{"id":5046,"date":"2022-08-18T06:48:09","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T06:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/?page_id=5046"},"modified":"2023-05-06T10:19:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T10:19:13","slug":"what-is-boba-made-of","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Boba Made Of? The Surprising Truth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A native Taiwanese drink, boba has become increasingly popular around the world. Despite this, its creation and contents are still shrouded in mystery. The word \u201cboba\u201d is also used interchangeably to refer to both the <a href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/\">food<\/a> itself and the bubble tea\u2014also called pearl tea or tapioca tea\u2014it\u2019s typically included in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, few consumers know what they\u2019re actually drinking and eating with this milk tea. Those with dietary requirements or allergies, or just curious beverage connoisseurs, may want to know. So let\u2019s find out what boba is made from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#what-is-boba\" title=\"What Is Boba?\">What Is Boba?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#what-is-boba-made-of\" title=\"What Is Boba Made Of?\">What Is Boba Made Of?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#bases\" title=\"Bases\">Bases<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#origins-of-boba\" title=\"Origins of Boba\">Origins of Boba<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#how-is-boba-used\" title=\"How Is Boba Used?\">How Is Boba Used?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#what-does-boba-taste-like\" title=\"What Does Boba Taste Like?\">What Does Boba Taste Like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#nutritional-information\" title=\"Nutritional Information\">Nutritional Information<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#is-boba-vegan-friendly\" title=\"Is Boba Vegan Friendly?\">Is Boba Vegan Friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#potential-health-benefits-of-boba-tea\" title=\"Potential Health Benefits of Boba Tea\">Potential Health Benefits of Boba Tea<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#lower-blood-pressure\" title=\"Lower blood pressure\">Lower blood pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#decreased-cancer-risks\" title=\"Decreased cancer risks\">Decreased cancer risks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#health-risks-associated-with-boba\" title=\"Health Risks Associated With Boba\">Health Risks Associated With Boba<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#obesity\" title=\"Obesity\">Obesity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#diabetes\" title=\"Diabetes\">Diabetes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#allergic-reactions\" title=\"Allergic reactions\">Allergic reactions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#alternatives-to-boba-tea\" title=\"Alternatives to Boba Tea\">Alternatives to Boba Tea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/#conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-boba\"><\/span>What Is Boba?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba tea, also known as bubble tea and bubble milk tea, is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tealeaves.com\/pages\/bubble-tea-origins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taiwanese drink<\/a> that uses milk, fruits, and tapioca starch, among other ingredients, to give it its distinct taste. The drink is referred to by different names, depending on who you ask, with Chinese consumers calling it by a variation of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/fullcoffeeroast.com\/what-is-boba-made-of\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pearl ball milk tea<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-boba-made-of\"><\/span>What Is Boba Made Of?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To create bubble tea, tapioca pearls\u2014often referred to as bobas\u2014are added to a base, usually tea, but not always, and shaken in to create bubbles. These \u201cboba\u201d are small pearls that sit on the bottom of a drink once it\u2019s made and can be chewed on while drinking the liquid. It\u2019s referred to as a \u201cbubble tea\u201d both because of the pearls themselves and the bubbles they create when the drink is shaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba is made from tapioca starch, also called cassava starch because it\u2019s extracted from the cassava root, a starchy tuber native to South America. This origin <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobatea.com\/blogs\/news\/how-is-boba-made#:~:text=The%20tapioca%20balls%20are%20made,water%20to%20finish%20the%20product.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">explains why they\u2019re often called<\/a> \u201ctapioca pearls.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boiling water is added to this tapioca starch before it\u2019s kneaded to give it a dough-like consistency. That dough is then <a href=\"https:\/\/fullcoffeeroast.com\/what-is-boba-made-of\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cut up and rolled into<\/a> boba\u2019s standard round shape\u2014the above-mentioned tapioca pearls\u2014and then boiled in a water and brown sugar syrup mixture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tea itself, typically a green or black tea, is brewed before the boba and any other ingredients are added. After the boba is added the tea is shaken up, creating the bubbles that help give bubble tea its name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tea-making process itself is customizable and depends on a drinker\u2019s personal preferences, with boba being used alongside various flavors and types of green tea. That usually involves the addition