# Crystal Light Drink Mix, 12 Quarts, Decaf Iced Tea > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Crystal Light - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 1.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crystal-light-drink-mix-12-quarts-decaf-iced-tea-150-oz - **Slug:** `crystal-light-drink-mix-12-quarts-decaf-iced-tea-150-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients like maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame potassium), artificial colors, and flavor formulations, indicating it is an ultra-processed product (NOVA 4). These ingredients and the powdered, shelf-stable formulation are characteristic of highly processed food products. ## Review Crystal Light Decaf Iced Tea powder sits on the beverage aisle among powdered drink mixes, bottled teas, and sugar-free soda alternatives — often near instant coffee, drink mix canisters, and lemonade packets. Shoppers spot it on middle shelves in bright canisters or slim pitcher-packet boxes, alongside other low-calorie mixers and powdered sports drinks. It fits errands for busy families, back-to-school lunch packing, weekend backyard gatherings, or any shopping run focused on low-calorie swaps for soda and juice. Brand positioning leans into convenience and calorie control: Crystal Light trades on nostalgia for long-standing shelf presence while courting calorie-conscious adults and parents who want a flavorful, low-calorie option for kids and guests. Marketing emphasizes “made with real black tea,” “naturally flavored,” and “zero grams of sugar” as health halos; there is no organic certification and some “natural” language sits beside artificial colors and sweeteners. The label reads as diet-friendly and family-oriented rather than artisanal. Processing context: this is a highly processed, shelf-stable powdered mix made from refined carbohydrate bases, intense sweeteners, flavors, and colorants. Sensory details: the powder dissolves quickly into water producing a clear, slightly syrupy iced-tea-colored drink with a bright citrus-lemongrass top note, a pronounced sweetener aftertaste, and minimal mouthfeel beyond thinness. Packaging ritual is simple — tear open or pour from a canister, stir into two quarts of water, chill, and serve over ice from a pitcher; it’s practical, portable, and designed for quick batch-making at home, picnics, or parties. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.2 - **Servings per container:** 30 - **Calories:** 5 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 1g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients MALTODEXTRIN, CITRIC ACID, DECAFFEINATED INSTANT TEA, ASPARTAME*, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS**, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, NATURAL FLAVOR, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, RED 40, YELLOW 5, SOY LECITHIN, BLUE 1.* PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE** ADDS A TRIVIAL AMOUNT OF SUGAR ## Flagged ingredients - **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Red 40** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Yellow 5** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Blue 1** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, road-trip, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, practical ## FAQ ### Is Crystal Light iced tea healthy? Well, that depends on how you define healthy! This drink mix is low in calories (just 5 per serving) and has no added sugars, which can be a plus if you're watching your caloric intake. However, it does contain artificial sweeteners and colors, so if you prefer whole, unprocessed foods, you might want to consider that. ### Is it vegan? Unfortunately, no, Crystal Light iced tea isn’t vegan. It contains ingredients like maltodextrin and artificial flavors that may not align with strict vegan principles, although it doesn't have any animal-derived ingredients. If you're looking for a vegan-friendly drink, you might want to explore herbal teas or flavored waters instead! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you're in luck! Crystal Light iced tea is gluten-free, making it a suitable option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So, sip away without worry if gluten is on your list of no-gos! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, this drink mix doesn't contain any seed oils. That's a win for those who are mindful of what oils they consume! Seed oils can sometimes be linked to inflammatory responses, so it's nice to see this beverage steering clear of them. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Yes, it does! Crystal Light iced tea uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium to give it that sweet flavor without the calories. If you're okay with artificial sweeteners, it can be a great way to enjoy a flavored drink without the sugar rush. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! In fact, Crystal Light iced tea has virtually no sugar, making it a low-sugar option for those looking to cut back. Just one gram of carbs per serving means it can fit nicely into a low-sugar lifestyle. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re seeking something a bit more wholesome, consider brewing your own iced tea using herbal or green tea and adding fresh fruit for flavor. You could also try flavored sparkling water or homemade lemonade with a touch of honey for a refreshing twist! ### Can kids eat it? Sure, kids can drink Crystal Light iced tea, but moderation is key! While it's low-calorie and sugar-free, the artificial sweeteners and colors may not be ideal for little ones on a regular basis. It’s best to balance it with plenty of water and whole foods. ### Is it good for weight loss? Crystal Light iced tea can be a helpful tool for weight loss since it's low in calories and sugar. It allows you to enjoy a flavored beverage without adding extra calories to your diet. Just remember, it's important to pair it with a balanced diet and exercise for the best results! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, you could say that Crystal Light iced tea falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains a mix of artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and colors that are designed to enhance flavor and shelf life. If you’re looking for minimally processed options, you might want to opt for fresh teas or natural flavored drinks instead. ## Related products - [Gold peak Zero Sugar Sweet Tea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gold-peak-zero-sugar-sweet-tea-59-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gold-peak-zero-sugar-sweet-tea-59-oz - [Hint Water, Watermelon 12 ea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hint-water-watermelon-12-ea-12-ea) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hint-water-watermelon-12-ea-12-ea - [Ocean Spray Cran Cherry Juice 100%](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ocean-spray-cran-cherry-juice-100-64-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ocean-spray-cran-cherry-juice-100-64-oz - [V8 100% Vegetable Juice, Spicy Hot](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/v8-v8-100-vegetable-juice-spicy-hot-46-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/v8-v8-100-vegetable-juice-spicy-hot-46-oz - [Lakewood Pure Pineapple Juice, Pineapple](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lakewood-pure-pineapple-juice-pineapple-32-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lakewood-pure-pineapple-juice-pineapple-32-oz - [Gold Peak Iced Tea, Peach](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gold-peak-iced-tea-peach-1850-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gold-peak-iced-tea-peach-1850-oz - [Dr. Browns Soda, Diet, Black Cherry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dr-browns-dr-browns-soda-diet-black-cherry-6760-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dr-browns-dr-browns-soda-diet-black-cherry-6760-oz - [Gold Peak Iced Tea, Sweet Tea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gold-peak-iced-tea-sweet-tea-59-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gold-peak-iced-tea-sweet-tea-59-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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