Bubble tea is a beloved and flavorful drink that has blown the taste buds of many people, and has achieved immense popularity worldwide for the distinctive taste and playful tapioca pearls it offers.
As bubble tea continues to be a go-to choice for beverage lovers, many questions arise about its impact on health and whether enjoying this delicious treat once a week is okay.
The short answer is yes, having bubble tea once a week is okay and generally, it doesn’t affect your health.
What Is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea is a modernized version of tea with Boba or tapioca pearls as its signature ingredient.
Any type of tea base (black or green) is mixed with fruit juices and fruit syrups of one’s choice and at the end tapioca pearls of the same fruit flavor are added to give it the signature texture of a bubble tea.
Bubble tea comes in a variety of different flavors. Some notable ones are as follows:
- Honeydew
- Coconut
- Matcha
- Blueberry
- Brown sugar
- Strawberry
Potential Health Risks and Effects of Consuming Bubble Tea
Just like any other food or drink, the health risks of drinking bubble tea depend on many factors, such as the consumption and amount consumed, overall diet and lifestyle, and individual health status.
Here are some health concerns which may arise due to the consumption of bubble tea.
Calories
Bubble tea can be high in calories, especially if it has lots of sugar and full-fat milk. Too much consumption of calories can result in weight gain and other health issues like obesity and related diseases.
Sugar Content
As bubble tea makes use of a variety of sweet syrups, it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. Taking sugar in large portions can also result in tooth decay and other dental issues.
So, It’s important to have an understanding of the sugar content in bubble tea and prefer lower-sugar options or alter the sweetness level to lower the overall sugar intake for your fitness.
Caffeine
Bubble tea which is particularly made with black tea contains caffeine. As we all know moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe, but excessive caffeine consumption may result in negative effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
If you have any health conditions that you believe would be affected by caffeine, it’s important to keep an eye on your intake and choose bubble tea options with lower caffeine content or skip it altogether.
Nutrient Profile
No doubt, bubble tea offers some nutritional benefits, such as antioxidants from tea and calcium from milk, but still, it might not be the most nutrient-dense drink choice.
It’s important to keep a check and balance on your overall diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods to make sure that you are fulfilling your nutritional needs.
Tapioca Pearls
Tapioca pearls used in bubble tea are sourced through cassava starch, which is a source of carbohydrates but the downside is that it is low in nutrients.
While they add a unique texture to bubble tea, excessive consumption of tapioca pearls may contribute to excess carbohydrate intake and have an effect on blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes or other health conditions that require careful carbohydrate management.
Can you have bubble tea once a week?
You can have bubble tea once a week.
Drinking bubble tea once a week can be considered part of a balanced diet, especially when consumed in moderation and in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
How many times a week should you drink bubble tea?
Consuming bubble tea two times a week is considered safe.
However, there is no specific recommendation for how many times a week one should drink bubble tea, as it depends on individual dietary needs, preferences, and health goals.
As with any food or beverage, moderation is key; enjoying bubble tea occasionally, such as once a week, can be a reasonable approach for most people, especially when balanced with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
How many days can you keep bubble tea?
Bubble tea is best consumed when freshly made, as the texture and taste of the bubbles (tapioca pearls) can degrade over time.
However, if you have leftover bubble tea, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, depending on the flavors and type of toppings used. If fresh fruit is used then it is better to finish your drink within a few hours of its making.
How long does bubble tea stay in your stomach?
Like any other food or beverage, bubble tea will pass through your digestive system and be broken down in your stomach and intestines.
The bubbles (tapioca pearls) in bubble tea are made from tapioca starch and like other carbs, they take time to be digested. However, it’s important to chew them thoroughly to aid in digestion and prevent any potential discomfort.
If you have any concerns about how bubble tea may affect your digestive system or have specific dietary restrictions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Why Thai Tea Can Be Beneficial to Drink Once a Week
Thai tea, a popular type of bubble tea, has unique characteristics that may offer some potential benefits when consumed in moderation.
Thai tea is made with a combination of black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a distinct flavor and creamy texture.
Here are some reasons why Thai tea can be beneficial to drink once a week.
Anti-oxidants
Like other types of tea, Thai tea contains antioxidants from the black tea used as its base. These antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, have been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and enhanced immune function.
Spices
Thai tea is often infused with spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon, which not only add to its unique flavor profile but also provide potential health benefits.
These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can have positive effects on overall health.
Micronutrients
Thai tea typically includes sweetened condensed milk, which can provide calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
- Calcium is essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth.
- Protein supports muscle building and repair.
- Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports healthy immune function.
Flavorful Alternative
Thai tea can be a flavorful and enjoyable alternative to other bubble tea flavors, providing a change in taste and offering a satisfying treat without excessive added sugars.
Opting for Thai tea once a week can be a way to satisfy your bubble tea cravings while being mindful of your overall sugar intake.
If you are wondering now how to make Thai tea, I would suggest you check this video.
Comparison of Nutritional Content in Bubble Tea and Thai Tea
To further illustrate the potential benefits of consuming Thai tea as a weekly indulgence, let’s compare the nutritional content of bubble tea and Thai tea in a table.
| Nutritional Content | Bubble Tea | Thai Tea |
| Total Fat | 5-10 g | 2-5 g |
| Fiber | 0-2 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0-40 mg | 0-20 mg |
| Protein | 1-5 g | 2-4 g |
| Calcium | 10-20% of Daily Value | 10-20% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin D | 0-10% of Daily Value | 10-20% of Daily Value |
| Caffeine | 30-70 mg | 20-50 mg |
| Added Sugars | 30-60 g | 10-20 g |
*Note: Nutrient content may vary depending on the specific recipe and customization of bubble tea or Thai tea.
As seen in the comparison table, Thai tea generally has lower calories, total fat, cholesterol, and sugar compared to bubble tea. It also tends to have slightly higher protein, calcium, and vitamin D content, while containing lower amounts of caffeine and added sugars.
These factors make Thai tea a potentially better option for those who are mindful of their calorie, fat, and sugar intake, and looking for a flavorful alternative to bubble tea.
Conclusion
- Bubble tea can be a delicious and enjoyable treat to enjoy once a week, but it’s important to consume it in moderation and be aware of its potential impact on overall health.
- While it can provide some benefits such as antioxidants from tea and calcium from milk, it can also be high in added sugars and caffeine, and may not be the most nutrient-dense choice.
- Opting for low-sugar options, customizing sweetness levels, and being mindful of overall sugar and caffeine intake can help make bubble tea a part of a balanced diet.
- Furthermore, Thai tea, a popular type of bubble tea, can offer potential benefits when consumed in moderation.
- Its antioxidant-rich black tea base, added spices, and inclusion of sweetened condensed milk can provide unique flavors and potential health benefits such as improved immune function, reduced risk of heart disease, and added calcium and protein.
- Opting for Thai tea once a week as a flavorful alternative to other bubble tea flavors can be a way to indulge in a delicious treat while being mindful of overall sugar and fat intake.