Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea is a globally iconic drink, also referred to as ‘boba’ (aka one of my favourite drinks). Bubble tea originated from Taiwan in the early 1980’s. It is a tea consisting of chewy black balls known as tapioca pearls. Bubble Tea became a major hit worldwide and has enthralled the young and old alike. But first, let's take a quick journey through the history of this fascinating drink.

Boba Tea culture began in the late 80’s. Milk tea was already iconic in Taiwan, as tea drinking in Asia dates back thousands and thousands of years. Shaved ice and tapioca pearls were desserts back then and were quite popular. At some point, a chef by the name of ‘Liu Han Chieh’ got struck with a brilliant idea of mixing the three popular elements -- tapioca pearls at the bottom, followed by a thin layer of ice and then drowned in the milk tea. 

This drink quickly grew popular all across Taiwan. Many stall owners began creating their own versions and adding fruit boba or coffee boba. The toppings also varied and soon, tons of options were available like popping boba, grass jelly, egg pudding, etc. But as boba became more widespread, it also became sweeter and many companies began adding dairy creamer instead of the milk tea, making it incredibly sweet. This gives it a scrumptious flavour but is it healthy? Boba tea is known for its high levels of sugar which, if taken carelessly, can cause serious health problems such as diabetes and obesity. The health benefits are very limited, although its calories and carbohydrates can give a sudden boost of energy. It is also incredibly addictive due to its sugar content. 

My first encounter with boba was when I passed by a bubble tea store in London. I wanted to go in, simple as that, and try the milk tea boba. I immediately got mesmerised at its sweet, delicious taste. Eager for another taste, I took another sip...and another...and another. Until I found myself finishing the cup in a matter of minutes! I quickly grew incredibly fond of this drink and loved having it for the remainder of the vacation. When I got back home, I had a rethink on its empty calorie consequences and decided to have it once a week, and soon I got over the obsession. But it took a long time. Especially since such a sugary flavour is hard to forget. 

Bubble Tea is a famous drink worldwide and many adults and kids have grown fond of this sweet drink but we need to be aware of how much sugar we are consuming. The sugar content of boba is definitely not healthy and can cause more harm than good. Every once in a while it is good to indulge but remember, your health comes first.