Chloe Zhang
Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea, is a tea-based drink that often contains chewy tapioca balls, milk, and flavouring. It originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and has since become popular worldwide, especially among students. While the drink is typically served in plastic cups with sealed caps, concerns have been raised about the potential presence of plastic chemicals in the tapioca pearls themselves. Some studies have found high concentrations of plasticizers like DEHP and BPA in bubble tea samples, raising questions about the safety of consuming these drinks. However, it's important to note that the accuracy of some reports has been questioned, and most products adhere to US and European food safety regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of bubble tea | Taiwan |
| Main ingredients | Tea, milk, boba (tapioca pearls) |
| Other ingredients | Flavouring ingredients such as syrup or powder, honey, sugar, grass jelly, aloe vera, red bean, popping boba |
| Texture of tapioca pearls | Chewy and firm |
| Composition of tapioca starch | Carbohydrates |
| Plastic packaging | Plastic cups, plastic seal on top, custom large plastic straws |
| Plastic types | Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) |
| Plastic chemicals in bubble tea | Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, DEHP |
| Concerns about plastic in bubble tea | Environmental impact, health risks |
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What You'll Learn
- Bubble tea cups, straws and seals are made from single-use plastic
- Plasticizers, a type of chemical used to make plastic, were found in bubble tea in Taiwan in 2012
- A 2024 study found high concentrations of plastic chemicals in boba tea
- The longer food stays in plastic containers, the more chemicals it absorbs
- In 2011, phthalates, a type of chemical added to plastics, were found in some food items imported from Taiwan
Bubble tea cups, straws and seals are made from single-use plastic
It is a common misconception that the tapioca pearls in bubble tea are made from plastic. This is false; the pearls are made from tapioca starch, derived from the cassava shrub. Bubble tea is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and has since spread globally. The drink is characterised by its use of chewy tapioca balls, along with milk and flavouring. While the traditional version uses black tea, there are now many variations, including green tea and milk-free options.
Bubble tea is typically served in a plastic cup, sealed with heated plastic cellophane. This method ensures the drink is spill-free and allows the tea to be shaken within the cup. The plastic seal also serves as a hygienic measure and provides evidence of tampering. In addition to the cups and seals, the straws used for consuming bubble tea are often made from single-use plastic.
The use of single-use plastic in bubble tea packaging has raised environmental concerns. Some companies have begun offering reusable alternatives, such as reusable boba straws, to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. While these initiatives are a step towards sustainability, the prevalence of single-use plastic in the bubble tea industry remains high, contributing to waste generation and environmental pollution.
To address the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastic, it is essential to adopt more sustainable practices. This can include promoting the use of reusable cups and straws, implementing recycling programs, and encouraging consumers to return their used plastic cups and straws for proper disposal or recycling. Additionally, businesses can explore alternative packaging materials that are more environmentally friendly, such as biodegradable or compostable options. By embracing these sustainable practices, the bubble tea industry can play a part in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
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Plasticizers, a type of chemical used to make plastic, were found in bubble tea in Taiwan in 2012
Bubble tea, a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s, typically contains chewy tapioca balls, milk, and flavouring. It has gained immense popularity globally. However, concerns have been raised about the presence of plastic in the tapioca pearls used in bubble tea.
In 2012, German researchers from University Hospital Aachen tested tapioca pearls from an unnamed Taiwanese chain and found carcinogenic chemicals, including styrene, acetophenone, and brominated substances. These chemicals are not permitted as food additives and are usually contaminants from non-food-grade plastic. The same year, it was revealed that some drink producers in Taiwan were adding a carcinogenic chemical known as "plasticizer" or DEHP to their products. This chemical is traditionally used to make plastic, but some manufacturers had started using it as a stabilizer in bottled drinks and syrups. As a result, some of these contaminated drinks were exported to the US and Europe before being banned.
The discovery of plasticizers in Taiwanese drinks in 2012 highlights the importance of ensuring food safety and regulating the use of chemicals in the food industry. It also underscores the potential health risks associated with consuming products containing unauthorized additives. While the presence of plasticizers in bubble tea specifically was not mentioned in the sources, the fact that it occurred in the same country and year as the tainted tapioca pearls incident suggests a potential connection.
Furthermore, the issue of plastic in bubble tea extends beyond the tapioca pearls themselves. The unique packaging of bubble tea often involves single-use plastics, such as plastic cups, seals, and custom large straws. This has raised environmental concerns due to the rapid increase in plastic production and the long-lasting impact of plastic waste on the environment.
While the presence of plasticizers in bubble tea in Taiwan in 2012 is a cause for concern, it is important to note that the situation may have improved since then. Taiwan has a strong food safety record and strict SGS guidelines for food service providers. Additionally, the incident led to increased awareness and efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the bubble tea market.
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A 2024 study found high concentrations of plastic chemicals in boba tea
The study also suggested that chemicals from plastic takeout containers can leach into food, and the longer the food stays in the containers, the more chemicals it absorbs. This finding raises concerns about the safety of not only boba tea but also other food items packaged in plastic. While the study focused on the Bay Area, it is possible that similar issues could be found in other regions, given the global popularity of boba tea.
