Sweetener Myths Busted: Doctors Warn Brown Sugar, Honey May Not Be Healthiest Choices in Bubble Tea

Taiwanese consumers often opt for brown sugar or honey when ordering bubble tea, believing these natural sweeteners are healthier choices. However, health professionals are urging a reevaluation of this common perception.

“

Honey and brown sugar will cause blood sugar to rise, and honey is more likely to directly impact the liver; moderate intake of hand-shaken beverages, avoid drinking every day, to keep the liver healthy.

Dr. Hsu Shu-hua, director of Shu-Hsin Health Management Clinic, points out that both honey and brown sugar contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Honey, in particular, can directly affect the liver. She clarifies that common sugars like white sugar, brown sugar, and molasses are chemically the same (sucrose), with differences mainly in their refining levels. While brown sugar retains some minerals, its impact on blood sugar is nearly identical to white sugar.

“

The word 'natural' has never been a get-out-of-jail-free card.

The truly safer options, according to Dr. Hsu, are sweeteners like monk fruit and erythritol. These do not trigger insulin responses and are considered more metabolically friendly. Monk fruit sweetener is minimally absorbed and doesn't induce fat production in the liver, while erythritol is largely excreted by the kidneys. For those who cannot resist bubble tea, Dr. Hsu advises choosing drinks with these sweeteners and consuming them in moderation, emphasizing that the frequency of consumption is more critical than the type of sugar used.

“

Monk fruit and erythritol are the most reassuring options for a lightly sweetened choice.