Who doesn’t like McDonald’s? What is it that keeps us coming back for more? It has to be the hot, fried food and the ice-cold sweet drinks. Now, the huge restaurant chain is leaning toward more of a southern-style flair by introducing popular southern food favorites such as their new sweet tea.
My first thought when I heard they had come out with sweet tea was, do Americans really need any more sugar?
Truth is, the amount of sugar in the medium-sized sweet tea from McDonald’s is lower than the sugar content in a medium Coke. On a nutritional note, the McDonald’s sweet tea came in at 150 calories with 38 grams of sugar and the coke was a lot higher at 210 calories with a whopping 58 grams of sugar! Unless you are avoiding sugar all together, the sweet tea isn’t too bad as long as you indulge responsibly.
The south has prided themselves on their down-home cooking and especially their market for homemade sweet tea. For some southerners living in the deep south, sweet tea it is a household staple.
Recently, I tried the McDonald’s brand sweet tea for the first time. I was impressed. Usually if I’m in a thirst- quenching mood, and water just wont do, I will choose decaffeinated unsweetened tea. When I ordered a McDonald’s Southern Style Chicken Sandwich and small fry — I thought I would try the sweet tea to compliment the meal.
The tea is served cold, over ice. The initial rush is sugary bliss! Warning: If you are not keen on sugary beverages, this tea may not be for you. I would have to say that the sugar over powers the taste of the tea itself, but not in a bad way.
I did find that requesting extra ice before I order my tea, must have helped in keeping the sugary flavor from overwhelming the beverage.
I personally like lemon with my tea and ordering a lemon wedge (if available) in your sweet tea is a great addition. This gives the tea a lemony zest.
McDonald’s brews their sweet tea the same as their regular iced tea except they sweeten it in the final process.
The sweet tea at McDonald’s compliments the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich very well. The salty, deep-fried flavor of the juicy sandwich and buttered bread taste better when polished off with the sweetness of the tea.
Overall, I would have to say that I enjoyed the taste of the sweet tea. I would recommend next time you visit McDonald’s with your family — you should give it a try.
