Are you a fan of Twisted Tea? Do you enjoy sipping on this refreshing beverage on a hot summer day?
If so, you may be wondering about the ingredients that make up this popular drink. One ingredient that has been the subject of much debate is high fructose corn syrup.
Does Twisted Tea contain this controversial sweetener? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in Twisted Tea and answer the question once and for all.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn more about your favorite iced tea drink.
Does Twisted Tea Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
After examining the product label, we can confirm that Twisted Tea Original does indeed contain high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener is listed as the second ingredient, right after water.
High fructose corn syrup has been a topic of concern in recent years due to its potential negative health effects. Some studies have linked it to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
However, it’s important to note that Twisted Tea does not contain an excessive amount of high fructose corn syrup. The label lists it as the second ingredient, but it’s still behind water in terms of quantity.
Additionally, Twisted Tea does offer a non-alcoholic version that does not contain high fructose corn syrup. So if you’re looking to avoid this sweetener altogether, you can opt for the non-alcoholic version instead.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It is derived from corn starch, which is broken down into glucose by enzymes. To make HFCS, D-xylose isomerase is added to the corn syrup to convert some of the glucose into fructose.
HFCS comes in different formulations, with the most common forms containing either 42% or 55% fructose. HFCS 42 is mainly used in processed foods, cereals, baked goods, and some beverages, while HFCS 55 is primarily used in soft drinks.
HFCS has been compared to granulated sugar, but it is cheaper and easier to handle in manufacturing processes. While the United States Food and Drug Administration states that it is not aware of evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey, some studies have linked it to negative health effects such as obesity and diabetes.
It’s important to note that Twisted Tea Original does contain high fructose corn syrup, but it does not contain an excessive amount of it. If you’re looking to avoid this sweetener altogether, Twisted Tea does offer a non-alcoholic version that does not contain high fructose corn syrup.
The Controversy Surrounding High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup has been a controversial ingredient in the food industry for several years. Some experts have linked it to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and liver problems.
The debate began when two obesity researchers suggested in a 2004 study that high fructose corn syrup played a significant role in the global increase in obesity rates. The study analyzed 30 years of data and found that the consumption of high fructose corn syrup increased more than 1,000 percent during that time period, far exceeding changes in intake of any other food.
Opponents of high fructose corn syrup argue that it contributes to the nation’s obesity epidemic. A Princeton University study found that rats gained more fat on high fructose corn syrup than with sugar. Some national brands have even pulled it from their products altogether, and some stores make sure it’s kept out of their store-labeled brands.
On the other hand, the corn refiners who produce high fructose corn syrup defend it as being little different than table sugar, also called sucrose. They challenge the Princeton study, citing other research that found high fructose corn syrup is no more obesity-promoting than sucrose.
Despite the controversy, it’s important to note that high fructose corn syrup is not inherently bad for you in moderation. Too much of any sugar can be harmful to your health, and high fructose corn syrup is no exception. It’s recommended to consume it in limited quantities and to opt for products with less added sugars overall.
The Ingredients In Twisted Tea
Twisted Tea Original contains a variety of ingredients, including water, high fructose corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate, tea, caramel color, and sodium benzoate (as a preservative). The alcoholic version of Twisted Tea also contains malt liquor, while the non-alcoholic version does not.
In terms of flavorings, Twisted Tea uses a variety of fruits such as orange, lemon, and raspberry. Lemon juice concentrate is also included in the recipe. Both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Twisted Tea contain caffeine.
One potential concern with Twisted Tea is its sugar content. Depending on the flavor, each bottle can contain up to 23.3 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to seven teaspoons of sugar. This may be a cause for concern for individuals who are watching their sugar intake.
It’s worth noting that Twisted Tea prides itself on using high quality malt liquor as its alcohol ingredient. The company also uses natural tea flavors to give its beverages a unique taste. While Twisted Tea Original does contain high fructose corn syrup, it is not an excessive amount and can be avoided altogether in the non-alcoholic version.
Alternative Sweeteners Used In Twisted Tea
While high fructose corn syrup is used in Twisted Tea Original, the brand also offers a variety of flavors that use alternative sweeteners. For example, Twisted Tea Slightly Sweet uses real cane sugar and pure cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. This results in a smoother and less sweet taste compared to the Original flavor.
In addition to natural cane sugars, Twisted Tea also uses sucralose as an alternative sweetener in some of its flavors. Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is derived from sugar. It’s commonly used in many food and beverage products as a sugar substitute.
It’s important to note that while sucralose is generally considered safe for consumption, some people may experience side effects such as headaches, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about consuming artificial sweeteners.
The Health Effects Of High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup has been linked to numerous health issues when consumed in excessive amounts. Studies have shown that it can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, liver problems, high triglycerides, and gout.
One study conducted by the University of California, Davis found that consuming high fructose corn syrup or sucrose-sweetened beverages for just two weeks led to significant changes in liver fat and insulin sensitivity. Decreased insulin sensitivity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, which continues to increase globally.
Another study found that high fructose corn syrup increases appetite and promotes obesity more than regular sugar. It also contributes to inflammation, high triglycerides, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
While Twisted Tea does contain high fructose corn syrup, it’s important to note that it’s not an excessive amount. However, individuals should still be aware of their sugar intake and read labels carefully. Opting for the non-alcoholic version of Twisted Tea or other products that do not contain high fructose corn syrup may be a healthier choice for those concerned about their sugar intake.
