Bubble Trouble? What That Cup of Milk Tea Is Really Doing to Your Body

It’s sweet, creamy, and irresistibly chewy—bubble tea (also known as boba or 奶茶) has become a global sensation. Whether you sip it on a hot day or as a weekend treat, it’s more than just a trendy drink. But have you ever wondered what all that tea, sugar, milk, and tapioca is doing inside your body?

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint to modern nutritional science, bubble tea may not be as innocent as it looks. In this post, we’ll explore how this beloved beverage affects your digestion, energy, weight, and overall health—so you can make more mindful choices without giving up the drinks you love.

TCM Perspective: Milk Tea Disrupts Balance

In TCM, milk tea is seen as a combination of several elements that can strain the body’s systems, especially the Spleen and Stomach, which are central to digestion and energy.

Common TCM Concerns with Milk Tea:

1. Too much Cold & Dampness

   
   

   • Many milk teas are served cold and contain dairy and sugar—all of which are considered damp-producing. This can lead to:

     
     

     • Bloating

     • Loose stools

     • Fatigue

     • Acne or skin congestion

     
     

2. Blocks Qi (energy) flow

   
   

   • The thick, creamy texture can be hard to digest, leading to sluggish Qi movement in the digestive tract.

   
   

3. Phlegm & Damp Accumulation

   
   

   • Frequent consumption may create internal “Phlegm-Damp,” contributing to:

     
     

     • Weight gain

     • Brain fog

     • Heaviness in the limbs

     
     

4. Affects Kidney & Spleen Yang (over time)

   
   

   • Excess cold and sweet intake can weaken Yang energy, especially in people who already have a “cold constitution” (feel cold easily, low energy).

   
   
   
   

🧬 Western Medicine Perspective: A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Milk tea often includes black tea, milk or non-dairy creamer, sugar, and sometimes tapioca pearls (boba). Here’s what each can do:

🔸 Caffeine (from tea):

• Can stimulate the nervous system, but also cause:

  • Jitters or anxiety

  • Increased heart rate

  • Sleep disturbances if consumed late in the day

  
  

🔸 Sugar:

• High sugar content can lead to:

  • Insulin spikes

  • Weight gain

  • Increased risk of diabetes over time

  
  

🔸 Non-Dairy Creamers:

• Many contain hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and additives that may:

  • Raise LDL (bad cholesterol)

  • Contribute to inflammation

  
  

🔸 Tapioca pearls:

• High in simple carbohydrates and low in nutrients

• Add extra calories with little benefit, possibly contributing to digestive sluggishness

Should You Avoid Milk Tea Completely?

Not necessarily! But moderation is key.

Tips to Make Milk Tea Healthier:

• Ask for less sugar or no sugar

• Choose warm or room temperature versions when possible

• Swap dairy or creamers for light soy or oat milk

• Avoid extra toppings (like boba, jelly) or keep them minimal

• Limit to occasional indulgence rather than daily habit

Final Thoughts

Milk tea is fun and comforting—but from both TCM and Western medicine perspectives, frequent consumption can disrupt digestion, energy levels, and long-term health. TCM warns against the build-up of cold and damp, while Western science highlights sugar, fat, and caffeine concerns.

Enjoy it mindfully, listen to your body’s signals, and balance it out with warm, nourishing foods and drinks.