Boba, commonly known as bubble tea, is a delightful beverage that hails from Taiwan. This popular drink is crafted by infusing tapioca pearls into a rich blend of black tea, milk, and flavored syrup, creating a unique experience for the palate. The tapioca pearls, or sabudana, are derived from the starch of the cassava root, which imparts a distinctive, chewy texture that sets bubble tea apart from other beverages. Despite its popularity, some individuals have expressed concerns regarding the safety of bubble tea, particularly questioning whether it poses any cancer risks.

This article aims to thoroughly explore the available evidence to ascertain whether boba could potentially lead to cancer.

Is There a Risk of Carcinogens in Boba?

It is highly improbable that boba, also known as bubble tea, contains any carcinogenic substances, which are known to trigger cancer development. However, back in 2012, various news outlets reported on a German study wherein researchers asserted that some tapioca pearls sourced from a bubble tea chain were found to contain certain compounds such as styrene and acetophenone.

Although these substances are not PCBs, a review of animal research conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program suggests that styrene could potentially pose a carcinogenic risk. Nevertheless, the origins of the bubble tea examined in the initial study remain unknown, as does the concentration of these compounds, leaving it uncertain whether they are present in various types of bubble tea or only in the specific samples analyzed.

Moreover, the credibility of this study is further undermined by the fact that it was never published or subjected to peer review, casting doubt on its findings. Consequently, there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a correlation between bubble tea consumption and cancer risk.

Despite some reports suggesting otherwise, substantial scientific evidence does not support the notion that boba is linked to cancer. The study that sparked these claims misidentified several compounds and lacked publication or peer review.

Boba and Its Sugar Content

While concerns about boba leading to cancer are largely unfounded, it is crucial to pay attention to its sugar content. The amount of sugar found in bubble tea can vary significantly based on the flavor and style, but on average, a 16-ounce (475-mL) portion can pack in approximately 300 calories and about 38 grams of sugar.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as bubble tea, has been associated with various negative health impacts, including an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, liver complications, and type 2 diabetes. Research has found correlations between higher sugary beverage intake and the risk of certain cancers, including breast, liver, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, though findings can be inconsistent.

The recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggest that added sugars should be kept to less than 10% of your daily caloric intake. For individuals adhering to a 2,000-calorie diet, consuming a 16-ounce (475-mL) serving of bubble tea could account for about 76% of the daily sugar limit.

Is there a link between boba and cancer?

When enjoyed in moderation, boba tea can be a delightful addition to a balanced diet. Research is still ongoing to determine if boba contains any potentially harmful substances, but consuming it occasionally is generally not associated with an increased cancer risk. It's worth noting, however, that boba tea tends to be quite high in sugar content, so it's advisable to treat it as an indulgence rather than a daily staple. To enjoy boba more healthily, you can ask for reduced flavored syrup, select a smaller size, and skip the sugary toppings. Overall, while moderate consumption of boba tea is unlikely to be harmful, keeping an eye on sugar intake is essential.

The Bottom Line

Bubble tea, a delightful beverage, is created by incorporating tapioca pearls (boba) into a base of tea, milk, and flavored syrups, resulting in a unique texture and taste experience. Despite claims from an unpublished study suggesting that bubble tea may contain carcinogenic substances, the study misidentified several key compounds, raising questions about its findings. Therefore, it is highly improbable that bubble tea poses a cancer risk. However, it is advisable to indulge in this treat in moderation due to its elevated sugar levels, which can be a concern for health-conscious individuals.