BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE
BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE receives a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor) primarily due to its **added sugar** content. This beverage offers minimal nutritional benefits beyond hydration.
FoodScore: 41/100 (Poor) for BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE.
Contains 4.67g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
Classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), indicating a moderate level of processing.
Provides 0g of fiber and 0g of protein, offering minimal satiety.
Best consumed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage.
Scores +9 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0.83g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
4.67g
9% of Daily Value
Sodium
2mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (4.7g)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 41
BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE scores 41 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor influencing this score is the presence of added sugar. With 4.67 grams of added sugar per 100 grams, this beverage contributes a notable amount of discretionary calories without significant nutritional compensation. The ingredient list highlights organic cane sugar as the second ingredient, indicating its substantial presence. While it contains organic black tea and organic green tea, the overall formulation is categorized as NOVA class 3, signifying it is a processed food. This classification incurs a penalty in the FoodScore system, as highly processed foods often contain ingredients that may not align with optimal dietary patterns. Compared to the reference baseline of plain water or an unsweetened beverage, this BIGELOW product provides calories and sugar that are not present in the baseline, making it a less favorable choice for regular consumption from a nutritional standpoint. It offers negligible amounts of protein, fiber, and most micronutrients, with only 1% DV for Vitamin C per 100g.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bigelow home blend iced tea, half & half, lemonade actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Hydration Support
This BIGELOW beverage is primarily composed of purified water, making it a source of hydration. Adequate fluid intake is essential for various bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and organ function. While plain water is the optimal choice for hydration, flavored beverages like this can contribute to daily fluid goals for individuals who find plain water unappealing. It can be a refreshing option, particularly in warm weather or after light activity, helping to maintain fluid balance throughout the day.
Potential Antioxidant Contribution
The inclusion of organic black tea and organic green tea in BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA means it contains compounds with antioxidant properties. Teas are known for their polyphenols, which may help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress. While the concentration of these beneficial compounds in a prepared iced tea beverage may be lower than in freshly brewed tea, it still offers a minimal contribution. These antioxidants are part of a broader dietary pattern that supports overall health.
Flavorful Beverage Alternative
For individuals seeking a beverage with flavor, this product offers an alternative to sodas or other highly sweetened drinks. Its combination of tea and lemonade flavors can be a palatable option. While it contains added sugar, it might be a step down in sugar content compared to some full-sugar sodas, making it a potentially better choice for those looking to reduce their intake of extremely sugary beverages. It provides a distinct taste experience that can satisfy cravings for something other than water.
BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE receives a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor) primarily due to its added sugar content. This beverage offers minimal nutritional benefits beyond hydration.
How to eat it
BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE is typically consumed as a refreshing, ready-to-drink beverage. It's often enjoyed chilled, either on its own or alongside meals. Common portion sizes align with the serving size of 8 fluid ounces, but larger quantities can quickly increase added sugar intake.
To manage sugar intake, consider diluting this beverage with unsweetened iced tea or plain water.
Pair with a meal rich in fiber and protein, such as a salad with grilled chicken, to help moderate blood sugar response.
Use this as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to keep added sugars within dietary guidelines.
For a lower-sugar alternative, try brewing your own unsweetened tea and adding a slice of fresh lemon.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains organic cane sugar, which contributes to its added sugar content. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, should be mindful of the 4.67g of added sugar per 100g serving and factor this into their daily carbohydrate intake. While the caffeine content from the organic black tea and organic green tea is likely low in a prepared iced tea, sensitive individuals, including young children and pregnant women, might consider their overall caffeine consumption. The product does not list common allergens such as milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg, making it suitable for those avoiding these specific allergens.
Is BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE healthy?
With a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor), this BIGELOW product is not considered a healthy everyday beverage. Its primary drawback is the added sugar content (4.67g per 100g), which provides calories without significant nutritional benefits. While it offers hydration and some antioxidants from tea, it should be consumed in moderation.
How does BIGELOW HOME BLEND ICED TEA, HALF & HALF, LEMONADE compare to other iced teas?
Compared to unsweetened iced teas, this BIGELOW product contains significant added sugar. For instance, an unsweetened Lipton Pure Leaf Iced Tea would have 0g added sugar. Compared to full-sugar sodas, it might have slightly less sugar, but it still contributes to a high intake of discretionary calories. Always check the nutrition label for added sugar content when comparing beverages.
What is 'organic cane sugar' and why is it in this product?
Organic cane sugar is a sweetener derived from sugar cane, processed to retain some molasses. It is included in this product to provide sweetness and enhance flavor, characteristic of a 'half & half' lemonade iced tea. While 'organic,' it is still a form of added sugar and contributes to the overall caloric and sugar load of the beverage.
What is a reasonable portion size for this iced tea?
The declared serving size is 8 fluid ounces. Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of added sugar, which is 4.67g per 100g. Consuming larger portions or multiple servings throughout the day will significantly increase your daily added sugar consumption, potentially exceeding recommended limits.
Can I drink this if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
If you are actively trying to reduce your sugar intake, this BIGELOW product may not be the best choice due to its added sugar content. Consider opting for unsweetened teas, water with lemon, or other beverages with no added sugars. If you do choose to drink it, do so infrequently and in small portions.