It is sweet, colorful, often served in a playful container, and seems to check all the boxes of the pleasure drink. The Bubble Tea, from Taiwan and become viral on Tiktok, invaded the specialized brands in a few years. “” That burst under the tooth, an infinite choice of tastes, plant milks, ice cubes, sometimes even cream toppings … But under this well -oiled marketing varnish, the planetary success of the drink today raises several questions.
A sweet bomb for opaque recipes
According to the tests carried out by the magazine 60 million consumers, some Bubble Teas analyzed contain between 30 and 60 grams of sugars per portion. Quantities which exceed, sometimes very largely, the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which fixes the threshold not to be exceeded at 25 grams of sugars added per day. A single glass can therefore be enough to explode the daily dose.
But that’s not all. The analysis of the ingredients also reveals the presence of numerous additives: dyes (such as E102 or E129), artificial, thickening, conservative aromas … a chemistry that is not very appetizing. One of the tested samples contained no less than twelve different additives, some of which are suspected of deleterious effects on health if they are consumed regularly.
An expert in nutrition quoted by 60 million sums up the situation: “” This term, widely disseminated in current debates on food, designates products made from industrial substances and whose regular consumption is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Another worrying point: the vagueness that surrounds the compositions. In the majority of specialized shops, the exact content of sugar or additives is not displayed. Some brands offer “” or “” options, but no regulations oblige transparency on the ingredients used. “”, Lands up a representative of the UFC-Que Choisir cited in 60 million consumers.
Young people, first target and first victims?
Teens are the most fervent consumers of Bubble Tea. They represent the main customers of these shops, often installed near high schools, colleges or shopping centers. But they are also the most vulnerable. From a physiological point of view, their sugar consumption is already greater than the recommended thresholds. And from a marketing point of view, the visual codes of the Bubble Tea – flashy colors, exotic tastes, XXL formats – are specifically designed to seduce this age group.
Sweet drinks are one of the main sources of empty calories among young people, according to alerts issued in recent years by public health institutions. In the case of the Bubble Tea, the problem is still reinforced by the texture: the “” of Tapioca or the syrup balls are not chewed but swallowed, which can disturb the feeling of satiety and encourage overconsumption.
Recent studies published internationally begin to explore links between the frequent consumption of Bubble Tea and certain psychological disorders in adolescents. A Taiwanese study cited by Consoglobe.com signals a correlation between the frequency of consumption of this drink and an increased level of anxiety and depressive symptoms. No direct causality is established at this stage, but the observed correlation raises legitimate questions.
Healthier alternatives? Not always
The Bubble Tea is not a uniform product. Depending on the recipes, it can be prepared from black, green, oolong, or even caffeine infusions. Some establishments offer versions with little or no sugar, vegetable milk, or natural ingredients. But these initiatives remain rare, especially among deductibles at low prices.
The logic of profitability often requires the use of flavored powders and industrial concentrated syrups, which guarantee a stable taste at a lower cost. The pearls themselves are often bought already ready, and plunged into a sugar bath to accentuate their flavor. Difficult, therefore, for the consumer to navigate without a clear display.
According to a nutritionist questioned by 60 million, “”.
FAQ – Bubble Tea: 5 practical points to know
1. From what age can we drink Bubble Tea?
There is no official limit, but due to its high sugar and pearl content, caution is recommended in children under 10 years of age.
2. Can we drink Bubble Tea during pregnancy?
Some recipes may contain caffeine, dyes or additives not recommended during pregnancy. It is best to avoid industrial or too sweet versions.
3. How many times a week can you consume Bubble Tea?
There is no strict rule, but as with any sweet drink, occasional consumption remains preferable to regular use.
4. Is the Bubble Tea vegan?
Not always. Certain preparations use animal milk, aromas from animal products or non -plant gelifiers. Better to ask for the composition.
5. How do you know if a Bubble Tea is less transformed?
The absence of flavored powder, the mention of the ingredients, and the possibility of adjusting the sugar dose are good indicators of a simpler recipe.
