Skip to main content
Clear icon
52º

The price of sweet tea is making some Southerners lose their marbles

Why are we paying $3.50 for a glass of water and a couple tea bags?

Adobe Express Stock Photo of Tea (Adobe Express Stock Photo of Tea)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Inflation has hit many aspects of our lives, but one area being impacted is really putting a thorn in many Southerners’ sides—the price of a glass of tea at a restaurant.

Our news partners at Jax Today broke down the data showing how the price of sweet tea is impacting local restaurants.

Recommended Videos



According to food service research firm Technomic, non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 6.6% at restaurants nationwide in the last quarter of 2023, while alcoholic drink prices went up a mere 1%, Jax Today reports. Alcoholic drink prices only went up a mere 1 percent, the study found.

Beverage price increases (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Another study from Toast analyzed the price of tea, both hot and cold, across the U.S.

The national price was $3.74. In Florida, the price was $4.17 and in Georgia, the price was $3.59.

Coffee and Tea Trends in all 50 States, New Restaurant Wage Data, and Breakfast Performance (Toast) (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Now, let’s take a look at local eateries in Jacksonville.

Jimmy John’s raised the price of its large drink by 68 percent over 10 years. But, at $2.55, that’s still better than most tea beverages at other restaurants.

Jax Today compiled a chart of sweet tea prices at Jacksonville restaurants over time. The graph shows that Southern Charm’s price in 2019 was $1.89. Now, five years later, it’s $3.

The restaurant with the most expensive tea was Julington Fish Camp at $3.50.

“They have lost their mind charging $2.95-$3.95 for iced tea,” Karen Delaney, a Baymeadows resident, told Jax Today. “I am not paying that for tea mixed with water.”

On average, the restaurants polled charge $2.47 for sweet tea with Sweet Mama’s in Jacksonville taking the penny-pincher’s prize by asking only $1.49.

Chart by Megan Mallicoat, Jacksonville Today

Chart by Megan Mallicoat, Jacksonville Today (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

About the Authors

Erin is a television news producer who strives to report from an unbiased point of view and spread news information globally.

Loading...

Recommended Videos