What are the potential side effects of drinking too much apple tea?

‘Apple tea’ is a name used for fruit infusions, apple-flavoured black tea and sweetened powders. What too much does depends on which one it is.

Side effects of too much apple tea

We looked for statements from the FDA, NHS and WHO and found none for apple tea. This page reports what can be documented.

Caffeine

USDA FoodData Central lists brewed black tea at 20 mg of caffeine per 100 g (about 47 mg in an 8 fl oz cup) and brewed green tea at 12 mg per 100 g (about 29 mg in a cup). Tea (Camellia sinensis) of any colour contains caffeine; herbal infusions without tea leaves do not. We found no USDA entry for apple tea, so we give no number for it; the amount depends on the leaf, the amount used and the brewing time. The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, and advises people who are pregnant or breastfeeding to ask their provider.

Sugar and additions

Plain brewed tea has almost no calories (USDA: 1 kcal per 100 g). Sugar, honey and syrups change that. The NHS advises adults to keep free sugars to 30 g a day.

Quick summary

• No official health claims for apple tea.
• Contains caffeine if made from tea leaves (black tea about 47 mg per cup, USDA).
• FDA: up to 400 mg of caffeine a day for most adults.

General information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are choosing food for a child, ask your doctor or dietitian.