The presence of high levels of BPA in boba tea is particularly concerning due to the potential health risks associated with this chemical. BPA is an industrial chemical used to harden plastics and has been linked to negative health effects. While the specific health risks of consuming BPA through boba tea may vary, previous studies have suggested a link between BPA exposure and endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, infertility, and abnormal neurodevelopment.
In response to the study's findings, Boba Guys issued a statement casting doubt on the results and attributing the BPA contamination to tap water in Palo Alto, where the tested samples were sourced. The company also asserted that its equipment and ingredients adhere to industry standards. However, the study's authors presented their findings as a "starting point" for further research, indicating that the issue of plastic chemicals in food warrants continued investigation.
The issue of plastic in boba tea is not new. In 2012, a scandal rocked Taiwan's food and beverage industry when it was revealed that some drink producers were adding a "plasticizer" or DEHP, a chemical traditionally used to make plastic, to their products. This incident led to concerns about the safety of tapioca pearls specifically, with reports of alleged polymer plastic content. While the 2024 study did not specify the source of the BPA in boba tea, it underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and transparency of the ingredients and packaging used in this popular beverage.
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The longer food stays in plastic containers, the more chemicals it absorbs
Plastic containers are a significant part of modern life, especially for food storage. Plastic food containers are not inert and can leach varying levels of metals and chemicals into the food they store, especially at elevated temperatures. The longer food stays in plastic containers, the more chemicals it will absorb.
Research shows that the body load of most plastic components directly correlates with many chronic diseases. While the human body can eliminate bisphenols and phthalates, constant exposure means these chemicals enter the bloodstream and tissues as quickly as they are eliminated. Plasticizers, used to make plastic more flexible and durable, are commonly found in almost all humans, along with other plastic chemicals like bisphenols (such as BPA). These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors and can act like hormones in the body, affecting natural hormone production.
A 2023 study found that children exposed to phthalates in the womb or during their first year of life were more likely to develop behavioural, attention, and learning disorders. Other health problems associated with exposure to these chemicals include cancer and problems with reproductive organs.
The ubiquitous nature of plastic means that these chemicals are challenging to avoid. Plastic food containers can be contaminated with toxic chemicals both intentionally and inadvertently. A comprehensive study identified 906 chemicals in plastic packaging that have been assessed for toxicity, and possibly another 3377 with unknown toxicity.
Bubble tea, a popular drink, has been at the centre of plasticiser-related concerns. In 2012, a scandal broke in Taiwan's food and beverage industry, where some drink producers added the carcinogenic chemical "plasticizer" or DEHP to their products. This chemical is traditionally used to make plastic, but some manufacturers used it as a stabiliser in bottled drinks and syrups, which were exported and later banned. Bubble tea also often comes in single-use plastic cups, with plastic seals and large plastic straws, contributing to environmental waste.
To reduce exposure to plastic chemicals, consumers can opt for glass or silicone containers, especially for microwaving food, and avoid single-use plastics.
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In 2011, phthalates, a type of chemical added to plastics, were found in some food items imported from Taiwan
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, pearl milk tea, or tapioca milk tea, is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s. It is commonly served in a plastic cup with a plastic seal on top and a large plastic straw. The plastic used for these cups is typically Polypropylene (PP), which is known for its strength and ability to hold hot or cold liquids without warping or leaching harmful chemicals.
In 2011, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a warning regarding phthalate contamination in food products imported from Taiwan. Phthalates are a class of chemicals added to plastics to increase their flexibility, durability, and transparency. The specific type of phthalate found in these imports was DEHP, which was present in concentrated juice beverages, tea drinks, and food supplements. Overconsumption of phthalates has been linked to serious health issues such as endocrine disruption, malformation of reproductive organs, infertility, and abnormal neurodevelopment.
It is important to note that the Canadian report indicated that the levels of phthalates in the contaminated products were not expected to cause acute toxicity, and Taiwan has strict food safety guidelines. However, this incident highlights the potential risks associated with plastic contamination in food products, particularly those imported from regions with less stringent food safety regulations.
While the primary focus of this inquiry is on the tapioca in bubble tea, it is worth mentioning that the plastic packaging and containers used for bubble tea can also contribute to plastic chemical contamination in the beverage. A study on Bay Area food products in 2024 found high concentrations of plastic chemicals, specifically BPA, in Boba Guys tea and other local chains. Additionally, German researchers tested tapioca pearls from a Taiwanese chain in 2012 and found carcinogenic chemicals, including styrene, acetophenone, and brominated substances, which are typically associated with non-food-grade plastic. These findings underscore the importance of thorough testing and regulation to ensure the safety of food products, particularly those that may contain plastic contaminants.
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Frequently asked questions
No, tapioca pearls are made from tapioca starch, which is derived from the cassava root. However, they have been found to contain harmful chemicals, such as styrene, acetophenone, and brominated substances, which are usually found in plastic.
Yes, the chemicals found in the tapioca pearls are not permitted as food additives and can be carcinogenic. Over-consumption of these chemicals can lead to serious negative health effects such as endocrine disruption, malformation of reproductive organs, infertility, and abnormal neurodevelopment.
To avoid consuming these chemicals, it is recommended to only buy your bubble tea ingredients directly from Taiwan or from a supplier that sources their ingredients from Taiwan. Taiwan has strict food safety guidelines and a better food safety record compared to other countries. Additionally, opt for green or black teas without milk and with a smaller scoop of tapioca pearls or none at all.
