Nuttea, the popular Hong Kong bubble tea brand known for crafting drinks with rich, extracted nut milks paired with quality Taiwanese tea bases, has recently come under scrutiny regarding the caloric content of its innovative beverages. An analysis conducted by health experts, including a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and a nutritionist from Body Nova, revealed that a substantial majority of the brand’s most popular drinks contain more calories than a single bowl of white rice, raising consumer awareness about hidden sugars and fats in these seemingly healthier alternatives.
The study, which examined 15 of Nuttea’s best-selling 16oz (regular sugar and standard milk foam) offerings, found that 12 drinks exceeded the estimated caloric value of a standard serving of white rice. Nuttea, which prides itself on its plant-based, vegan nut milk foams made from cashews, walnuts, and almonds, markets a range of creative options, such as the Pistachio Milk Foam and Strawberry Tea Chocolate Nut Milk Foam. However, the blending of creamy nut foams, sweet syrups, and rich flavor additions significantly elevates the overall energy count.
Calorie Rankings Reveal Unexpected Winners
The highest-calorie drink identified in the ranking was the Strawberry Tea Chocolate Nut Milk Foam, clocking in at a substantial 638.6 kcal per 16oz serving. This figure is equivalent to approximately 32 sugar cubes, according to the analysis, underscoring the excessive sugar load in the top-ranked item.
Surprisingly, products featuring the popular pistachio nut foam did not dominate the top five, indicating that other flavor combinations and additions contribute more significantly to the total energy value. The five highest-calorie drinks were:
- Strawberry Tea Chocolate Nut Milk Foam: 638.6 kcal
- Fresh Lemon Nut Milk: 534.5 kcal
- Mango Tea Nut Milk Foam: 515.6 kcal
- Golden Kiwi Tea Nut Milk Foam: 491.9 kcal
- Roasted Tea Chocolate Nut Milk Foam: 482.5 kcal
On the lighter end of the spectrum, the Fresh Lemon Peach Oolong Tea contained the lowest calories at 231.8 kcal. The popular Roasted Tea Nut Milk Tea, a staple flavor, settled at 350 kcal.
Expert Advice for Healthier Bubble Tea Consumption
Registered Nutritionist Ko Man-Man provided three actionable tips for consumers to enjoy their favorite hand-shaken teas while mitigating excessive calorie and sugar intake. These strategies focus on moderating the heavy components of the beverages:
1. Manage Milk Foam Calories
Nuttea’s specialty nut foam (or “milk cap”) layers are a major contributor to the high caloric results, sometimes adding up to 200 kcal on their own. To strike a balance between flavor and health, customers are advised to pair the indulgent milk foam with an unsweetened tea base. This allows the consumer to enjoy the rich texture and nutty flavor of the topping without compounding the sugar from the underlying tea.
2. Adjust Sweetness Levels Gradually
While zero-sugar tea is the healthiest option, not all palates are ready for the switch. The nutritionist recommends a phased approach to reducing sweetness. Consumers should aim to adjust their sugar level to between 10% and 30% (one-tenth to one-third sugar) initially. This gradual reduction helps develop a sustainable habit of consuming less sugar without immediate flavor shock.
3. Choose Low-Calorie Add-ons
Bubble tea additions like boba pearls are major sources of both sugar and starch, significantly increasing the drink’s total energy content. For those seeking texture without the heavy calorie penalty, alternatives like tea jelly or aloe vera are recommended as lower-calorie options. When adding any extra ingredients, pairing them with an unsweetened tea base is crucial, preventing a double dose of sugar and calories.
By carefully selecting drink components and modifying sweetness, consumers can continue to enjoy Nuttea’s distinctive nut-milk teas while taking active steps to control their dietary intake. This analysis serves as a timely reminder that plant-based or innovative food products are not automatically low in calories or sugar.