Sugar Trap

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tak habis2 with boba milk lol

Since the early of this year, the hype of brown sugar bubble milk from Taiwan surged in Malaysia. This fever isn't dying any time soon. How does this boom get together in the first place? Why are Malaysians so fascinated and obsessed?

Since the flourishing of pearl milk tea ten years ago, Taiwanese beverages seem to evolve into another level, offering an array of outrageous options such as the sparkling fruit tea series, frappe series, cheese mousse series and aurora series. New varieties of Taiwanese beverages have taken the world by storm. 

Continuing the trend of cheese tea series in 2018, this year's craze is centred around brown sugar bubble milk series which are initially served hot but is more commonly consumed cold these days. 

Regarded as a swoon-worthy indulgence, brown sugar bubble milk is popularised by its cold blend of fresh milk, brown sugar caramel and tapioca pearls (also known as balls, boba or bubbles). 

As the urge of curiosity calls upon, we look forward to trying out this spherical wonder to savour our taste buds. Sense of vanity then emerges, and a bandwagon effect soon spreads over the region. In pursuing life's pleasure, we insist on getting a cup of this dessert drink despite having to queue up for hours. Look at what's currently happening in SS15 - the coup of bubble shops! Traffic congestion, chaotic situation, rampant haphazard parking are not something that will fear and discourage the boba-enthusiasts from stopping their boba journey.

"Is there anything better than gulping down your favourite cooling cup of milk tea to beat the hot Malaysian khatulistiwa heat?" quoted the saying by says.com.

The answer is, no.

More and more bubble shops are popping up in every corner of Malaysia every day although FMT news reported that bubble tea ‘bubble’ may burst soon. The craze expands as we see beverages stores, such as Secret Recipe, Starbucks, Family Mart and so on, which originally have the signature of other products, responded to this wave of enthusiasm, selling boba milk with their own unique take of this beloved Asian thirst-quencher.

"We're not drinking only bubble milk, but also the sense of freshness and happiness!"

People can't get enough of this sweet treat. "Even though they taste almost the same, we still want to try and get an Instagram picture of them!" Yumi, a tourist from Singapore said as quoted in TI. This boba milk fever Malaysian is having has brought bubble milk to another level. Now, boba milk can not only be consumed as a beverage but also served in hotpot, pizza, crab, grilled toast, pancake, waffle, ice cream, alcohol, cakes, roti canai, porridge and the list goes on.

However, the bubble milk craze has stood the test of time. It is indubitable that some of these boba milk lovers have lost control of their mind that they are willing to spend on numerous cups of bubble tea in just a day. 

In spite of continuing the negative behaviour in the name of joy and pleasure, it is indisputable that the trend has overtaken them and created a severe phenomenon. Instead, money should be spent wisely on important fields, for instance, contribution to solving critical global issues which involve poverty and environmental issues. 

While we are fooled by the temporary entertainment, the others could be lying at the sideline between life and death. The elders who are not in this craze always say, "People have no money for food and you're spending it on not one but a few cups every day?"

Besides, more and more reports on the negative impacts of bubble milk have come to the surface. Several studies have shown that this dessert drink can lead to detriment of one's health such as the increased risk of diabetics, cancer, or worse, death. 

Even before the introduction of boba milk, PRI's The World has alluded that consuming too much boba and sweetened drink can cause major health problems back in 2016. Yet, the trend goes on and in June this year, a 14-year-old girl in China was found with 100 starchy bubble tea pearls trapped in her body after being admitted to hospital with horrific constipation. 

These little balls or pearls are high-carb but low in health-promoting nutrients like fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Unable to find the cause of her digestive issues, a CT scan was performed, where doctors found many unusual spherical shadows in her abdomen. PHOTO: WEIBO

Furthermore, as bubble tea is served in a plastic bottle with a plastic straw, the usage of plastic has drastically increased. 

As reported in World of Buzz, images depicting a large industrial rubbish bin located in SS15 overflowing with empty plastic bubble teacups that are clearly a hazard to the environment due to the heavy use of plastic to keep up with the demand for ever more milky goodness. This phenomenon has led to a serious environmental issue because plastic cannot be biodegraded. 

All the used bottles are treated as rubbish, being thrown into the bins as the act is simply easier than putting in an effort to recycle it. Later, this waste will be transferred to a landfill which will be exposed to sunlight. Under the unforgiving blaze, these plastics will release toxic chemical substances into the soil which can seep into underground water and cause water pollution.

Plastic waste problem in SS15. Photo credit: Christine Chen

All in all, taking considerations of both positive effects and negative impacts of bubble milk, it is recommended that the amount of consumption must be controlled and reduced to prevent facing tragic consequence. 

For Us, for Earth and for Home, rethink your bubble milk consumption!