A recent nutritional assessment of popular beverages from specialist bubble tea brand NUTTEA revealed surprising calorie counts, showing that twelve out of fifteen of their signature nut-milk infused drinks contain more energy than a standard bowl of white rice, according to analysis conducted by Hong Kong wellness experts Body Nova. The findings, which cover 15 popular 16oz (normal sugar, normal foam) servings, highlight the hidden caloric density in these indulgent treats, with the top-ranked drink containing the sugar equivalent of 32 sugar cubes, prompting registered nutritionists to issue actionable advice for consumers looking to enjoy these beverages while managing their health.
NUTTEA has carved a niche in the competitive Hong Kong beverage scene by employing concentrated nut extracts—such as cashews, walnuts, and almonds—to create rich, smooth, plant-based “nut milk” bases and luxurious foam toppings, paired with premium Taiwanese teas. While these vegan-friendly options like the Pistachio Nut-Foam Four Seasons Spring Tea and Roasted Tea Nut-Milk Tea are widely celebrated for their layered flavors, the addition of the creamy nut foam, natural sugars, and extra ingredients like black sugar pearls or aloe vera significantly elevates their energy contribution.
Based on the calorific ranking, the title of the heaviest drink went to the Strawberry Tea Chocolate Nut Foam, which registers a hefty 638.6 kilocalories (kcal). To put this figure into perspective, this single drink surpasses the calorie count of two typical bowls of cooked white rice. Interestingly, despite their rich nature, fan-favorites like the Pistachio Nut Foam varieties did not make it into the top three calorically dense options.
Top 5 Highest Calorie NUTTEA Drinks (16oz Serving)
The list reveals how fruit and chocolate additions push offerings to the top end of the scale:
- Strawberry Tea Chocolate Nut Foam: 638.6 kcal
- Fresh Lemon Nut Milk: 534.5 kcal
- Mango Tea Nut Foam: 515.6 kcal
- Golden Kiwifruit Tea Nut Foam: 491.9 kcal
- Roasted Tea Chocolate Nut Foam: 482.5 kcal
In contrast, the least calorific options tended to be lighter tea and fruit combinations, such as the Fresh Lemon Peach Oolong Tea at 231.8 kcal.
Expert Tips for Healthier Hand-Shaken Drinks
To mitigate the health risks associated with high sugar and fat intake from hand-shaken drinks (often referred to as ‘hand-shaker’ beverages), registered nutritionist Kao Min Min provided three crucial tips for conscious consumption:
Watch the Nut Foam and Toppings
The signature nut foam, while delicious, can contribute up to 200 kcal alone. When paired with a sweetened tea base, the total calories skyrocket. Nutritionists recommend customers serious about health opt for foam-topped drinks made with a no-sugar tea base to preserve the flavor profile while substantially cutting sugar and fat load. Furthermore, when selecting add-ins, prioritizing low-calorie options such as tea jelly or aloe vera over high-sugar, starch-heavy additions like black sugar pearls is essential to prevent “double-stacking” of calories.
Adjust Sweetness Incrementally
Although ordering a no-sugar drink is the gold standard for health, it can be a difficult transition for those accustomed to sweeter flavors. Experts suggest gradually reducing sweetness, aiming to keep sugar levels between one-tenth and three-tenths (10% to 30%) of the regular setting. This strategy allows the palate to adjust over time, fostering a sustainable, lower-sugar habit without sacrificing enjoyment.
The increasing prevalence of high-calorie, sugary beverages in Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene emphasizes the importance of nutritional transparency and consumer awareness. Both NUTTEA and other brands, such as a separate analysis on the “Five More Minutes” line which also showed drinks equivalent to over two bowls of rice, contribute to a broader public health challenge. Consumers are encouraged to utilize these caloric rankings and nutritional strategies to make informed choices, ensuring their pursuit of flavorful treats aligns with their long-term wellness goals.