of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allrecipes.com\/article\/what-is-boba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">flavors and syrups<\/a>, such as strawberry, brown sugar, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bases\"><\/span>Bases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Though \u201cboba\u201d is used interchangeably with bubble tea, it refers to the balls contained in the drink and typically mixed with various base drinks. Green or black tea <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thrillist.com\/eat\/nation\/what-is-boba-bubble-tea-tapioca-balls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">are the most common<\/a>, with lychee, strawberry, or peach syrups, among others, used to add more flavor. Alternatively, fresh milk is often added to create a milk tea. Boba milk tea has a creamier texture than its fruity alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some options stray a bit further from the conventional path, however. Fruit teas containing fresh slices of the fruit itself are also a popular choice. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bossenstore.com\/blogs\/blog\/how-to-make-delicious-taro-milk-tea-like-a-bubble-tea-shop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tropical tarot roots<\/a> can also be used instead of coffee beans or tea leaves. Matcha and oolong teas are the most common types of tea used to make boba tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teas aren\u2019t the only base drinks that can be paired with boba, however. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leaf.tv\/articles\/how-to-make-bubble-tea-slush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Slushies have become increasingly popular<\/a>. Like their non-boba counterparts, these are made by mixing milk, ice, tea, and syrups to make a frosty treat\u2014always with the tapioca starch balls added at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, boba can also come as vegan milk teas, such as soy, oat, and almond milk, as well as lactose-free milk, so that vegans or people with lactose intolerance are also able to enjoy boba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"origins-of-boba\"><\/span>Origins of Boba<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The origins of boba are surprisingly <a href=\"http:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/feat\/archives\/2018\/11\/13\/2003704115\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unclear and debatable<\/a>, although most agree it can be traced back to 1980s Taiwan and Liu Han Chieh, who appears to have invented the drink. It\u2019s claimed that Chieh combined milk and black tapioca balls and made a drink that proved popular among local students, who would have it as either a snack or part of their breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liu Han Chieh doesn\u2019t have the <a href=\"https:\/\/foodicles.com\/boba-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">only claim to inventing or popularizing<\/a> bubble tea, though. A man called Tu Tsong-he also has an apparent stake in this as well. As the owner of the Hanlin Tea Room in Taiwan\u2019s Tainan City, Tsong-he claims he was inspired to create the drink in 1986 after finding some tapioca balls for sale. Inspired by the find, he believed that <a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/travel\/article\/taiwan-bubble-tea-origins\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mixing it<\/a> with a green or black tea, or something similar, could prove popular among local customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of which entrepreneur truly invented it, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandwine.com\/tea\/bubble-tea-taiwanese-street-drink-turned-american-addiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drink exploded in popularity<\/a> across Asia during the 1990s before subsequently making its way to Europe and beyond. Bubble tea\u2019s popularity has been driven by the various drinks boba can be mixed with, as well as the multiple flavor options. Add in the chewy nature of boba and the bubbles it helps create, and consumers also see it as a more interesting and fun alternative to traditional beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-is-boba-used\"><\/span>How Is Boba Used?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba is typically used in bubble tea, which is why many people use the term \u201cboba\u201d interchangeably when referring to both the drink and the pearls <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alphafoodie.com\/how-to-make-bubble-tea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">found at the bottom of it<\/a>. The drinks are usually made by layering the tapioca pearls at the bottom before green or black tea is poured in, although it\u2019s not uncommon for these to be added last before the drink is shaken. Additional ingredients such as fruit, sweeteners, milk, and cream are also used in the drinks, depending on the bubble tea shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bubble tea isn\u2019t the only use for boba, however. It\u2019s also found in coffees, smoothies, and slushies. The ingredient can be found in Taiwanese bubble tea shops and Asian markets worldwide, although it\u2019s also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bossenstore.com\/blogs\/blog\/making-the-perfect-cup-of-milk-tea-at-a-bubble-tea-shop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">possible to make it at home<\/a>. Boba is also a popular topping found in self-serve <a href=\"https:\/\/fanaledrinks.com\/blogs\/blog\/15581503-whats-popping-boba-and-why-is-it-so-popular\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yogurt shops<\/a>, provided alongside more traditional dessert toppings such as cookies and sprinkles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-does-boba-taste-like\"><\/span>What Does Boba Taste Like?