Bubble Tea, Bubble Trouble: The Sweet Realities of a 30‑Day Sip‑Fest
Take a cue from Super Size Me, but replace the greasy fast‑food with a frothy, sugared pancake of pearls. That’s what Singapore’s Steven Chia did: a 30‑day “test drive” of bubble tea to see what a regular binge means for his body.
How the Experiment Went Down
- Three cups a week – the amount a typical Singaporean tea‑lover would gulp down.
- “As they are” – 100 % sugar, pearls, and any toppings that make the cup look like a dessert truck.
- Pre‑test health check: a baseline for weight, blood tests and inflammation markers.
First Three Days: All Fun & Flavor
“The first sip feels so sweet,” Steven told the audience, but there were no pain reports yet. Coffee? Gone! The caffeine‑laden bubble tea took over mid‑afternoon cravings.
Midway Turmoil
At day 12, a half cup squeaked through his lips like a reluctant ball. “I felt lethargic, but was that tea or me?” he pondered. By the end of the trial:
- “More tired, run‑down, and a touch irritable.”
- “Could it be sugar, caffeine, or both?”
Post‑Test Findings
- Weight Gain: 1.9 kg (roughly 4.2 lb) – “quite significant” according to his doctor.
- Inflammation: Markers spiked, raising his risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Cholesterol: Mild increase, edging him from “low risk” to moderate cardiovascular danger.
- Obesity Signs: Bloating after each cup, likely caused by the chewy pearls.
Surprisingly, the video didn’t touch on Steven’s daily diet or exercise routine – details that would help pinpoint where the weight gained.
What the Numbers Tell Us
- 500 ml of bubble tea packs 8.5–20.5 teaspoons of sugar – even the minimum topples the Health Promotion Board’s recommended 8‑11 teaspoons per day.
- 20.5 teaspoons of sugar is more carbs than half a bowl of rice.
Take‑Home Tips
- Cut back on sweet‑level or volume. Less is more.
- Make your own bubble tea at home. Use wholesome mixers like lemon, honey, ginger, mint, cinnamon, or fruit juice.
- Pair it with a balanced diet and consistent workouts to keep the love‑for‑pearls from tipping the scale.
Bottom line: if you’re a fan of bubble tea, especially the ultra‑sweet, “100 % sugar” varieties, your body will feel the effects. Mouthfuls of joy can come with a downside to your waistline and heart.
