Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea vs. Unsweet Tea: A Southern Classic Refreshment

When it comes to pairing the crispy, golden chicken fingers at Raising Cane’s, nothing hits the spot quite like their famous iced tea. When you grab Cane’s chicken, you need a cold drink. Most fans go for the tea. You get two choices: Sweet or Unsweet. Both are fresh. Both are iced. Both hit the spot. Sweet Tea is a Southern tradition loved for its rich, sugary flavor, and Unsweet Tea is a lighter option that’s refreshing without added sugar. Both drinks have their loyal fans, and both are brewed fresh in-house daily.

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Why do People love Raising Cane’s freshly brewed Tea?

People love Raising Cane’s teas because their leaves are steeped to perfection. Its smooth flavor balances well with fried chicken, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s Sauce. Raising Cane’s makes tea fresh every day. No bottles. No cans. Just brewed leaves. That’s why it tastes smooth.

Sweet Tea: Brewed strong, then blended with sugar while still warm to dissolve evenly. The result? A classic Southern-style iced tea with a bold, sweet flavor.
Unsweet Tea: Brewed in the same way but without added sugar. Its flavor will smooth the tea base, perfect for those who prefer a more natural taste or are watching their sugar intake.

Sweet Tea | A Southern Classic

Sweet tea has long been a staple of Southern cuisine, and Raising Cane’s version is no exception. Sweet Tea is rich. Bold. Sugary. It’s the classic Southern drink. The sugar is mixed in while warm, so it blends perfectly. It’s especially popular among customers looking for a refreshing pick-me-up that complements Cane’s signature chicken fingers.

Calories (Sweet Tea, Large ~32 oz): ~180–200 calories
Sugar: ~45–50g

It’s sweet, strong, and pairs well with crispy chicken.

Unsweet Tea | Light & Refreshing

For those who want a lighter option, unsweet tea offers all the flavor of freshly brewed tea without the sugar. Unsweet Tea is simple. Pure tea. No sugar. No extras. Just clean taste. Many guests customize it with lemon slices or even half-and-half with sweet tea (known as a “half & half” or “Arnold Palmer” when mixed with lemonade).

Calories (Unsweet Tea, Large ~32 oz): 0 calories
Sugar: 0g

Great if you’re watching sugar. Or if you just like tea plain.

Sizes You Can Order

Raising Cane’s tea is available in:

Regular cup
Large cup
Gallon jug (yes, a whole gallon!)
Gallon jugs can be ordered in both Sweet and Unsweet Tea, making them convenient for gatherings.

Perfect for meals at home, parties, or game night.

Nutritional Considerations

Sweet Tea: Contains added sugar, so it’s higher in calories and carbohydrates.
Unsweet Tea: Zero sugar, nearly calorie-free, and a good choice for those monitoring their diet.

Which One Should You Try?

Like it sweet? Go for Sweet Tea.
Like it clean? Unsweet Tea is your match.
Want balance? Mix half Sweet, half Unsweet. Some fans call it “Half & Half.”

Final Sip

Whether you choose Sweet Tea for its nostalgic, sugary kick or Unsweet Tea for its pure, refreshing taste, Raising Cane’s ensures both are brewed with care and served ice-cold. No matter your choice, both are the perfect complement to Cane’s crispy chicken, Texas toast, and that famous Cane’s Sauce. Sweet or Unsweet. High sugar or zero sugar. Both are ice-cold, freshly brewed, and made to go with Cane’s chicken and famous sauce.