Boba tea, also referred to as bubble tea, is capturing the attention of TikTok users and winning over the hearts of young people everywhere. From heartwarming videos showcasing mother-daughter boba dates to the joy of an autistic, nonverbal teen who adores the drink, and even boba-themed birthday parties for tweens, it seems that toddlers are also joining the boba craze.
Originating in Taiwan, boba tea is a delightful blend of milky, sweet iced black tea infused with tapioca “pearls” and a variety of flavored syrups and toppings. The beverage made its debut in the United States during the 1990s, gaining traction among young Asian Americans. Fast forward to today, and American tweens from diverse backgrounds are now enamored with boba tea, largely due to its popularity on TikTok and its connection to K-pop sensations like Blackpink. Boba tea shops have transformed into popular after-school hangouts and favored venues for tween birthday celebrations.
In this article, we explore why tweens are so captivated by boba tea. For parents concerned about the health implications of these sugary, caffeinated drinks their children are enjoying through oversized straws, expert insights are provided.
What Makes Boba Tea So Appealing to Kids?
“My daughter has loved bubble tea since she was around 7 or 8,” shares Megan Kinch, an electrician and mother to 11-year-old Esther in Toronto. Kinch herself became acquainted with boba tea when it arrived in Toronto in the early 2000s.
Esther explains her enthusiasm for bubble tea to Yahoo Life: “We love it because there are so many flavors—if one doesn’t suit you, there’s always another option.” She adds that it’s “so pretty and tasty.”
LaToya Jordan, a writer from New York and mother to 11-year-old Billie, recounts how her daughter discovered boba at age 10 through friends after school. The abundance of local boba shops certainly helps fuel their interest.
“I really enjoy the tapioca pearls,” Billie states. “Many of my friends like boba too; we sometimes grab it for lunch.”
Writer Kate Wehr from Montana recalls her college days of enjoying traditional chewy tapioca pearls but notes that it’s the newer “popping boba”—pearls that burst upon consumption—that has truly captured the attention of kids like her daughter Rebekha, 12.
“I find popping bubbles exciting,” Rebekha says. Recently, she requested a trip to the mall for boba as part of her birthday celebration—a trend inspired by a friend who did something similar. Billie also had a boba-themed party for her 11th birthday.
Jordan elaborates on the preparations: “In addition to renting the space, my husband and I covered the cost for each child to enjoy two boba drinks during the three-hour event.” She spent considerable time on Pinterest crafting a boba cake using fondant to transform two small store-bought cakes into a whimsical creation.
Billie proudly showcases her collection of boba-themed accessories, including earrings and plushies from her birthday party. “Having bubble tea merchandise is part of our culture,” she notes. “If you see something boba-related, you think, ‘Hey, I like boba too!’”
Esther sports bubble tea earrings and has decorated her computer with boba stickers. However, Rebekha mentions that some kids she knows wear boba-themed items without actually enjoying the drink itself—they prefer to sport socks or other merchandise just to be part of the trend.
Should Parents Be Concerned About Caffeine and Sugar?
Kinch expresses no worries about her daughter’s caffeine intake from bubble tea. “It’s much healthier than soda or energy drinks,” she asserts. “I think it’s fine for tweens to explore tea and sugary beverages.”
Conversely, Jordan prefers moderation: “I don’t want Billie developing a daily boba habit or waking up needing it every morning. A couple of times a month is acceptable.”
Dr. Anh Le, a pediatrician at One Medical in California, advises that while bubble tea has minimal health benefits, it should be viewed as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence. She acknowledges her own fondness for it when craving something sweet.
“High-sugar drinks can lead to weight gain and increase risks for heart disease, fatty liver disease, and diabetes,” Dr. Le cautions. She compares a typical 16-ounce serving of bubble tea—containing nearly 40 grams of sugar—to soda (52 grams) or orange juice (about 42 grams). Given that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 8 ounces of juice daily for children aged 7-18, similar restrictions should apply to bubble tea due to its sugar content.
Dr. Amy Middleman from UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital emphasizes moderation rather than labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” She encourages parents to ensure their children receive balanced nutrition throughout the day while enjoying treats like bubble tea occasionally.
Dr. Le also highlights the importance of monitoring caffeine intake from these drinks: “Caffeine can affect sleep quality, increase irritability, and impact concentration.” She does not recommend caffeinated beverages for younger children; for teens, she suggests limiting caffeine intake to between 75 mg and 100 mg per day.
“Depending on the type of tea used, an 8-ounce serving of bubble tea can contain anywhere from 30 mg to 50 mg of caffeine,” she explains. A standard-sized 16-ounce drink could max out a teen’s daily caffeine allowance with just one serving. “I recommend minimizing caffeine content as much as possible.”
However, Kinch believes concerns over what kids consume may be exaggerated: “Younger people are drinking less alcohol than ever before; they seem very much on-trend.” She views Esther’s passion for bubble tea as an expression of independence—similar to how she personalizes her laptop with stickers featuring bubble tea and cat sushi.
Conclusion
Rebekha predicts that the bubble tea trend will continue thriving in the future. For parents looking to make their children’s boba drinks healthier options, Dr. Le suggests choosing herbal teas or fruit slushies instead of traditional teas with high sugar levels. She also recommends requesting low-sugar alternatives at boba shops and avoiding oversized drinks.
“I encourage parents to involve their children in these decisions,” Dr. Le adds. “We want them to develop lifelong healthy habits by discussing our concerns about these drinks and how we can make better choices together.”
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