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  Today we talk Bubble Tea also known as Boba Tea. Never heard of this well known Asian ancestor? That could be because it is not quite popular just yet. In fact, it has only been around since the 1980’s, originating in Taiwan. I have been drinking bubble tea for many years, but only knew of one location that sold it and that location happened to be in a predominately Asian neighborhood.

  So what is the stuff, and why are so many people downing it? Bubble tea starts off as either a green or black tea. Traditionally, milk is then added to the tea or kept plain, and shaken vigorously until bubbles form. However, most teas prepared this way are now made with large tapioca pearls which are considered the “bubbles” in bubble tea. You literally have to chew the pearls a bit, which for many is an odd thing to do.

  Since bubble tea has been around for so long, and is becoming more modernized, new and innovative techniques are being incorporated to the final product. For instance, I was recently in my local mall and saw a small shop selling bubble tea, my heart skipped a beat since I didn’t expect to ever see such a culturally based treat end up in my local mall! I immediately stopped in my tracks and checked out the now elaborate menu of beverages. What happened to freshly brewed, chilled green tea with some pearls at the bottom!? Now one can find mango flavored tea, strawberry, papaya, ginger, Thai tea, durian, and much more. I decided to forgo one of the crazy fruity flavors for the classic green tea. However, a few months later I did try the mango, and was rather disappointed. It was extremely sweet, and milky, something I am not used to.

  Being the nutrition and health advocate that runs through my veins, I also did some research to find out how the nutritional and caloric content of bubble tea stacks up. Well bubble tea lovers; you may not want to read the following. Instead, just know you may want to stick to drinking bubble tea as a “Once in a while treat.” Plain bubble tea (green tea with no milk and 1-2 ounces of pearls) has about 120-300 calories. The wide range in calories is that every shop places between 1 and 3 ounces of pearls, and these pearls are simply a slightly sweetened starch, aka, calories. But do not disarray! Without adding sweetener, milk, or flavoring a small Boba can rank in with as little as 200 calories with nearly no fat. Plus, when you do not add milk you enable the healthful antioxidants from the green or even black tea to aid in digestion, cell rejuvenation, stave off hunger, and detoxify the body.

  As an after dinner treat once in a while it is a great idea. I recommend trying the plain bubble tea before trying a flavored one. This way you can begin enjoying it as it traditionally is made. Once milk and flavoring (usually the flavoring is in a higher calorie powered form since fresh fruit blends are very rare) you are looking at anywhere between 500 and 700 calories depending on the size. That my friend is just like eating an ice-cream sundae!

  Bubble tea is wonderful, good for you when chosen wisely, diet friendly in moderate moderation (I.e. no more than 2 times per week), and a classic tradition. I am a regular tea drinker of all sorts, perhaps I will post pictures of my collection one week, but bubble tea is a special treat that ranks in my top five favorite teas. Get one step closer to a completely rich lifestyle by making better food choices, and help your body out with antioxidant rich tea, by tracking down your own bubble tea shop near by.

  They’ll be slowly working their way at a shop near you, take my word for it!

Warmly,
Sara Dawn
Health Coordinator @ NYW
Nutrition Specialist
TriVita Business Affiliate
Aspiring Yogi

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