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. Honeydew Bubble Tea is an iced milk bubble tea, with tapioca pearls, flavored with honeydew powder tea mix. This is a very high-calorie beverage.
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 and Flavorings
Boba tea comes in two main types: milk and fruit. The tea base may be mixed with either real fruit, fruit syrup or fruit powder. Fruit-flavored, ice-blended versions are also available. The milk version may be made with real milk or nondairy creamer. Honeydew bubble tea is an iced version made with Asian honeydew tea powder or syrup. The tea powder or syrup is a lime green color, which gives the beverage a similar color to honeydew melon. The tea powder contains sugar, nondairy creamer, nonfat milk powder, maltodextrin and natural flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Lollicup Inc. is a tea house located in California. It sells a Honeydew Milk Tea, which is a bubble tea made with black tea, honeydew tea powder or syrup, milk and tapioca pearls. Its 16-ounce Honeydew Bubble Milk Tea beverage provides 361 calories, 14 grams of fat, 1 g protein, 62 g carbohydrates (19 g sugars, or nearly 5 tsp.) and 648 milligrams of sodium.
Honeydew bubble tea milk powder contributes to the calories, fat and sugar in this beverage. One serving provides 130 calories, 4.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 1 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates (18 g sugars or 4.5 tsp.) and 40 mg sodium. It is not a source of fiber or any vitamins or minerals.
Homemade Version
You can make a healthier version of honeydew bubble tea at home. Bobafind.com features a recipe made with tapioca pearls, powdered green tea, water, sugar, fresh ginger and honeydew melon. Per serving, this nonmilk version provides 281 calories, 0.5 g fat, 1 g protein, 71 g carbohydrates (36 g sugars or 9 tsp.), 2 g dietary fiber and 37 mg sodium. Honeydew melon is rich in vitamin C. The recipe makes two servings and calls for two cups honeydew melon chunks. One serving of this tea meets 50 percent of the recommended Daily Value, or DV, for vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, building collagen and promoting healthy gums.
Considerations
Although tea is a healthy beverage, bubble tea provides too many calories and few nutrients. Most individuals do not have room in their diets for an extra 360 calories, particularly in the form of a sugary beverage. The Lollicup version of Honeydew Bubble Milk Tea is also high in fat and sodium. The homemade recipe, though lower in calories, fat and sodium than the tea parlor version, and rich in vitamin C, is still high in calories and sugars. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, or DGA, 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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