FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidbeverageSMART SENSE· 12 OZA

SMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY

SMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY receives a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its significant **added sugar** content and **ultra-processed** nature.

  • This SMART SENSE iced tea scores 18/100, indicating it is not a beneficial choice for regular consumption.
  • It contains 7.27g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed with multiple non-nutritive ingredients.
  • Compared to plain water or unsweetened beverages, this product offers minimal nutritional value.
  • Consider this beverage for occasional use rather than a daily staple.
  • Scores -14 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.27g
15% of Daily Value
Sodium
14mg
1% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Added sugar (7.3g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 18

SMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY earns a FoodScore of 18 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by its composition, particularly the presence of high fructose corn syrup as a primary sweetener. The product contains 7.27g of added sugar per 100g, which incurs a significant penalty of -7 points. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed, results in a substantial -10 point deduction. This classification reflects the inclusion of ingredients like potassium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and calcium disodium EDTA, which are typically found in highly processed foods. The beverage also contributes to 'empty calories,' leading to another -15 point penalty because it provides calories without significant amounts of beneficial nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Compared to the reference baseline of plain water or an unsweetened beverage, SMART SENSE iced tea offers negligible nutritional benefits and a considerable amount of added sugar.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in smart sense, iced tea, rapberry, rapberry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Hydration Support

While not as ideal as plain water, this SMART SENSE iced tea can contribute to daily fluid intake. For individuals who struggle to drink enough plain water, a flavored beverage like this can make hydration more appealing. It's important to balance this with other, more nutrient-dense fluid sources throughout the day to meet overall hydration needs.

Occasional Refreshment

For those seeking a specific flavor profile, this iced tea provides a sweet and tart raspberry taste. It can serve as an occasional treat or a change of pace from unsweetened options. However, due to its added sugar content, it is best consumed in moderation and not as a regular part of a healthy diet.

Convenience

This product offers ready-to-drink convenience, requiring no preparation. It can be a quick option for a flavored beverage when on the go or when access to other drink choices is limited. Its portability makes it a simple choice for a quick refreshment.

How to eat it

Iced tea is commonly consumed as a refreshing beverage, often alongside meals or as a standalone drink. This specific SMART SENSE product is typically consumed chilled, directly from the bottle or poured over ice. Due to its sweetened profile, portion control is key.

To reduce added sugar intake, consider diluting this iced tea with plain water or unsweetened tea.
Pair this beverage with a meal rich in fiber and protein to help moderate blood sugar response.
Limit consumption to occasional treats rather than a daily beverage choice.
For a similar flavor with less sugar, try brewing black tea and adding a few fresh raspberries instead.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of several ingredients in SMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY. The primary concern is high fructose corn syrup, a concentrated source of added sugar that can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential metabolic health issues if consumed regularly. The product also contains Red 40, an artificial food coloring that some individuals, particularly children, may be sensitive to, potentially experiencing behavioral changes. Preservatives like potassium benzoate and potassium sorbate are included to extend shelf life, and while generally recognized as safe, some individuals prefer to limit their intake of such additives. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution due to its high added sugar content.

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Reader questions
Is SMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY healthy?
With a FoodScore of 18/100, this SMART SENSE iced tea is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It contains 7.27g of added sugar per 100g and is classified as an ultra-processed food, offering minimal beneficial nutrients.
How does SMART SENSE iced tea compare to other iced tea brands?
Compared to unsweetened iced teas, this SMART SENSE product has significantly more added sugar. For example, a brand like Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea contains no added sugar and would score much higher. Even sweetened options like Lipton Brisk Lemon Iced Tea often contain similar levels of added sugars and artificial ingredients.
What is high fructose corn syrup, and why is it in this product?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch. It is used in this product to provide sweetness and is a common ingredient in many processed beverages. Its presence contributes significantly to the product's low FoodScore due to its classification as an added sugar.
What is a reasonable portion size for this iced tea?
The serving size is 12 fluid ounces. Given its added sugar content, it's advisable to consider this a treat rather than a daily beverage. If consumed, sticking to the stated serving size is recommended to manage sugar intake.
Can I drink this iced tea if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, this product is not an ideal choice due to its 7.27g of added sugar per 100g. Opting for unsweetened teas or water is a more effective strategy for sugar reduction.

Explore more

CategoryAll beverages BrandAll SMART SENSE SKUs Competitor · 82/100Bumble Bee Foods, SARDINES IN SPRING WATER Competitor · 82/100LARABAR, THE ORIGINAL FRUIT & NUT FOOD BAR, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW Head-to-headSMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY vs. Bumble Bee Foods, SARDINES IN SPRING WATER Head-to-headSMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY vs. LARABAR, THE ORIGINAL FRUIT & NUT FOOD BAR, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW Head-to-headSMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY vs. WILD PLANET NO SALT ADDED WILD SARDINES IN WATER Head-to-headSMART SENSE, ICED TEA, RAPBERRY, RAPBERRY vs. GARDEN OF EATIN' GARDEN OF EATIN, TUSCOLA COUNTRY BLUE CORN, TORTILLA CHIPS, SEA SALT, SEA SALT

Data & references