Campaigners issue health warning about sugary boba tea
Boba tea, a sweetened Asian tea drink rapidly gaining popularity, may not live up to the hype due to high sugar content. An anti-obesity coalition based in Los Angeles claims that boba tea, which is made with milk, tea and tapioca pearls, poses a significant health risk despite containing several beneficial vitamins and minerals. This is because the colorful drinks usually hold high amounts of sugar, sometimes as much as soft drinks. Fat from milk may also be found in higher quantities than drinkers suspect. A 12 oz serving, as identified by the APIOPA coalition, may contain up to 90 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat, taking it close to 500 calories and posing a risk of obesity and diabetes. Activists suggest choosing lightly sweetened or unsweetened versions of the drink, or reducing their intake.