If you’ve ever sipped on a refreshing milkshake, enjoyed a savory steak, or indulged in a sweet, chewy boba tea, you might want to rethink your food choices—at least when it comes to plastic. A recent report by the research group PlasticList has sent a shockwave through the Bay Area, revealing that some of the most beloved foods, including bubble tea, could be hiding potentially harmful chemicals.
The study, which tested 312 different foods from across the Bay Area, found that a staggering 86% of the samples contained plastic chemicals, some of which are known to disrupt hormones and pose long-term health risks. While many of the foods were deemed safe for consumption by major health organizations, the results still raise important questions about the safety of what we eat and drink every day.
Boba Tea Tops the List
Among the foods tested, the biggest culprit was a single cup of black boba tea from the popular chain Boba Guys, which contained BPA—bisphenol A—at levels that far exceed what is considered safe to consume over an entire year. BPA is a chemical used to harden plastics, and it is known to interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to health issues over time.
While the exact source of the BPA in Boba Guys’ drink remains unclear, it’s important to note that many bubble tea drinks, like those from Boba Guys, are served in plastic cups with plastic straws and lids—items that are notorious for leaching chemicals when they come into contact with hot liquids. Boba Guys has acknowledged the study’s findings and is currently reviewing the results, even considering the possibility that the high levels of BPA could be related to the tap water in Palo Alto, where the sample was taken.
What’s in Your Bubble Tea?
For many, bubble tea is more than just a drink—it’s a treat. With chewy tapioca pearls, creamy milk, and sweet syrups, it’s easy to see why boba tea has become a worldwide sensation. However, the latest study suggests that the delicious indulgence might come with an unwelcome twist: high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
While BPA wasn’t found in every boba tea tested, the sample from Boba Guys was particularly alarming, highlighting a potential issue with the way bubble tea is served. The combination of hot tea, plastic containers, and straws could create the perfect storm for chemicals to leach into your drink. As a result, the study is urging consumers to be cautious when indulging in their favorite boba beverages.
Interestingly, boba tea wasn’t the only food to make the list. Foods from college dining halls, major coffee chains, and even local grocery stores also contained notable levels of plastic chemicals. The report suggests that hot foods stored in plastic containers, such as takeout meals, are particularly susceptible to absorbing harmful substances. In one example, a meal from a San Francisco Indian restaurant contained 34% more plastic chemicals after spending 45 minutes in a takeout container compared to the same meal served fresh from the kitchen.
The Bigger Picture
Although the results of the study are concerning, they don’t necessarily mean that every food or drink you consume is laden with harmful chemicals. The FDA and other regulatory agencies have established safe limits for certain plastic chemicals, including BPA. In fact, most of the foods tested in the study were within those safety guidelines, meaning that for the most part, they don’t pose an immediate threat to health.
However, the study does bring attention to the prevalence of plastic chemicals in our food supply, sparking a conversation about the long-term impact of consuming these substances. BPA and other chemicals, like DEHP (a chemical used to soften plastics), were found in a significant percentage of the samples. While the FDA allows trace amounts of DEHP in drinking water, its presence in food remains a point of concern.
The study is also a reminder that many of the foods we take for granted—including some of our favorite indulgences, like milkshakes and bubble tea—might not be as safe as we think. And while the study’s findings are not definitive enough to change purchasing habits just yet, they do call for further investigation and caution.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
So, what should you do with this new information? While PlasticList’s study may not be conclusive enough to prompt drastic changes to your diet, it’s certainly worth considering the impact of the packaging and ingredients that go into the food and drinks you consume. If you’re a regular bubble tea drinker, consider making your own at home with fresh ingredients and BPA-free containers. Or, if you prefer to buy your boba fix, you might want to inquire about how your drinks are prepared and whether any alternatives to plastic cups and straws are available.
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