Love Bubble Tea? Harvard Expert Reveals What's In It And Should You Be Drinking It More Than Once A Week?

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If you've ever walked past a crowd holding pastel-colored drinks with floating black pearls, you've seen bubble tea-a drink that's as Instagrammable as it is addictive. Also known as boba tea, this Taiwanese beverage has taken over urban cafes, college campuses, and even family-friendly food courts. With its chewy tapioca balls, endless flavor combinations, and candy-sweet appeal, bubble tea is no longer just a drink-it's a lifestyle.

But as delicious and fun as it is, a question lingers: Is bubble tea actually healthy? And more importantly, how many times can you sip it before it turns from treat to trouble?

This article breaks down everything from what's really inside your favourite boba cup to how it affects your health, digestion, sugar levels, and even your skin. If you're a fan or just bubble tea-curious, read this before your next order.

What Exactly Is Bubble Tea?

Bubble tea is a cold drink typically made with milk tea or fruit tea as the base, sweeteners, and chewy tapioca pearls (also called boba). It originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global craze, especially among teens and young adults.

Some variations contain fruit jellies, popping boba (juice-filled balls), coffee, or even matcha. While it feels like a dessert, most people consume it like a regular beverage, which is where the health concerns begin.

In this Instagram reel, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Hrvard trained Gastroenterologist shares the cons of this unhealthy beverage and that it is one of the reasons why young people are getting fatty liver.

How Much Sugar Is Really In Your Cup?

A standard medium-sized cup of bubble tea can contain anywhere between 30 to 55 grams of sugar-that's more than a can of Coca-Cola. Add toppings like caramel drizzle or flavoured jellies, and the sugar level shoots even higher.
Consistently consuming this much sugar can lead to insulin spikes, increased fat storage, and acne flare-ups. If you're drinking bubble tea more than twice a week, it might be time to rethink your routine.

Is Tapioca (Boba) Hard To Digest?

Yes-and that's not a myth. Tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch, which is almost entirely carbohydrates with very little fiber. While a few pearls are fine, large quantities can be hard to digest, especially in children.
There have even been cases where excessive boba consumption led to constipation and abdominal discomfort due to starch buildup. So, chew wisely-and maybe skip the extra scoop.

Can You Make Bubble Tea Healthier?

Absolutely. Opt for less sugar, choose green tea or oolong bases, and say no to artificial creamers. Some cafes offer plant-based milks and real fruit purees, which reduce the chemical load.
You can also try making bubble tea at home using honey, almond milk, or chia seeds instead of tapioca. It's not only healthier-it's also surprisingly fun to DIY.

How Often Can You Have Bubble Tea Safely?

If you're relatively healthy and active, one bubble tea per week (with reduced sugar) is considered okay. But if you're struggling with weight, insulin resistance, acne, or gut issues, it's best to limit it to once or twice a month.
Remember, bubble tea isn't hydrating like water or coconut water-it's more of a dessert than a drink. Treat it like a cupcake, not a smoothie.

Can It Affect Skin And Hormones?

Yes. The high sugar content can spike insulin, which increases oil production and can lead to acne. Some flavoured creamers and syrups also contain additives and dairy-based emulsifiers that may disrupt gut bacteria, which indirectly impacts hormone balance.
If your skin is breaking out and you're a regular boba drinker, there's a possible link worth exploring.

Is Bubble Tea Addictive?

Kind of. The combo of sugar, caffeine (from the tea), and chewy texture creates a pleasurable reward loop. Over time, your brain starts to crave that "boba hit" in the same way it does with junk food or soda.
This doesn't mean you're hooked for life, but it does explain why bubble tea feels like such a mood-booster.