Google is celebrating the popularity of boba tea or bubble tea on January 29th, 2023. Google has done this by featuring an interactive game doodle on its homepage. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink that has gained popularity globally, especially among Gen Z and millennials. On January 29, 2020, Unicode Consortium announced that the drink would have its own emoji. Users are able to make their own digital bubble tea by pressing and holding various ingredients to put together their perfect cup.
Ingredients for Bubble Tea
- Tea (black, green, or oolong)
- Milk or non-dairy milk alternatives (such as soy, almond, or coconut milk)
- Sweetener (such as sugar, honey, or syrup)
- Tapioca pearls (also known as “boba”)
- Ice
Process and History
The large-sized dark brown tapioca pearls are boiled and then added to the drink, giving it the “bubble” appearance. The origin of bubble tea dates back to the 17th century in Taiwan as a local treat, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it was invented in its current form. With waves of Taiwanese immigrants bringing the drink overseas, it has become a global hit, with new flavors and additions constantly being created. It gained a lot of popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic and was officially announced as a new emoji on January 29, 2020. Google is celebrating the popular Asian drink with an interactive doodle that allows users to create their own digital bubble tea by choosing from different flavors, toppings, and sizes. The doodle also features fun facts and information about the history of bubble tea.
According to some sources, tapioca pearls, which are manufactured from tapioca starch, are gluten-free and readily digested by the majority of individuals. Tapioca starch is also poor in protein and fat and has a low fiber content.
It is crucia1 to remember, however, that many bubble teas are heavy in sugar, which can be harmful to health if drank in excess. Some sites also claim that drinking bubble tea in moderation might help with hydration because of the tea’s high water content.
It’s also worth noting that most bubble teas are high in calories due to added sugars and milk. While drinking bubble tea on occasion is good, doing so on a regular basis may result in weight gain.
You can also play the mini ‘Doodle Game’ by going to Google.com homepage and clicking on the Doodle:
10 Health Benefits of Boba Tea/ Bubble Tea:
- Contains antioxidants: Boba tea is made from tea leaves, which contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- May boost energy: The caffeine in boba tea can help boost energy levels and improve alertness.
- May improve mental focus: The caffeine in boba tea can also help improve mental focus and concentration.
- May promote relaxation: Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- May lower risk of heart disease: Some studies have found that drinking tea regularly may lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood flow and reducing cholesterol levels.
- May lower risk of certain cancers: Some studies have also found that drinking tea regularly may lower the risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian, colon, and breast cancer.
- May help with weight loss: Drinking tea can help boost your metabolism and increase feelings of fullness, which may aid in weight loss.
- May improve bone health: Some studies have found that drinking tea regularly may improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- May help reduce inflammation: The antioxidants in tea, including those found in boba tea, may help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- May help prevent tooth decay: Tea contains fluoride, which can help protect your teeth against decay.
