You are standing in line at your favorite boba tea shop. Suddenly your mind hits: ‘Can I drink bubble tea while pregnant?’ Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, waiting for your little one to meet you soon. But you also become hyper-vigilant about what to consume. If you are concerned about whether you should continue your favorite drink or not, then this blog is for you! Dive into the truth about bubble tea and some delicious drink options at the end as a bonus.
Overview:
1- Bubble tea is generally safe when consumed in moderation.
2- The caffeine content in bubble tea is not suitable for pregnant women, hence, diluted portions should be opted for.
3- Sugar content is very high in bubble tea. It is advised to use less sugar or other healthier alternatives like stevia and jaggery.
4- Healthier alternatives include fruit-infused iced teas or herbal options like chamomile and green tea.
Ingredients of Bubble Tea to Watch Out for
Boba tea, or Bubble tea, originated from Taiwan and quickly gained popularity as it is highly customizable. You can choose from different toppings, flavours, sweetness levels, and tea types. The traditional variant uses dairy milk creamer. However, modern bubble teas are also prepared in almond, soy, or oat milk so that lactose intolerant people don’t miss the joy!
However, the two ingredients, caffeine and sugar, are the ones that may prevent you from overconsumption of bubble tea while pregnant. Below, we have discussed in detail why these components are not good for you and your baby:
Caffeine in Bubble Tea
Caffeine can be safe in moderation, but it poses a health threat when overconsumed. There are several side effects associated with caffeine overconsumption, like birth defects in babies, reduced fertility, and higher chances of miscarriages.
The American Pregnancy Association advises consuming between 150 to 300 mg of caffeine daily. However, bubble tea contains around 50 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. Therefore, you can order a diluted version or smaller portions of bubble tea at any of your favorite shops.
Summary: Caffeine should be consumed in smaller quantities during pregnancy. Opt for diluted or smaller portions of bubble tea.
Sugar in Bubble Tea
Here comes the main culprit: sugar. An ingredient that is not only harmful to pregnant women but anyone. The average, safe amount for a pregnant woman is 30 grams of sugar per day. And one portion of bubble tea has the same amount of sugar added.
While many of our everyday foods, especially the packaged ones, already contain added sugars, drinking bubble tea with around 30 grams of sugar isn’t the healthiest choice during pregnancy. Sweet cravings naturally increase at this time, and you’ll likely be consuming other sugary foods throughout the day as well.
Hence, ask your favorite shop to reduce the amount of added sugar or replace it with other sweeteners like jaggery powder and stevia. So you can fulfil your cravings without compromising on health.
Summary: Sugar is very harmful to pregnant women. It is advised to avoid using more than 30 grams of sugar per day. Instead of sugar, go for safer sweet alternatives like jaggery and stevia.
Why Do You Crave Sweet Things During Pregnancy?
Your hormone levels shift during pregnancy. There is an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. They enhance your taste sensitivity, making you crave sugary foods.
Can I Drink Bubble Tea While Pregnant?
The straightforward answer is: Yes. You can drink bubble tea while pregnant, but in moderation. However, it’s important to check what’s actually in your drink.
Watch out for high caffeine levels from black or green tea bases, and limit added sugars that can spike blood sugar levels. Tapioca pearls offer little to no nutritional value and add extra calories. Opting for decaf tea, low-sugar options, or fruit-based alternatives can make bubble tea a safer treat during pregnancy.
Ever Wondered What Those Tapoica Pearls in Your Boba Tea Really Are?
Tapioca Pearls are chewable and made from a vegetable starch. They are added at the bottom of your tea for texture and fun. They have zero nutritional benefits.
However, they are soaked in sweet syrup before adding to tea, making them high in sugar. It is better to avoid them in your bubble tea when pregnant.
Safer Alternatives to Bubble Tea While Pregnant
Who says pregnancy means compromising on your favorite drinks and depriving yourself of joy? There are multiple alternatives to bubble tea that are not only safe but are delicious with nutritional value. Here are some of the options you can go for during pregnancy:
1- Fruit-Infused Iced Teas
What could be better than chilled fruit-infused teas during pregnancy? You can add your favorite fruits like apricots, oranges, and peaches to iced tea. Although there are no added sugars, you get to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits with benefits like hydration and antioxidants. Moreover, you can add sliced cucumbers for more refreshment.
2- Green Tea
Drinking green tea during pregnancy is generally safe, especially decaffeinated green tea. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants and keeps blood and sugar under control during pregnancy. You can consume up to 4 cups of green tea per day if decaffeinated. However, reduce the cups to two if you are consuming caffeinated tea. Moreover, it is advised to consume green tea between meals so that iron absorption is not interfered with.
3- Peppermint or Chamomile Tea
Another great herbal tea options are peppermint or chamomile tea during pregnancy. Peppermint tea is not only soothing but also helps with digestive issues. On the other hand, chamomile is linked with reducing symptoms of nausea which are common in pregnancy. Moreover, it enhances sleep and reduces anxiety.
Summary: Instead of sugary boba tea, enjoy decaffeinated green tea or herbal options like peppermint and chamomile teas. In case you are craving for sweet drinks, opt for fruit-infused iced teas without any harmful added sugars.
FAQs
Are Tapoica Pearls Safe During Pregnancy?
Tapioca Pearls are generally added to boba tea for texture. Otherwise, they have zero nutritional value. However, they are dipped in sugar syrup before being added to bubble tea, which increases their sugar and carb content. This means they can be harmful during pregnancy. It is better to avoid teas with sugary tapioca pearls.
What Tea Flavors are Generally Safe in Pregnancy?
Herbal tea flavors, including ginger, peppermint, green, black, rooibos, and white tea, are generally safe and healthy during pregnancy. However, overconsumption should be avoided.
Should You Have Coffee During Pregnancy?
Coffee has a high caffeine content, which is harmful for pregnant women. Caffeine is linked with reduced fertility and higher chances of miscarriage. The daily caffeine intake should not exceed 200 mg. Hence, you can drink coffee in moderation.
Conclusion:
Pregnancy is not a pause on enjoyment. It just demands a balance of caution and fun. Instead of consuming highly caffeinated and sugary boba tea, choose smaller or diluted versions of the tea. Moreover, many shops now offer caffeine-free boba tea. In case you are looking for something even healthier, fruit-infused iced teas or herbal teas are your saviors. Cravings can be impulsive, but a mindful choice keeps both the mother and child healthy!