Milk tea is a popular beverage worldwide. It is a combination of brewed tea, milk, and sugar. Milk tea is a refreshing drink as it contains caffeine which alerts one’s brain and makes you active.
Keeping calorie content into consideration, many people wonder whether it’s okay to indulge in milk tea once in a while.
It is generally okay to drink milk tea as part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to note that many types of milk tea can be high in sugar and calories; so it is best to consume them in moderation.
If you are trying to manage your weight or control your sugar intake, you may want to consider choosing a lower-sugar or sugar-free option or reducing the amount of sugar or sweetener you add to your milk tea.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of having milk tea once in a while. So, I would suggest you tag along and hang tight.
What is Milk Tea?
Milk tea is a beverage popular all over the world. Its common ingredients include:
- Black tea leaves (can be dried or crushed)
- Sugar or alternative sweeteners
- Milk could be dairy (cow’s) or non-dairy (soy/almond)
Historically, tea dates back to the time approximately 2700 years BC in China when tea leaves accidentally fell into a boiling pot of water and got noticed by a ruler because of its refreshing taste.
Pros of Having Milk Tea Once in a While
Provides Antioxidants
Milk tea is usually made with black or green tea, both of which contain antioxidants that can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Enhances Energy
Milk tea contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can enhance your energy levels, improve your mental alertness, and help you stay focused and productive during the day.
Improves Mood
Milk tea can also improve your mood due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This can help you feel calm and focused, especially during a hectic day.
Cons of Having Milk Tea Once in a While
High in Sugar
One of the biggest concerns about milk tea is its high sugar content. Most milk teas contain a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues.
Contains Unhealthy Additives
Milk tea often contains additives such as syrups, flavorings, and artificial sweeteners that can be harmful to your health. These additives can increase the calorie count and make the beverage less healthy.
May Cause Digestive Issues
Milk tea contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues in people who are lactose intolerant. The tapioca pearls or other add-ins may also cause stomach discomfort or bloating, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems.
I would recommend you check the following video for more elaboration on the possible harmful effects of milk tea.
Tips for Making Healthier Milk Tea
If you’re a milk tea lover and want to continue enjoying this beverage, here are some tips for making it healthier:
Choose Low-Fat Milk
Using low-fat or skim milk instead of full-fat milk can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your milk tea. You can also opt for non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk.
Limit Sugar
To reduce the sugar content of your milk tea, you can ask for less sugar or use natural sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup, instead of artificial sweeteners.
Skip the Tapioca Pearls
Tapioca pearls are a popular add-in for milk tea, but they can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of the beverage. Skipping the pearls can help make your milk tea healthier.
Brew Your Own Tea
Making your tea at home can help you control the sugar and calorie content of your milk tea. You can also experiment with different types of tea and add-ins to find a combination that you enjoy.
Is it Okay to Drink Milk Tea Once in a While?
It is generally okay to drink milk tea sometimes, as long as it is consumed in moderation and does not exceed your daily calorie or caffeine intake.
In fact, in most Britain and South Asian households, tea is taken twice a day. One cup is taken in breakfast and the second one usually serves as a quick snack for the evening. People in these areas report that tea helps them carry out their necessary tasks of the day.
How Often Should You Drink Milk Tea?
There is no definitive answer to how often you should drink milk tea, as it depends on your health and dietary needs. However, it is generally recommended to consume milk tea in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to health problems.
Still, I would say if you add healthy ingredients then a 200 ml or 8 fl. oz. cup daily would be a responsible choice to enjoy the health benefits of tea without going overboard with it.
Thai Tea vs. Milk Tea: Which is Healthier?
While both Thai tea and milk tea are popular beverages, they differ in their ingredients and nutritional content.
Here’s a comparison of the benefits of Thai tea vs. milk tea.
| Nutrient | Thai Tea (8 fl.oz.) | Milk Tea (8 fl.oz.) |
| Calories | 120g | 160g |
| Sugar | 20g | 20g |
| Caffeine | 50mg | 45mg |
Thai tea has slightly fewer calories and the same amount of sugar as milk tea. However, both beverages are high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.
Thai tea has slightly more caffeine than milk tea, which can help improve focus and boost energy levels.
Thai tea is typically made with black tea leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall health.
Milk tea, on the other hand, contains fewer antioxidants due to the addition of milk and sugar.
Benefits of Thai Tea
Rich in Antioxidants
Thai tea is made from black tea leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation, and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The high levels of antioxidants in Thai tea make it a healthier alternative to other sugary beverages.
May Help with Weight Loss
Thai tea contains catechins, which are a type of flavonoid that has been found to help with weight loss. Catechins have been shown to increase metabolism and reduce body fat, making them a beneficial nutrient for those looking to lose weight.
Additionally, the low-calorie content of Thai tea makes it a healthier alternative to other sugary beverages.
Promotes Heart Health
The black tea used in Thai tea is beneficial for heart health. The flavonoids in black tea help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The antioxidant properties of Thai tea also help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart diseases.
Conclusion
- Milk tea can be a tasty and refreshing beverage, but it’s important to be aware of its sugar and calorie content.
- Drinking milk tea once in a while is okay, but consuming it in high amounts can be detrimental to your health.
- By making healthier choices, such as choosing low-fat milk, limiting sugar, and skipping tapioca pearls, you can enjoy milk tea without compromising on taste or nutrition.
- Thai tea is a healthier alternative to other sugary beverages due to its high levels of antioxidants, immune-boosting properties, and digestive benefits.
- By choosing Thai tea over other sugary drinks, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy beverage that provides numerous health benefits.