Is Sweetened Tea an American Thing?

Today, we will address the questions often asked: is sweet tea American, and what states sell the most sweet tea?

Without a doubt, it is widely known that sweet tea is a popular beverage in the southern United States, and its origins can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed to have been introduced to the United States by enslaved Africans who had a tradition of making and consuming sweetened tea. However, there is no specific documented date for the first time sweet tea was consumed in the United States.

Sweet tea became increasingly popular in the southern states over the years and is now considered a staple of southern cuisine and culture. Nearly every store in the south will have a variety of sweet teas to choose from, as well as a popular beverage in restaurants. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact date of its introduction, but it has a long history in the American South, where it is often associated with hospitality and a refreshing beverage for hot, humid climates. So, which state sells the most sweet tea? The answer is all of them. When you consider tea trade on a global scale, "the United States is the leading tea importer with about 560 million U.S. dollars in trade value. It's safe to say that the U.S. is drinking a lot of tea and not just pair it down to a few states!" (statista.com)

While the southern states are known to enjoy a cup of sweetened tea, adding a sweetener to tea isn't just for the south. Adding sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute really depends on more of a personal taste. In northern states of the U.S. and in many other parts of the country, tea is typically consumed in various ways, and the preferences can vary widely among families and even individuals and cultural influences. You'll find people across the country who drink tea with honey, lemon, sugar, or milk.

But is sweet tea American? The short answer is simple - no! In the United Kingdom, tea is traditionally served with milk and often with sugar. It is very common to find people adding sugar to their tea. In the Middle East, tea is often heavily sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with cardamom. Like the southern states in the United States, it served as a symbol of hospitality. Thailand's Thai iced tea, known as "cha yen," is a sweetened and often very creamy tea made from strongly brewed black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar. You'll find it commonly listed on the menu of Thai restaurants worldwide. Lastly, you'll find that in Russia, tea is often prepared by adding a jam or fruit preserve, which sweetens the beverage. These are just a few ways other parts of the world enjoy their tea sweet! And there are many more regions and countries where sweetened tea is a beloved and integral part of their culinary and cultural traditions.

The level and kind of sweetener added to tea is a personal preference, and the real question is: "how much sugar do you like in your tea?