Does bubble tea have caffeine?
Is There Caffeine in Bubble Tea?
Not everyone realises that there is caffeine in bubble tea. As the leading supplier and distributor of bubble tea and Taiwanese groceries, we understand the importance of knowing what goes into your drink. In this blog, we’ll break down the essential components of bubble tea, compare caffeine levels across popular drinks, and offer some non-caffeinated options for every kind of customer.
The Basic Components of Bubble Tea
1. Tea Base: The tea base serves as the foundation of bubble tea. It can be prepared using a variety of teas, such as black tea, green tea, or oolong tea. The type of tea used imparts a unique flavour and aroma.
2. Tapioca Pearls (Boba): These chewy, black tapioca pearls are what give bubble tea its signature texture. They are made from cassava root starch and provide an enjoyable addition to the liquid tea.
3.Creamer: This is used instead of milk to give the creaminess and taste of milk.
4. Fructose: Bubble tea can be sweetened using fructose or its substitute of cane sugar. The amount of sweetness you customise is the amount of fructose that is altered.
5. Flavoured powders: These are used to make flavoured milk tea such as the taro, mango, strawberry and does not contain caffeine.
6.Concentrated Fruit Syrup: These are used in fruit teas to give them more flavouring for their given flavour or to add a different flavour to offer a two flavoured drink for example strawberry green tea or passion fruit honey.
The Source of Caffeine in Bubble Tea
Caffeine is a stimulating component that many people enjoy in their beverages. But where does the caffeine in bubble tea come from? The primary sources of caffeine in bubble tea are the tea base and, to a lesser extent, any additional caffeine-containing ingredients.
The choice of tea as the base for your bubble tea has a significant impact on its caffeine content. Here is a breakdown based on different types of tea:
- Black Tea: This is the most commonly used tea and has the greatest caffeine content among other tea types.
- Green Tea: If you opt for green tea, you will enjoy a milder caffeine boost. It has lower caffeine levels than black tea, making it a great choice for those seeking a balanced flavour and moderate energy lift. This is typically used as the tea base for fruit teas.
- Oolong Tea: The caffeine content falls in between black and green tea. It offers a unique flavour profile and a moderate caffeine dose, making it a popular choice among bubble tea enthusiasts.
- Additional Caffeine Sources: Some bubble tea recipes may include caffeine from other ingredients, such as coffee, cocoa, or coffee jelly topping.
Caffeine Comparison Table
| Type of Drink | Approx. Caffeine (per 500ml) |
|---|---|
| Black Tea (bubble tea) | 40–60 mg |
| Green Tea (bubble tea) | 20–30 mg |
| Oolong Tea (bubble tea) | 30–50 mg |
| Fruit Milk Tea (powder-based) | 0 mg |
| Herbal or Rooibos Tea | 0 mg |
| Coffee | 150–200 mg |
| Energy Drink | 160 mg |
| Cola (regular soda) | 40–70 mg |
| Root Beer / Fruit Soda | 0 mg |
NHS Guidance on Caffeine Intake
According to the NHS, adults should limit their caffeine intake to around 400mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to 4–5 cups of tea or 2–3 cups of coffee. For children, the safe limit is around 100mg per day. This is roughly the amount in two green tea-based bubble teas. It’s also important to note that too much caffeine can cause restlessness, poor sleep, or irritability, especially in younger people.
Green tea also contains natural antioxidants such as catechins, which are believed to offer health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health. That said, these benefits are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Non-Caffeinated and Low Caffeine Bubble Tea Options
If you are looking to explore non-caffeinated bubble tea, flavoured milk tea is the way to go as it contains the flavoured powder and does not have the tea base with the caffeine. If you want a mildly caffeinated drink, you should go for the fruit teas with the green tea base.
To ensure you're fully aware of the caffeine content in your drink, don't hesitate to inquire about it before placing your order, giving you the confidence to savour your bubble tea with full knowledge of what you are consuming.
Final Thoughts
Bubble tea offers a moderate caffeine boost depending on the tea base and ingredients used, which is far less than coffee or energy drinks. Whether you’re looking for a gentle lift or a completely caffeine-free treat, there’s a bubble tea out there for everyone.