Milk tea has become a cultural staple in Singapore, especially among young adults.
Brands like Chagee and Mixue have turned bubble tea into more than a beverage—it’s a daily ritual, a snack, and a social must-have.
From roasted genmaicha to brulée-topped milk teas, their menus blur the line between dessert and drink.
Despite the fun, this sugary trend comes with a health warning. Singaporeans consume 56g of sugar daily on average—half of it from drinks like bubble tea.
Even a “zero sugar” milk tea with pearls contains about 3 teaspoons of sugar. Excessive intake raises risks of obesity and diabetes, especially as many drink multiple sweet beverages per day without realizing the hidden sugars.
To fight this, the government introduced Nutri-Grade labels and “siu dai by default” policies. But milk tea’s popularity shows no signs of slowing. For many, it’s comfort in a cup.
As Singapore continues to sip on sweetness, brands must innovate responsibly—and consumers need to drink more mindfully.
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