.png)
Created in 1986 and popularized within the last few years, the newest trendy drink has caused many people of all ages to become obsessed. This drink, originating from Taiwan, is known as “bubble tea”, or more commonly as “boba.” The bottom of the cup features tapioca pearls, hence the name “bubble tea.” A report from fortunebusinessinsights.com states, “The global bubble tea market size was USD 2.02 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 3.39 billion by the end of 2027.” There are a wide variety of flavors and a growing demand for the drink, but many may not realize that it also presents various health risks when consumed in high amounts.
“Before quarantine, I would usually drink 2-3 boba drinks a week. However, during quarantine, I picked up the hobby of making boba and 2-3 weekly boba drinks slowly turned into 4-5,” Sophomore Jazmyne Viloria explained. Junior Gwen Jaramillo states, “Depends, I would usually get boba around five times a week.”
Boba is not exactly the healthiest drink. Although it is a delicious drink; as the saying goes: the better it tastes, the more calories it has. Depending on which type of drink you create, the calories may range from 200-500 calories or even more. Some people may even tend to consume boba drinks as meal replacements. However, this is not necessarily the best idea. Boba does not provide enough protein and mostly consists of just sugar and fat. If you’re planning to lose weight or body fat, semi-starvation and/or replacing meals with boba drinks are not a healthy way of doing so. Instead, try eating more nutritious meals as well as exercising daily.
According to the article, “Does Bubble Tea Actually Cause Cancer?,” German researchers discovered that within tapioca pearls it contained carcinogenic chemicals, also known as PCBs. PCBs are also known to lead to cancer. PCBs were eventually banned in the U.S. after 50 years of use because they discovered that they were not limited to causing cancer. They can also cause harm to several body systems, including the reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.
The article, “Are Bubble Tea Pearls Safe? We Asked a Doctor for the Facts,” states, “..Dr. Kushnir says that an additive sometimes used in bubble tea pearls, called guar gum, can cause constipation.” Gwen mentioned that whenever Mr. Wasano, Maui High’s Band Director, sees her holding a cup of boba, he continually reminds her that her “insides will be sticky.”
Why do we continue to drink this drink, especially after knowing the health risks? Jazmyne elaborates, “I still continue to drink it because it makes me and my tastebuds overjoyed!” I don’t blame her. In fact, I completely agree with her. It’s the same reason why we treat ourselves to ice cream or generally anything sweet. Comfort food!
It’s okay to drink boba, just not too much. Although boba is known as a high-calorie drink, the serotonin it provides makes it well worth it!
Picture Credit: Jazmyne Viloria