A new study has raised concerns about the health effects of boba tea, a globally popular drink that originated in Taiwan. While widely loved, experts now caution that drinking it excessively could pose serious health risks.
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, was first introduced in Taiwan in the 1980s. Over the years, it has gained immense popularity worldwide, especially among young people.
The drink typically contains tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, making it both a beverage and a snack.
What makes boba tea risky?
Nutritionists point out that the tapioca pearls — also known as sago grains — are made from cassava starch. These pearls are low in nutritional value but high in calories.
Regular consumption can therefore contribute to unhealthy dietary habits without providing essential nutrients.
Research suggests that the cassava plant can absorb heavy metals such as lead and cadmium from the soil. Some reports have even found elevated levels of lead in certain bubble tea samples.
Experts warn that continuous exposure to such elements can be harmful to overall health.
Eating large quantities of tapioca pearls may lead to indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea. In rare cases, it can even cause intestinal blockage.
Additionally, some boba drinks contain guar gum as a thickening agent, which may worsen constipation.
Medical experts have also flagged safety concerns for younger consumers. The large tapioca pearls can pose a choking hazard for children.
Several dangerous incidents linked to this issue have already been reported in Singapore.
Link to kidney stones and mental health
According to nutritionists, certain ingredients in bubble tea — including oxalate and phosphate — may increase the risk of kidney stones.
A 2023 case in Taiwan highlighted the severity of the issue, where doctors reportedly removed more than 300 kidney stones from a 20-year-old woman linked to excessive boba tea consumption.
Studies conducted in China have also found that frequent consumption of bubble tea is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Despite these risks, medical experts emphasize that there is no need to completely eliminate bubble tea from one’s diet.
Instead, they recommend consuming it occasionally rather than daily. Choosing less sugar, opting for smaller portions, and avoiding added thickening agents may help reduce potential health risks.
