Beginning in Taiwan in the 1980s, it didn’t take long for it to quickly grow to other regions of the world and establish itself as a popular beverage for many others.
Nonetheless, many people continue to debate whether drinking bubble tea once a week is a healthy habit due to the unusual combination of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls.
Let me tell you that consuming bubble tea once or twice a week is perfectly fine but not more than that. The reason is, oftentimes, a single serving has approximately 500 calories and that’s a big chunk of the daily calorie requirement. Therefore, its consumption should be kept under close check.
In this post, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of drinking bubble tea in terms of your health in order to decide if it’s a better choice for regular consumption.
So, let’s dive in.
What is Bubble Tea?
Tea, milk, and tapioca pearls, sometimes referred to as boba or bubbles, are the basic ingredients of bubble tea.
The tea can be black, green, or oolong and the milk can be conventional or non-dairy, such as almond or coconut milk. The beverage can also be flavored with flavors like fruit, chocolate, or honey.
Can I Drink Bubble Tea Once a Week?
If you opt for a healthy alternative, like a fruit-based tea with less sugar and healthier toppings, consuming bubble tea once a week is unlikely to do any harm.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that bubble tea is a sweet drink and should be taken in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Before consuming bubble tea or any other sweet beverage, it is best to consult with your doctor or a qualified dietitian if you have any underlying health issues or are striving to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits of Bubble Tea
Like other types of tea, bubble tea is known for its health advantages. Here are a few of the advantages of bubble tea.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in tea leaves can help protect your cells from damage brought on by free radicals. Your chances of contracting chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease may be reduced as a result.
Energy boost
Caffeine, which is present in bubble tea, can help boost energy and alertness, thereby making it easier for you to concentrate.
Reduced Risk of Stroke
A Japanese study indicated that frequent use of green tea can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Improve Digestion
Cassava root, a significant source of dietary fiber, is used to make tapioca pearls and has the potential to improve digestion. So tapioca pearls could facilitate digestion and improve constipation.
Health Drawbacks of Bubble Tea
Although bubble tea may provide certain health advantages, there are several disadvantages you should be aware of:
- High in Calories: The type and quantity of milk and sugar used while producing bubble tea might affect how many calories it contains. Large bubble tea may contain as many as 500–600 calories or about 25% of the normal adult’s daily calorie requirement.
- High in Sugar: The majority of bubble tea beverages include a lot of sugar, which can cause weight gain and other health issues.
- High in Carbohydrates: Tapioca pearls are full of carbohydrates and can lead blood sugar levels to rise. For those who have diabetes or are watching their carbohydrate consumption, this may be an issue.
Pros and Cons of Bubble Tea
Let’s have a one-to-one comparison of whether bubble tea be consumed frequently or not.
| Argument in Favor of Drinking Bubble Tea | Argument Against Drinking Bubble Tea |
| Fun and enjoyable treat | The high sugar content can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. |
| Contains antioxidants and may have some health benefits | Many bubble tea options contain artificial flavors and colors. |
| Can be customized to fit dietary needs and preferences | Tapioca pearls are high in carbohydrates and can increase calorie and sugar intake. |
| Can be consumed during a social activity to enjoy with friends and family | Large sizes can contain a significant amount of calories. |
Which Bubble Tea is the Healthiest?
When it comes to choosing the healthiest bubble tea, it’s important to consider the ingredients and nutritional value of the drink.
One of the main concerns with bubble tea is its high sugar content, which can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and other health issues. However, some bubble teas may be healthier than others depending on the ingredients and preparation.
One option for a healthier bubble tea is to choose a fruit-based tea instead of a milk-based tea. Fruit teas typically have a lower calorie and sugar content compared to milk teas.
Additionally, you can opt for unsweetened tea or ask for less sugar in your drink.
Another way to make your bubble tea diet friendly is to choose healthier toppings or skip them altogether.
Tapioca pearls, the traditional topping in bubble tea, are high in calories and sugar. You can choose other toppings such as fresh fruit or chia seeds, which are lower in calories and offer some nutritional value too.
Common Flavors of Bubble Tea
Bubble tea flavors can range anywhere from ten to fifty. Basically, you can add tapioca flour to any fruit mix or juice, give it a ball shape and boil it. Your boba pearls for that flavor are ready.
Some common flavors are listed here:
- Strawberry milk tea
- Honeydew tea
- Taro milk tea
- Pineapple tea
- Brown sugar milk tea
- Matcha milk tea
How Many Cups of Bubble Tea Should You Consume in a Week?
The recommended intake of bubble tea varies depending on factors such as age, gender, weight, and overall health status.
In general, it’s best to consume bubble tea in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar content. Drinking too much bubble tea can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and other possible health risks.
It’s recommended to limit your intake of sugary drinks, including bubble tea, to no more than 1-2 cups per week.
If you’re trying to manage your weight or blood sugar levels, it’s best to limit your intake even further or avoid bubble tea altogether.
Why is Thai Tea a Better Choice?
While bubble tea may be delicious and have some potential health benefits, it’s not the best choice for regular consumption. Thai tea, on the other hand, is a healthier and more nutritious alternative.
Here are some reasons why:
- Lower in Calories: Thai tea is typically made with black tea, condensed milk, and spices such as star anise and cinnamon. It is lower in calories compared to bubble tea, with a typical serving containing around 150-200 calories.
- Lower Sugar Content: Thai tea also contains less sugar compared to bubble tea, making it a better choice for people who are watching their sugar intake.
- Healthy Spices: Thai tea is made with spices that have potential health benefits. For example, star anise has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, while cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
- While bubble tea may be a tasty and popular drink, it may not be the healthiest choice for regular consumption. It’s high in calories, sugar, and carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Thai tea, on the other hand, is a better choice due to its lower calorie and sugar content, as well as the potential health benefits of the spices used in its preparation.
- Of course, as with any food or drink, moderation is key. Drinking bubble tea or Thai tea occasionally is unlikely to cause significant harm, but drinking either one on a daily basis is not recommended.