Bubble tea, which has become a "national beverage" thanks to its addictive combination of chewy tapioca pearls and sweet milk tea, has been warned to pose serious health risks. Experts have raised concerns after lead and other heavy metals were detected in tapioca pearls, and the high sugar content has been pointed out as a factor that can increase the risk of kidney stones, obesity, and metabolic diseases. Experts emphasize that "bubble tea should be considered an occasional treat, not a daily habit."

The round "tapioca pearls" in bubble tea have the characteristic of easily absorbing lead from the soil, increasing the risk of heavy metal exposure if raw materials produced in contaminated soil are used. Getty Images

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On October 21, Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy at Lancaster University in the UK, warned of various health risks associated with bubble tea in an article contributed to the nonprofit academic media outlet, The Conversation. Professor Taylor's claims were based on the findings of Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports recently tested a total of four bubble tea products, including those from major franchises such as Gong Cha and Kung Fu Tea, the well-known US grocery chain Trader Joe's, and Chinese manufacturer Oufuyuan, and found lead in every sample.Although the detected levels did not pose an immediate health risk, three out of the four products contained lead amounts that exceeded 50% of the recommended safety threshold.

Adam Taylor, Professor at Lancaster University, UK
Health Risks Warnings of Bubble Tea
Lead Detected in Popular Bubble Tea Products

Bubble Tea, Warning of Obesity and Kidney Stone Risks
Possibility of Lead Content and Excessive Sugar Levels
"Should Be Considered an Occasional Drink, Not a Daily One"

This is believed to be because the round "tapioca pearls" in bubble tea are made from cassava starch. Cassava has the characteristic of easily absorbing lead from the soil during cultivation, which means that if raw materials from contaminated soil are used, the risk of heavy metal exposure increases.

Tapioca pearls can cause not only lead contamination but also digestive strain due to their high starch content. Excessive consumption can delay gastric emptying, leading to a condition known as "gastroparesis," and in severe cases, this can result in abdominal pain and vomiting. Guar gum, which is often added to bubble tea, is harmless in small amounts but can cause constipation if consumed frequently.

Tapioca pearls can burden the digestive system not only due to lead contamination but also because of their high starch content. Image Today

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The ingredients in bubble tea also affect kidney health. In Taiwan in 2023, a case was reported in which a 20-year-old woman who drank bubble tea instead of water was found to have more than 300 kidney stones. Certain ingredients, such as oxalates and phosphates, can contribute to stone formation, although this was an extreme case attributed to excessive consumption.

The high sugar content also causes long-term health issues. Most bubble teas contain 20 to 50 grams of sugar, which is similar to or more than the 35 grams found in a can of Coca-Cola. High levels of sugar and fat increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders, and with prolonged consumption, can lead to fatty liver. These are common side effects of high-sugar products, which cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and promote fat accumulation in the liver.

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A link to mental health has also been identified. Separate studies conducted in China targeting both children and adult nurses found a correlation between the frequency of bubble tea consumption and symptoms of depression and anxiety. This association remained even after controlling for other lifestyle factors, suggesting a possible causal relationship.

Tapioca pearls also pose a choking hazard, so extra caution is needed when consuming them. Children are particularly at risk, but adults are not exempt. In Singapore, a 19-year-old woman died after swallowing three pearls while sucking hard on a blocked straw.

Professor Taylor emphasized, "This is not a call to ban bubble tea, but it should be enjoyed occasionally rather than as a daily habit." He further advised, "If you do drink it, it is better to avoid using a straw. Drinking directly from the cup allows for better control over the amount consumed."