Is Boba Bad For You?
Also Known As: tapioca balls
Short answer
Persistent consumption of bubble tea (Boba) is indeed bad for human health. Though it is considered by the people that guzzle it to be delicious, the health implications for prolonged consumption of Boba may be not worth the pleasures of that moment. It has taken hold in American and European youth circles, but the data is starting to come in as to effects on the body.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Boba tea, also known as bubble tea or pearl tea, is a drink that combines milk, flavored tea, and tapioca pearls. This concoction is slurped up through a larger-than-life straw, and then the pearls are eaten. The pearls found in the Boba drink are soft and chewy, resembling that of a taffy-like candy. The tapioca pearls are generally dark colored (black) and are derived from brown sugar, sweet potato, and cassava starch. Sometimes, light colored (white) tapioca pearls are used in the production of Boba. The white pearls are typically made from chamomile root, cassava starch, and caramel.
Research carried out at University Hospital in Germany found that all of the tapioca pearls that were tested in the Boba drinks had trace amounts of brominated compounds including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s), acetophenone and 2-(ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). All of these chemicals are used in industrial processes and are well known for being detrimental to the human body. One chemical found in the tapioca pearls was styrene. Styrene is categorized as a carcinogen and is considered to be an immediate danger to one’s health. These compounds either have extremely slow degradation rates or are not biodegradable in any way. Thus, these chemicals build up in the body over time.
Aside from all the hazardous ’plastic-like’ compounds found in Boba, there is the dreaded issue of calories and sugars. One Boba tea drink carries 500 plus calories and sometimes as much as 70 grams of sugar. This is quite a spike for a “beverage snack”. We know the overconsumption of sugar can be an evil culprit responsible for diabetes II, obesity, and inflammation among many others short-term and long-term ailments. This drink is a dangerous cocktail filled with harmful chemicals, loads of sugar, caffeine, and calories. Skip this one and try some fresh brewed green tea with a bit of locally-harvested honey, instead!
Possible short-term side effects
- insulin spikes
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accelerated heart rate
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sugar crash symptoms
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stomach irritation
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hyperactivity
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inflammation
Possible long-term side effects
- obesity
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inflammation
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diabetes
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cancer
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birth defects
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developmental complications
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- temporary elevated energy level
Healthier alternatives
- green tea with locally harvested honey
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organic fresh fruit smoothie
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
BREXONIC Popping Boba Pearls
- Bursting mango flavor
- Ideal for drinks & desserts
- Bubble tea essential
- Fun, edible topping
- Ready-to-serve
Learn More!
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Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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