BUBBLE tea shops have become increasingly common worldwide, offering brightly coloured drinks in a wide range of flavours.
The Taiwanese beverage, made from black tea, milk, sugar and tapioca pearls, has grown steadily in popularity since emerging in the 1980s.
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However, several studies and case reports have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with the drink.
An investigation by Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in some bubble tea products sold in the United States, noting that tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch and cassava plants can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil.
Medical experts have also cautioned that the dense, starchy pearls may cause digestive issues when consumed in large quantities and, in rare instances, may slow stomach emptying or lead to blockage.
Guar gum, a thickener often added to bubble tea and generally considered safe in small amounts, may also contribute to constipation if consumed frequently.
Kidney health concerns were highlighted in 2023 after doctors in Taiwan removed more than 300 kidney stones from a 20-year-old woman who reportedly drank bubble tea instead of water, although the case involved unusually heavy consumption.
Health experts have also pointed to choking hazards for young children and high sugar content, with studies linking frequent intake to dental problems and raising concerns over obesity and related health risks.