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba itself doesn\u2019t have much of a flavor, although bubble tea is sweet and typically comes in fruity flavors. The taste itself comes from the liquid that the boba is added to by bubble tea shops, usually either a green or black tea. In addition to the standard green or black tea flavor, bubble tea <a href=\"https:\/\/delishably.com\/beverages\/What-is-Bubble-Tea-or-Boba-and-what-does-it-taste-like\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">comes in a range of other flavors<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ginger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caramel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coconut<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mango<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lemon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chocolate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sesame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mocha<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba <a href=\"https:\/\/www.honestfoodtalks.com\/how-to-make-tapioca-pearls\/#:~:text=Although%20boba%20has%20a%20gelatinous,often%20used%20in%20the%20process.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">has a gelatinous texture<\/a>, soft and chewy, regardless of what kind of drink it comes in. The tea it\u2019s usually mixed with, however, is creamy and frothy and has been described as a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/thrivecuisine.com\/taste-test\/what-does-boba-taste-like\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">melted milkshake<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"nutritional-information\"><\/span>Nutritional Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the nutritional information for boba drinks vary, here is the nutritional information for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/is-boba-healthy-4157722#:~:text=Traditional%20tapioca%20boba%20contains%2063,and%205%20grams%20of%20sugar).&amp;text=The%20carbohydrate%20in%20boba%20comes%20primarily%20from%20starch.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">76g of dried<\/a> boba:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>272 calories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>0g fat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>0.8mg of sodium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>67.5g of carbohydrates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>0.7g of fiber<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2.5g of sugar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>0.1g of protein<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These may not match up precisely with a serving of bubble tea, however, because serving sizes and additional ingredients play a significant role in each drink\u2019s nutritional information. There are also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.souschef.co.uk\/blogs\/the-bureau-of-taste\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bubble-tea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">micro-ingredients<\/a> to consider. While making up a minor part of boba, these include calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. Given the trace amounts of these, however, they don\u2019t typically factor into someone\u2019s daily recommended intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-boba-vegan-friendly\"><\/span>Is Boba Vegan Friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends. There are quite a few vegan-friendly boba options on the market, although consumers must be on the lookout for particular ingredients, especially milk. But customers can easily substitute almond or oat milk to make it vegan friendly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba itself also meets vegan-friendly standards, as it\u2019s completely plant-based and made from fruit juice, sugar, water, and alginic acid, which comes from algae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"potential-health-benefits-of-boba-tea\"><\/span>Potential Health Benefits of Boba Tea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though boba doesn\u2019t seem to offer many health benefits, the ingredients it\u2019s often mixed with can, especially carbohydrates and calories, in appropriate doses. Despite this, some studies show what appear to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/updates\/blogs\/health-and-wellness\/2019\/december\/health-benefits-of-tea#:~:text=Numerous%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,lasting%20impact%20on%20your%20wellness.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">health benefits associated with the tea<\/a> in boba tea. Non-dairy milks, fruit juices, and coffee also offer health benefits that drinkers of boba tea may benefit from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lower-blood-pressure\"><\/span>Lower blood pressure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A study focused on green tea, which is often used as a base for boba tea, shows that it can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/boba-tea-health-benefits#091e9c5e8204193f-1-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure<\/a>. Both of these have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of heart disease, all of which can prove fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"decreased-cancer-risks\"><\/span>Decreased cancer risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Green teas, such as those that include boba, are known to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3498696\/#:~:text=Antioxidants%20such%20as%20polyphenols%20in,chemicals%20with%20potent%20antioxidant%20properties.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">higher levels of antioxidants<\/a> than comparable drinks, which are known to have an impact on the development of certain cancers, particularly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxchase.org\/blog\/do-antioxidants-prevent-cancer-5-things-know#:~:text=If%20antioxidants%20from%20food%20are,the%20risk%20of%20some%20cancers.