Popular drinks like classic brown sugar boba or creamy taro milk tea can be sugar bombs—some rivaling Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, which packs over 50 grams of sugar in a 16 oz cup. For people with diabetes, these sweet treats can be tough to manage. But just like Starbucks offers lower-sugar options, milk tea brands can, too.
Here are four drink styles milk tea shops can offer—or you can customize yourself—for a flavorful, diabetes-friendly experience:
1. Plain Tea (Black or Green) with No Sweetener
Just like black coffee at Starbucks, plain brewed tea is naturally sugar-free and rich in antioxidants. Offer it iced or hot for a refreshing, blood sugar-friendly base. Customers can add a sugar substitute if desired.
2. Mini Milk Tea (8 oz) with 2% Milk
Starbucks’ “short” latte keeps carbs lower thanks to its smaller size and simple ingredients. Milk tea brands can adopt this by offering a mini size milk tea made with 2% dairy or plant milk—no added syrups.
3. Unsweetened Iced Green Tea
Starbucks offers unsweetened green tea for a reason—it’s light, clean, and beneficial for blood sugar. Milk tea brands should spotlight this option and allow customers to add zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
4. Cold Brew Tea with a Splash of Milk
Cold brew coffee has less bitterness and a smooth finish—same with cold brew tea. A cold-brewed oolong or black tea with a small splash of milk or a milk alternative keeps sugar low but flavor high.
Expert Tip:
The key to keeping milk tea diabetes-friendly? Avoid flavored syrups and sweet cream toppings. Instead, stick to unsweetened teas, limit portion sizes, and add healthy fats or protein to keep blood sugar steady.
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