The idea of having boba tea during pregnancy is tempting, but should pregnant women drink it? As with many foods and beverages during pregnancy, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
Let’s take a closer look at what pregnant women need to consider before drinking boba.
Bubble Tea Ingredients To Watch Out for While Pregnant
Bubble tea usually consists of black or green tea mixed with fruits, fruit juice or syrup, milk, and chewy tapioca balls (or boba). Some variations also contain other ingredients, such as added sweeteners
While some pregnant women may enjoy the flavor of boba tea, they should be aware that this type of beverage may contain caffeine and high amounts of sugar.
Caffeine
The caffeine in boba tea varies depending on which tea is used. A 16-ounce bubble tea contains around 30-70 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brewing time and strength of the tea.
Most servings contain less than 50 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup – about the same amount as you’d find in a decaffeinated cup of coffee.
But if you’re pregnant, any amount of caffeine can affect your body and your baby’s health. Caffeine can cross the placenta and reach your baby’s bloodstream.
Too much caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth, so limiting your intake to 200 mg or less each day while pregnant is best.
Sugar
Sugar is another ingredient in boba tea that could potentially harm pregnant women and their babies if consumed excessively.
Too much sugar can lead to weight gain during pregnancy, putting both mother and baby at risk for complications such as gestational diabetes and preterm labor.
It’s important to check the nutrition label on your favorite boba tea before deciding whether it’s a safe choice for you while pregnant.
Can Pregnant Women Drink Boba?
As we know by now, the main ingredient in boba is tea, which is generally considered safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation. However, almost all bubble teas also contain added ingredients such as milk, fruit juice or syrup, and sweeteners, which can raise concerns for pregnant women.
One concern is that boba drinks that contain milk may be made with unpasteurized milk, which can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of contracting Listeria, which can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, pregnant women need to avoid boba drinks made with unpasteurized milk.
Another concern is that boba drinks may contain added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes, which can cause health problems for both the mother and the baby.
It is also important for pregnant women to be mindful of the caffeine content in boba, as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Most boba drinks contain less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but it’s still worth checking the label or asking the vendor.
So, pregnant women can drink boba in moderation, but it is important to be mindful of the ingredients, especially if it contains milk or fruit juice, and avoid drinks made with unpasteurized milk.
Also, it’s better to limit the caffeine intake and added sugar. As always, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
Conclusion
Before deciding whether it’s safe to drink boba while pregnant, consider all potential risks associated with caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients in the beverage, such as preservatives or artificial sweeteners (if added).
If you still decide that drinking boba is right for you, talk to your doctor about any safety concerns during pregnancy.
Ultimately, if you keep an eye on nutrition labels and consume only moderate amounts of this popular beverage in moderation – pregnant women can still enjoy a cup of delicious bubble tea from time to time!