Bubble Tea
Bubble tea with a black tea base is a popular Taiwanese beverage that combines brewed black tea with milk or non-dairy creamer, sweeteners, and chewy tapioca pearls (boba). It originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global phenomenon, often customized with various flavors, toppings, and sugar levels.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
A typical serving is high in carbohydrates, primarily from added sugars and the starchy tapioca pearls, with minimal protein and fat unless milk is added. It generally provides a quick energy boost but can range from 300 to over 700 calories per serving depending on size and ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 60 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Caffeine | 40 mg |
Per 1 cup (480 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, bubble tea is a symbol of modern Taiwanese innovation and social sharing, often enjoyed as a fun, customizable treat. Nutritionally, the tapioca pearls are a unique source of resistant starch, which can act as a prebiotic, though the high sugar content makes it more of an occasional indulgence.
