The Top 12 Sugariest Beverages on Earth—Ranked by Their Unhealthiness

We all know water reigns supreme when it comes to hydration, but let’s be honest—sometimes, you just want a little more flair in your drink. From juices that promise revitalization to sodas that fizz with nostalgia, the beverage aisle is packed with options. However, lurking behind many of these seemingly innocent bottles is a sweet surprise that can be downright alarming. Some of these drinks pack more sugar than you’d find in an entire candy bar!

According to the American Heart Association, men shouldn’t exceed nine teaspoons (or 36 grams, roughly 150 calories) of added sugar daily; for women, it’s even lower at six teaspoons (25 grams, about 100 calories). Yet, many popular drinks don’t just skirt these guidelines—they leap right over them.

Though many beverages market themselves as refreshing or energizing, some are simply sugar-laden traps in disguise. To help you navigate this sugary minefield, the folks over at Eat This, Not That! have compiled a list of the 12 worst offenders, ranked by sugar content from bad to downright alarming.

Pepsi

Pepsi has carved out a classic niche in the soda market, but don’t be fooled—it carries nearly as much sugar as eight Oreo cookies in a single bottle!

AriZona Green Tea

AriZona Green Tea may sound like a healthy choice, but hold on—it’s more akin to sugar water with a hint of tea. If you guzzle down the entire bottle (as many do), you’ll be consuming almost double the daily sugar guidelines for women. Added to that is high fructose corn syrup, linked to a host of health issues including weight gain and heart disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Barq’s Root Beer

Ah, Barq’s, with its nostalgic roots! But this bubbly beverage doesn’t just tickle your taste buds; it also delivers hefty doses of sugar and high fructose syrup. And for those counting caffeine, it’s not even caffeine-free—a double whammy!

Welch’s Grape Concord Juice

Welch’s Grape Concord Juice may seem perfect for a kids’ lunchbox, but it’s more like adult candy in a bottle. With all that sugar, is it really a healthy choice?

Mountain Dew

If your drink looks like it belongs in a science experiment, it probably isn’t doing you any favors. Mountain Dew is rich in both sugar and caffeine, making it a one-two punch for your metabolism.

Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino

It’s hard to deny the allure of a Starbucks Frappuccino as that perfect pick-me-up, but watch out! It contains more sugar than most desserts, turning your afternoon boost into a sugar bomb.

Naked Blue Machine Juice

Naked Blue Machine Juice may wear the healthy label, but it’s essentially fruit syrup in disguise. Though it doesn’t have added sugar, the concentrated fruit purees can spike your blood sugar levels just as quickly as soda can. Not quite the health choice you were hoping for, right?

Naked Green Machine Juice

The label may boast of being “healthy,” but the Green Machine is more fruit concentrate than nutrient-packed greens. With scant fiber and protein, you’re better off eating your fruits and veggies whole.

AriZona Real Brewed Sweet Tea Southern Style

While AriZona’s oversized cans boast of being both “cheap and huge,” they’re also sweet traps. Just one can of Real Brewed Sweet Tea contains more than double the daily sugar limit for women. A “refreshing” serving can quickly turn into a guilty pleasure.

Monster Energy Drink

Monster claims to give you wings, but it’s really a formula for a sugar crash. With a staggering 54 grams of added sugar, combined with energy-stimulating ingredients, you’re left jittery and crashing hard.

Naked Mighty Mango Juice

Naked Mighty Mango isn’t just something to sip on; it’s a sugar-laden treat. This fruity concoction carries more sugar than a Snickers bar combined with an 8-ounce can of Coke. Talk about a sweet overload!

AriZona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey

Your favorite afternoon refreshment takes the crown as the unhealthiest drink on this list. Sipping on AriZona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey means downing two to three days’ worth of sugar in one sitting. The high fructose corn syrup it contains has been linked to obesity and other health concerns. Although it has a smidgen of honey and some vitamin C, these wee amounts can hardly offset the sugary onslaught. What’s meant to be a light, antioxidant-rich tea is morphing into a dessert in disguise, and that’s certainly something to think about!

Report By Axadle