3. Bubble tea
With plenty of bubble tea shops on the rise, this trendy beverage has significant downsides for health if consumed excessively. The combination of sweetened tea, milk and tapioca pearls drives the calorie count up, with sugar content typically equivalent to seven to 12 teaspoons of sugar.
Made of cassava starch that is low in nutritional value, the tapioca pearls, while fun to chew, can also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas and constipation. Furthermore, the use of artificial flavours, colours and preservatives in some bubble tea can lead to various negative health effects, including allergic reactions and gut-related issues.
4. Lemonade
No, this is not a renaissance of Beyoncé’s acclaimed album but rather a look at the blends of sugar and acidity that can cause unwelcome spikes in blood sugar levels. Lemonade can also be tough on your teeth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria that erode tooth enamel leading to cavities.
Since copious amounts of sugar are often needed to balance out the acidity of the lemons, lemonade ends up being more of a sugar-sweetened treat than a health boost. Store-bought lemonade typically contains only about 15% of lemon juice and is mostly sugar water.
5. Frozen coffee/frappuccinos
As a chilled alternative to hot caffeinated drinks, frozen coffees and frappuccinos are a great energy booster that are really just sugar bombs. Often loaded with whipped cream, syrups and full-fat milk, consuming too many of these can contribute to weight gain and associated health problems like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Adults should consume a maximum of 30g of sugar per day according to the NHS, however, some caramel frappuccinos with semi-skimmed milk pack a staggering 48.5g of sugar.
