Is iced tea OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
Quick answer
Not the bottled kind. Most bottled sweetened teas have 27 to 35 g of sugar per 12 oz, and tea has caffeine. The Dietary Guidelines tell kids 5 to 10 to avoid caffeinated drinks.112
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Skip | No. |
| 1 to 4 years | Skip | No. |
| 5 to 10 years | Skip | Skip. Sugar plus caffeine.2 |
| 11 to 18 years | Occasionally | Occasionally. Check sugar and caffeine on the label. |
How much sugar?
Dashed line: the American Heart Association limit of 25 g of added sugar for the whole day, ages 2 to 18. Typical amounts, rounded. Brands vary.
Good to know
- Lightly sweetened teas can have about 12 g per 12 oz. Check the label.11
- Homemade unsweetened mint tea has 0 g of sugar, and herbal teas like mint don't contain caffeine.11
Try instead
Chilled herbal tea with no sugar, or water with mint and lemon.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Is sweet tea OK for kids?
Not really. A 12 oz bottle has around 7 to 9 teaspoons of sugar, plus caffeine.