12 pk Sprite + Tea for $9.99!
Sprite & Tea? My Zero Sugar Taste Test of This Curious Combo!
I'm always on the lookout for new zero-sugar drink options, especially ones that break the mold. When I saw "Sprite + Tea" pop up on Amazon, my curiosity was instantly piqued. Sprite, which I enjoy for its crisp lemon-lime kick, mixed with tea? And zero sugar? I had to grab a 12-pack and see what this unlikely pairing was all about. So, here's my take after chilling a few cans and giving it a proper try.
Unboxing & Appearance: Sleek Cans, Intriguing Promise
The 12-pack arrived looking like your standard soda multipack, nothing out of the ordinary there. The cans themselves, though, have a pretty sleek design – a matte black background with the familiar Sprite green and yellow accents, and "TEA" prominently displayed in a cool, modern font. It definitely looks more sophisticated than a regular soda can and hints at something a bit different. The label clearly states "Lemon Flavored Sparkling Tea with Other Natural Flavors" and, importantly for me, "Zero Sugar" and "Caffeine Free." The liquid itself, when poured, has a pale, champagne-like tea color.
Specs & Key Features That Caught My Eye:
The Unique Flavor Fusion: This is the headline act – the classic crisp, lemon-lime flavor of Sprite blended with the distinct character of tea. The promise is a "perfectly blended" taste.
Zero Sugar: A huge plus for me, and I'm sure for many others. It means I can enjoy it without worrying about a sugar crash.
Caffeine-Free: This makes it an all-day, any-day kind of drink, even if I'm winding down in the evening.
Sparkling Refreshment: It’s got that Sprite fizziness, so I was expecting a good level of bubbly refreshment.
My Sipping Experience: Did This Odd Couple Work?
First things first, I made sure to get a can thoroughly chilled – that’s non-negotiable for me with any fizzy drink or iced tea. The "psssht" upon cracking the tab was satisfyingly crisp.
Pouring it into a glass, the aroma was interesting. I could definitely smell the bright lemon-lime of Sprite, but there was a subtle, almost earthy undertone that I guessed was the tea.
Okay, the first sip... it's definitely unique! The initial taste is very much Sprite – that familiar, zesty, citrusy burst hits your palate straight away. Then, as it settles, a delicate black tea flavor emerges. It’s not an overpowering, strong-brewed tea taste, but more of a subtle, slightly tannic, and smooth tea note that lingers pleasantly on the finish. The lemon from the Sprite really brightens the tea aspect, making it taste quite sophisticated.
The carbonation is lively and refreshing, just as you'd expect from Sprite. As for the zero-sugar aspect, there's the typical light sweetness from artificial sweeteners, but I found it pretty well-balanced here. The tea notes actually seem to round out and mellow any potential "diet" aftertaste, making it smoother than some other zero-sugar sodas I've tried. It’s surprisingly thirst-quenching and doesn't feel heavy at all. I tried another can the next day with a light lunch, and it was a great palate cleanser.
Pros (What I Liked):
Genuinely Unique & Enjoyable Flavor: I was skeptical, but the lemon-lime and tea combination actually works really well. It’s different and more complex than just a lemon iced tea.
Super Refreshing: The fizziness combined with the bright citrus and mellow tea makes for a very crisp and thirst-quenching experience.
Zero Sugar & Caffeine-Free for the Win: Being able to enjoy something this flavorful without the sugar or caffeine is a massive plus for me. It’s a guilt-free treat.
Surprisingly Smooth: The tea element seems to mellow out the typical zero-sugar taste profile, making it more palatable than I anticipated.
Cons (What Could Be Better):
Might Not Be for Tea Purists: If you're expecting a strong, traditional iced tea flavor, this isn't it. The Sprite's lemon-lime is definitely the more dominant partner, with tea as a distinct but supporting note.
Subtle Sweetener Presence: While I found it well-balanced, those highly sensitive to artificial sweeteners will likely still detect them.
Availability (Potentially): Being a newer, more niche product, it might not be as readily available everywhere as standard Sprite. (Though ordering from Amazon solves that!)
Conclusion & Recommendation: A Refreshing New Twist!
Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised and genuinely quite taken with Sprite + Tea. It’s a bold and inventive combination that, in my opinion, really works. It manages to be both familiar (thanks to the Sprite base) and excitingly new.
I'd highly recommend Sprite + Tea for: Anyone looking for a novel zero-sugar, caffeine-free beverage, fans of lemon-lime sodas who are open to a new twist, or even iced tea drinkers who want something fizzy and a bit different. It's especially great if you're seeking a more "grown-up" soda flavor profile.
My final take: It's a definite thumbs-up from me! It’s a refreshing, flavorful, and interesting addition to the beverage market. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It's earned a spot in my rotation for a light, bubbly treat.