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prostate, breast, colorectal, and liver cancer<\/a>. They can slow damage from oxygen deprivation to human cells, a process that increases the likelihood of cancer development, and may even prevent this completely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all boba teas contain green tea and antioxidants, however, meaning that not all the drinks offer such health benefits. It\u2019s also been claimed that boba pearls themselves <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/health\/health-headlines\/bubble-tea-can-contain-carcinogens-researchers-claim-1.944623\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increase the likelihood of some cancers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"health-risks-associated-with-boba\"><\/span>Health Risks Associated With Boba<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though boba potentially offers some health benefits, it also comes with its risks, with boba tea being known for its high sugar content. When mixed with more sugar, which is common among boba tea drinkers, it poses potential health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"obesity\"><\/span>Obesity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>High amounts of sugar, found in many boba tea products, are linked to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5217910\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increased risks of obesity<\/a>, which can lead to multiple other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. Such sugar levels have also been linked to cognitive decline and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the latter of which can be life threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"diabetes\"><\/span>Diabetes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with many delicious beverages you can get while you\u2019re out and about, boba varieties come with a high sugar content. Sugar can be particularly dangerous for people with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/diabetes\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20371444\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diabetes<\/a>, a condition in which the body is not able to regulate blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"allergic-reactions\"><\/span>Allergic reactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Boba tapioca balls, among other forms of the food, contain cassava, which is often the main ingredient and sets off reactions in people allergic to root vegetables. It\u2019s also known <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobaguys.com\/allergens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to cause allergic reactions<\/a> to people with latex allergies, making it an unsuitable choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"alternatives-to-boba-tea\"><\/span>Alternatives to Boba Tea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although bubble tea can offer several health benefits, it also comes with its risks, which could lead to consumers wanting to avoid it and opt for healthy alternatives. Choose boba tea flavors with less sugar to avoid the many potential risks associated with it. Also, where possible, substitute sweeteners like honey, which comes with fewer health risks than sugar. The same can also be said for switching out the milk for healthier alternatives, such as coconut milk, soy milk, and almond milk, especially for those with dairy allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it boasts several health benefits, it also comes with its risks, especially for people with dietary restrictions. To avoid these risks you can substitute healthier ingredients and choose varieties with less sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In moderation, boba can be a fun and interesting beverage enjoyed by people all over the world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A native Taiwanese drink, boba has become increasingly popular around the world. Despite this, its creation and contents are still shrouded in mystery. The word \u201cboba\u201d is also used interchangeably to refer to both the food itself and the bubble tea\u2014also called pearl tea or tapioca tea\u2014it\u2019s typically included in. As a result, few consumers know what they\u2019re actually drinking and eating with this milk … <a title=\"What Is Boba Made Of? The Surprising Truth\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/products\/food\/what-is-boba-made-of\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What Is Boba Made Of? The Surprising Truth\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"parent":3700,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>A native Taiwanese drink, boba has become increasingly popular around the world. Despite this, its creation and contents are still shrouded in mystery. The word \u201cboba\u201d is also used interchangeably to refer to both the food itself and the bubble tea\u2014also called pearl tea or tapioca tea\u2014it\u2019s typically included in. As a result, few consumers know what they\u2019re actually drinking and eating with this milk tea. Those with dietary requirements or allergies, or just curious beverage connoisseurs, may want to know. So let\u2019s find out what boba is made from.&nbsp; Table of Contents Toggle What Is Boba?What Is Boba Made&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Jem","url":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/author\/jem\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5046"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5046"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5046\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/caring-consumer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}