sweetener made from sugar. It passes through the body undigested.
Acesulfame Potassium – Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, is a calorie-free artificial sweetener sometimes combined with aspartame.
Though these low-calorie AriZona teas avoid the issues with HFCS and sugar content, some people have concerns about consuming excessive amounts of artificial sweeteners.
Studies on aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium have shown them to be safe in moderation, though data on long-term high intakes is limited. Those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners can stick to the original, sweetened with HFCS.
Flavored Varieties
Beyond the classic AriZona Green Tea, AriZona offers a number of flavored green tea varieties:
Mango Green Tea – Made with a blend of brewed green tea, mango puree, and HFCS. Contains 160 calories and 38g sugar per can.
Watermelon Green Tea – Brewed green tea with watermelon juice and HFCS. 140 calories and 33g sugar per 16 oz.
Raspberry Green Tea – Sweetened green tea with added raspberry flavor and HFCS. 150 calories and 36g sugar per can.
Honey Green Tea – Brewed green tea with honey and HFCS for additional sweetness. 160 calories and 39g sugar per can.
Ginseng Green Tea – Green tea with ginseng extract. 150 calories and 36g sugar per 16 oz serving.
Pomegranate Green Tea – Blend of green tea and pomegranate juice. 170 calories and 40g of sugar per can.
These fruit and honey infused AriZona green teas provide variety at the same 99 cent price point. They contain similar amounts of added sweeteners as regular AriZona Green Tea.
Is AriZona Green Tea Healthy?
Due to the added sugars and preservatives, AriZona Green Tea is not the healthiest beverage choice. But it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Here are some pros and cons of drinking AriZona Green Tea:
Pros:
- Provides antioxidants from green tea
- Contains ginseng for an extra boost
- Low cost at only 99 cents per tall can
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Refreshing, slightly sweet taste
Cons:
- High in added sugars from HFCS
- Contains preservatives like potassium sorbate
- Not calorie or carb-free like plain green tea
- Excessive intake may lead to weight gain
- Unpasteurized, not as clean as homemade tea
For those looking to cut back on sweets or lose weight, unsweetened brewed green tea is the healthier choice. But the convenience and taste of AriZona make it an indulgent treat. Just be mindful of sugar content and portion size when sipping.
BPA in Cans
There has been some concern about AriZona Green Tea cans containing BPA (bisphenol A). BPA is an industrial chemical used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin can liners.
Exposure to BPA, particularly in infancy and childhood, has been linked to health problems including infertility, diabetes, and heart disease. Due to these concerns, manufacturers have been phasing out the use of BPA in materials that come in contact with food and beverages.
AriZona Beverages claims its cans have been BPA-free since 2008. The company says they use acrylic-based liners without bisphenols or epoxy-amine coatings. Independent testing has confirmed AriZona cans no longer leach BPA.
So you can feel confident drinking AriZona Green Tea straight from the can without risk of BPA exposure. For additional assurance, you can pour your tea into a glass or reusable bottle.
Brewed vs Bottled Tea
How does the nutrition and taste of AriZona Green Tea compare to making your own brewed tea at home?
Here are some key differences between pre-bottled and freshly brewed green tea:
Taste – Bottled tea like AriZona often has a sweeter, more sugary taste from added HFCS. Homebrewed tea with no sweetener has a purer, more delicate flavor.
Sugar & Calories – Pre-made bottled tea contains more added sugars and is higher in calories while homebrewed is unsweetened.
Convenience – Bottled tea is grab-and-go while brewing at home takes more time.
Cost – Bottled tea like AriZona costs around $1 per serving while homebrewed costs pennies.
Ingredients – Bottled tea has preservatives and thickeners while homemade contains only tea leaves and water.
Freshness – Brewed tea is freshest while shelf-stable bottled tea loses some flavor intensity over time after manufacture.
The choice comes down to a trade-off between convenience and optimal flavor/nutrition. For the healthiest choice, brew your own plain green tea and add sweetener sparingly as desired. But AriZona Green Tea provides a quick, inexpensive, and tasty option when you’re on the go.
Conclusion
AriZona Green Tea offers people an affordable, convenient way to enjoy a refreshing iced tea on the go. Though not as healthy as plain brewed green tea, it provides a solid dose of antioxidants and plant compounds from its tea ingredients. Just be aware of its high sugar content from added HFCS so you can make informed decisions about intake. Moderation and mindful drinking are key when sipping this sugary nostalgic favorite.