For many, Coca-Cola remains the most unhealthy soda. However, when we look at the quantity of sugar, it is not what comes out on top. According to several specialized health media, which rely on data from the International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk (ICCR), it is a very popular industrial iced tea which takes first place.
This is Nestea, marketed by Nestlé and The Coca-Cola Company. ICCR data shows that a bottle of this iced tea contains the equivalent of 9 cubes of sugar. On this point, the drink therefore surpasses the major soda brands. Behind her then come the “Monster”, “Tropico”, “Pepsi”, then “Coca-Cola” cans.
Why is Nestea so sweet?
According to data relayed by the International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk, a bottle of Nestea contains the equivalent of 9 cubes of sugar. For comparison, Monster has 8.4, Tropico 7.9, Pepsi 7.2 and Coca-Cola 7. This ranking is based solely on the quantity of added sugars.
If this result is surprising, it is because Nestea benefits from a healthier image than traditional sodas. Many consumers associate it with tea rather than a sweet drink. However, the Marmiton website points out that industrial iced teas often contain very little tea, but a lot of sugar. Their image is more natural, their composition is often much less so.
What are the risks associated with consuming such a drink?
Regular consumption of sugary drinks is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, overweight (even obesity) and cardiovascular disease. It also promotes excess cholesterol and inflammation. The media Demotivateur also reports that several studies link high consumption of sodas and an increased risk of depression. The risk comes mainly from repetition: drinking this type of drink every day can quickly increase your sugar intake.
The World Health Organization (WHO), for its part, recommends not exceeding 10% of daily energy intake in the form of free sugars, or approximately 50 g per day for an adult consuming 2,000 kcal. She even believes that it would be preferable to stay below 25 g per day. The 9 sugar cubes contained in a 50 cl bottle of Nestea therefore already represent a significant part of this limit.
How to reduce your sugar consumption?
The simplest thing is to reserve Nestea and all other sugary drinks for occasional consumption. To compare products, simply look at the carbohydrates “including sugars” line on the labels. On a daily basis, plain water or unsweetened homemade iced tea remain by far the best choices for the body.