The Real Tea on Loaded Tea 🍹

by Susan Stamper •

Content Marketing Manager, ChiroHealthUSA •

Being Southern comes with a few sweet stereotypes, bless our hearts. We say “y’all,” we wave at strangers, and we treat iced tea like it’s the nectar of the gods.There’s just somethin’ magical about that first sip of cold sweet tea on a sweltering summer day. It’s a vibe, y’all. ☀️🐶

Now, don’t get me wrong—I enjoy a cup of herbal tea when I’m feelin’ under the weather or tryin’ to wind down at night. But lately, there’s been a new tea trend sweepin’ the South quicker than a June bug on a string: loaded teas.

You’ve seen them —those bright, rainbow-colored drinks with names like “Unicorn Energy” or “Boss Babe Boost.” They’re all the rage in little shops and on social media, promising everything from a jolt of energy to magical weight loss. I tried one myself not too long ago (it was called “Peach Ring Punch,” and y’all, it was tasty). But me bein’ the curious cat I am, I started wonderin’… what exactly is a loaded tea? What’s in it? Why is it “loaded”? And is this just another trendy health trap wearing a cute label?

Well, I did some digging. And what I found might just surprise you.

What in the world IS a Loaded Tea? 🤔

Let’s start with the basics. A loaded tea is basically a highly-caffeinated, vitamin-infused beverage, often made with a tea concentrate or powder, caffeine supplements, herbal extracts, amino acids, and sugar substitutes such as sucralose or stevia. The drink is typically low in calories (which sounds good on paper), but high in stimulants.

They usually come out looking like a Lisa Frank folder in a cup—bright, colorful, sometimes glittery, and almost always served in a big ol’ cup with a cute name that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself. But honey, sometimes glitter ain’t gold.

There’s no standard recipe for loaded tea, which means each shop, and sometimes even each location, can mix things up differently. That’s like ordering sweet tea and never knowing if you’re getting sweet, unsweet, or just a cup of brown water with ice. 😬

So What’s the “Loaded” Part?

Good question! The term “loaded” refers to the fact that these teas are loaded—with stimulants, vitamins, and sometimes a whole bunch of other stuff your body may not have even asked for. Some common ingredients found in loaded teas include:

• Caffeine (LOTS of it) – sometimes as much as 200-300 mg, which is more than a Red Bull and a cup of coffee put together. That’s enough to make your eyelids twitch and your heart do a little jitterbug.

• Guarana extract – another source of caffeine.

• Green tea extract – known for its antioxidant properties but also adds more caffeine.

• Taurine and L-carnitine – amino acids that are also found in energy drinks.

• B-vitamins – these do help with energy, but in high doses they can cause side effects such as nerve issues or skin rashes.

• Artificial sweeteners – such as sucralose or stevia to keep it low-calorie but still sweet as pie.

All this to say: it’s a chemistry experiment in a cup. And while that might be fine for an occasional boost, it might not be something you wanna be sipping on every day like it’s your grandma’s sweet tea.

Is It Good for You or Just Good Marketing?

Now here’s the tea, y’all—the real tea: there’s no solid evidence that loaded teas help you lose weight, burn fat, or improve your health in any long-term, meaningful way. The energy you feel is mostly from the caffeine—just like a cup of coffee or energy drink would give you. So if you’re thinking that loaded tea is some kind of magical health elixir, pump the brakes.

In fact, all that caffeine can actually cause:

• 💓 Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• 😵‍💫 Anxiety or jitteriness

• 💤 Insomnia

• 😖 Upset stomach

• 🧠 Headaches

• 🚽 Diarrhea or digestive upset

And sugar, if you’re sensitive to stimulants, have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or you’re pregnant—you might wanna steer clear. Especially if you’re also taking medications, because some of these ingredients can mess with your prescriptions. (U.S. Pharmacist, 2023).

What About the Kids?

This one hits home, especially for parents. Some of these teas are marketed to look like candy—bubblegum colors, sparkly names, cute logos. But kids and teens don’t need that kind of caffeine and supplement overload.

According to health experts, loaded teas aren’t recommended for children or adolescents due to the risks of over-caffeination, vitamin toxicity, and interactions with medications (U.S. Pharmacist, 2023). So if your teenager’s begging for a “Skittles Slammer” loaded tea after school, you might wanna suggest a smoothie instead.

But I Like My Loaded Tea! Now What?

Look, I’m not here to rain on your parade. If you enjoy a loaded tea every now and then as a treat and it doesn’t make you feel like your insides are doing the cha-cha, then okay. Just remember:

• Everything in moderation, like my grandma used to say.

• Try to limit it to once in a while, not every single day.

• Be aware of what’s going in your cup—ask the shop for an ingredient list if they’ll share it.

• If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have health issues, talk to your doc first. No shame in being cautious.

Some Down-Home Alternatives 🍑🌿

If you’re looking for a healthier energy boost without all the bells and whistles, try one of these Southern-approved options or check out our last blog:

• Iced green tea with lemon and honey – refreshing, light caffeine, and antioxidant-rich.

• Infused water with citrus and mint – hydrating and fresh without a sugar crash.

• A good ol’ smoothie with fruit, spinach, and Greek yogurt – now that’s a real pick-me-up.

• Black coffee or matcha – simple, straight-shooting, and easier to monitor caffeine.

Or hey—just pour yourself a cold glass of Milo’s sweet tea and savor it slowly. Ain’t no shame in that game.

The Bottom Line, Y’all 🧋

Loaded teas sure are pretty, and I’ll admit—they can be fun to sip on. But just like a bedazzled boot at a rodeo, they might look good on the outside but give you blisters if you wear them too long. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself now and then, but don’t be fooled by flashy names and big promises.

Next time you’re about to grab a “Rainbow Rocket Unicorn Tea,” pause and ask yourself: Do I really need all that… or am I just thirsty?

Stay cool, stay smart, and remember: the best things in life are simple, sweet, and made with love—just like sweet tea on a summer porch. 💛

Sources:

Integris Health. (2023, August). Loaded Teas: Are They Actually Healthy? Retrieved from https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2023/august/loaded-teas

U.S. Pharmacist. (2023). The Dangers of Loaded Tea Use by Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/the-dangers-of-loadedtea-use-by-children-and-adolescents

Brodwin, E. (2020, September 17). What Is a Loaded Tea, and Is It Safe? Business Insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-loaded-tea-is-it-safe-healthy-2020-9

History of Ceylon Tea. (n.d.). Are Loaded Teas Healthy? All About Loaded Tea Ingredients. Retrieved from https://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/ceylon-tea-articles/are-loaded-teas-healthy-all-about-loaded-tea-ingredients.html