I've recently moved into my own place and, being a broke college student, have almost no spare change for soda. Well, the occasional pizza or burger doesn't really count, but by in large, I am soda free.

After the move I was craving something with some flavor. Fruit juice was mostly a lie (or too expensive), and there was nothing left but a pile of old tea bags passed on from my uncle. Needless to say, I started drinking it.

After a short period of getting used to the stuff, I realized that there were two benefits to my habit: caffeine and lack of corn syrup. I was no longer sugared up throughout the day, but I had something which was (if caffeine free) soothing to go to bed with or (caffeinated) a great way to pick myself up in the morning.

I've since bought some peppermint flavored tea and plan on exploring more varieties. With a little lemon juice and a tad bit of sugar, I'll have a cheap, varied collection of tasty beverages.

There are definitely more in-depth and scientific analysis of why tea is good for you, but to the poor college student, or any broke individual, it's a great alternative to chugging down caramel-flavored corn syrup hopped up on carbonated water. (But I still love me some soda! )

Its been awhile since I drank tea very often but I think it sounds like a great alternative to soft drinks, especially if you forgo any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Does anyone have any favorite flavors that they would suggest?

Here is an article about calories in fancy drinks...where 130-calorie venti iced tea is the better choice [url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/that-venti-frappuccino-will-go-right-to-your-waist/?hp]