Tea and sugar. Spoonful of white granulated sugar being added to a cup of tea to sweeten it. Tea is a caffeine-containing beverage, made from an infusion of the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Sugar can be obtained from sugar cane (Saccharum offcinarum) or sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) plants. The refining process that produces white sugar removes most of its minerals and vitamins. Sugar is high in calories (energy), which if eaten in excess can lead to tooth decay and obesity.