Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and spread to other East Asian countries before reaching the U.S. Bubble tea has gained in popularity since then, particularly on the West Coast in college towns. The ingredients and size of this beverage determine the calories and nutrient content. Bubble tea is typically high in calories, so consume it in moderation.
Identification
Bubble tea is a sweet tea drink made with tapioca pearls, typically served cold, with or without milk. The original bubble tea recipe, also known as pearl milk tea, consisted of hot Chinese black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk and honey. The tea is named after the bubbles that foam on the top of the beverage after it is shaken to enhance flavor. The small tapioca pearls in this drink are known as "boba." They rest at the bottom of the cup and may be sucked up through a straw. Though virtually flavorless, tapioca pearls add a chewy texture.
Types
Boba tea comes in two main types: milk and fruit. The tea base may be mixed with either real fruit or fruit syrup. Fruit-flavored ice-blended versions are also available. The milk version may be made with real milk or non-dairy creamers, as well as black tea, honey, sugar, ice and tapioca pearls. The most popular types of bubble tea are non-fruit flavors--black and green bubble teas, sweetened with sugar. Some parlors or tea houses serve passion fruit, strawberry, raspberry, coconut, banana and/or blueberry-flavored bubble teas.
Basic Nutrition Facts
Lollicup Inc. is a coffee and tea house located in California that sells bubble tea drinks. They make fruit, milk and iced versions. Their 16-oz. Boba Milk Tea has 317.5 calories, 10.6 g fat (0 g saturated), 2 g protein and 56 g carbohydrates (38 g sugars, or 9.5 tsp.). A 16-oz. black or green bubble tea with fructose has 231.5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g protein and 54 g carbohydrates (54 g sugars, or 13.5 tsp.). According to the Singapore Ministry of Foods, on average, one cup of bubble tea, with milk and pearls, has 340 calories, 13.6 g fat, 1 g protein and 52.7 g total carbohydrates.
Homemade Version
AllRecipes.com features a bubble tea recipe made with white sugar, pearl tapioca, brewed black tea, milk and ice cubes. The pearled tapioca must be cooked over a stovetop. This recipe serves one and has 280 calories, 0.5 g fat, 1 g protein and 68 g carbohydrates (24 g sugars, or 6 tsp.). The homemade version is lower in calories, fat and sugar than Lollicup's 16-oz. Boba Milk Tea and an average one-cup serving, according to the Singapore Ministry of Foods. However, this recipe doesn't contain enough milk to be a healthful source of protein or calcium, and is still a high-calorie beverage. To make it healthier, you could use an artificial sweetener in place of the sugar--though the tapioca pearls provide most of the calories.
Considerations
Although tea is a healthy beverage, when you add starchy tapioca pearls, sugar and milk, you end up with too many calories and too few nutrients. Bubble tea is a "fun" beverage, and all foods can fit into a healthy diet. However, few individuals have room in their diets to accommodate an extra 300 calories, particularly as a sugary beverage. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, consuming sugar-and starch-containing beverages contributes to cavities. Instead, choose foods and beverages that are high in nutrients and low in calories for overall health and weight control.
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