Bubble tea is a beverage with Taiwanese origins that is renowned for its distinct flavor, chewy tapioca balls, and vibrant look. However, as bubble tea becomes more and more popular, concerns regarding its effects on the body and whether daily use is safe arise.
It is not healthy to drink bubble tea every day because consuming it every day may lead to an unbalanced intake of nutrients due to its high sugar and calorie content.
In this article, we will discuss the health concerns of drinking bubble tea every day. So, let’s delve into the information.
Is bubble tea healthy?
The ingredients for bubble tea are black or green tea, milk or fruit juice, sweeteners, and tapioca pearls. Although it might be a delectable and energizing treat, it’s crucial to remember that bubble tea can also have health effects due to its nutritional makeup.
The presence of high sugar in bubble tea is the main health concern. The high sugar, which results in health risks, is due to the milk and sweetness used in bubble tea. Consuming such high amounts of sugar daily would result in obesity and further health issues that could be dangerous or even fatal in severe cases.
Furthermore, because they are derived from the refined cassava root, the tapioca pearls used in bubble tea are heavy in calories and carbohydrates.
These pearls are frequently cooked in sugar syrup, which increases the beverage’s calorie and sugar content. This may lead to high-calorie consumption, which could result in weight gain and other related health issues.
Drinking bubble tea as a regular beverage may lead to an unbalanced intake of nutrients, which could affect your health.
For further facts about the overconsumption of Boba, check out this video:
Health Risks Factors of Drinking Bubble Tea Every Day
High Sugar Intake
If your sugar intake is too high, you could end up gaining weight which further leads to health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses. Chronic illnesses include type 2 diabetes and heart diseases which come from carbohydrate intake.
The American Heart Association has advised women to not consume sugar more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) daily. On the other hand, this sugar consumption is 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.
Unfortunately, the normal serving of bubble tea may include anywhere from 10-15 tablespoons of sugar which are far more than the advised dose.
High-Calorie Intake
When brewed with full-fat milk and sweetened with sugar syrup, bubble tea can be fully loaded with calories. Drinking high-calorie beverages on daily basis can result in weight gain and many other related health issues.
If you calculate the single serving of bubble tea according to its quantity, ingredients, and sweetness, then it would result in 300-500 calories per serving.
So, if you’re regularly drinking such high-calorie beverages, then you’re playing with your health.
Nutrient Imbalance
Bubble tea doesn’t add nutritional value to your diet as it doesn’t contain nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins. So, depending on a sweet drink without significant nutritional value can be harmful to health.
Tapioca Pearl Risks
As discussed above tapioca pearls are already high in carbohydrates. To add to it they are cooked in syrup of sugar which increases their calories and sugar even more.
Consuming these higher-calorie tapioca pearls daily could lead you to diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Caffeine Intake
The word tea in bubble tea refers to caffeine whose moderate consumption can have positive benefits on health. But consuming high doses of caffeine can lead to health problems like anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Drinking bubble tea every day in large amounts increases the caffeine intake in your diet which could lead to negative health impacts.
Is it okay to drink bubble tea twice a week?
Drinking bubble tea twice a week is generally considered normal and is in moderation.
Nonetheless, one should always be aware of the health risk related to the calories and sugar of bubble tea. So, it’s better to drink Bubble tea in moderation to make your diet healthy.
How many calories is bubble tea?
The calorie count of bubble tea depends upon the size, type and it’s ingredients. However, an average of 16 fl. oz. serving of bubble tea contains 250-400 calories or more, depending upon its sweetness, type of milk, and toppings. So, it’s better to consume it wisely.
Is bubble tea junk food?
Bubble tea is not necessarily considered junk food because one can customize his or her drink as per liking. If you add natural sweeteners, healthier milk alternatives that keep you full for a longer period of time, and fresh fruit toppings then bubble tea won’t be graded as junk or fast food.
On the other hand, if your bubble tea only contains certain syrups with high sugar content or whipping cream as a topping then it would surely be counted as junk.
If you want to add bubble tea to your daily consumption then it’s better to make it healthy by choosing unsweetened tea, adding low-fat milk, and skipping artificial flavors.
Are bubble teas healthy?
Bubble tea is not considered healthy generally and that’s why it is not recommended to be drunk daily because of the high content of sugar and calories.
How to make bubble tea healthy?
As already discussed, there are some ways to make your Boba tea healthy. These include the following:
- choosing low-fat milk over high-fat dairy milk
- replacing artificial flavors with natural ones
- instead of sugar use natural sweeteners like stevia or artificial sweeteners like erythritol
- skipping tapioca pearls with natural fruit toppings
Why Thai Tea Can Be a Better Choice
While bubble tea has gained popularity as a trendy beverage, it’s important to remember that there are other options that may be a better choice for your health.
One such option is Thai tea, a traditional beverage known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
Rich in Antioxidants
Thai tea, made with a combination of black tea, spices, and condensed milk, is known for its distinctive flavor and is often rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are known to help fight against free radicals in the body, which can cause cell damage and contribute to various health issues. Regular consumption of Thai tea may provide you with antioxidant benefits that can support your overall health.
Lower Sugar Content
Thai tea is typically made with less sugar compared to bubble tea. This can be a healthier option, as it helps to reduce your overall sugar intake, which can help manage weight and blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions associated with high sugar consumption.
Moderate Calorie Intake
Thai tea is usually made with condensed milk, which can add some calories to the beverage. However, the calorie content can be controlled by adjusting the amount of milk and sweeteners used.
Compared to bubble tea, Thai tea may be a better option for managing calorie intake, as it is typically lower in calories, especially when made with lower-fat milk or sweeteners.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
Thai tea may contain beneficial spices and herbs like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, which can have potential health benefits.
These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immune-boosting properties. Regular consumption of Thai tea may provide you with these additional nutritional benefits.
Portion Control
Unlike bubble tea, which is often served in large cups with generous servings of tapioca pearls, Thai tea is typically served in smaller portions. This can help with portion control and prevent excessive calorie intake, making it a better option for those who are mindful of their calorie consumption.
For more understanding, let’s compare some general nutrients of bubble tea and Thai tea.
| Nutrient | Bubble Tea (16 oz) | Thai Tea (16 oz) |
| Calories | 250-400 calories | 150-200 calories |
| Sugar | 30-50 grams | 20-30 grams |
| Fat | 5-10 grams | 5-10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-70 grams | 20-30 grams |
| Protein | 2-5 grams | 1-3 grams |
| Caffeine | 30-70 mg | 20-50 mg |
Conclusion
- Bubble tea, while tasty, can be high in calories, sugar, and caffeine. Regular consumption of bubble tea may contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and other health issues.
- It’s important to practice moderation and be mindful of the nutritional content of bubble tea.
- Thai tea may be a healthier alternative, offering potential health benefits, lower sugar content, moderate calorie intake, and portion control.
- Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized dietary advice.
- Making informed choices and practicing moderation is key to enjoying bubble tea or any beverage in a balanced and healthy way.