Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):
  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Help! Want to go out for bubble tea....


GlutenedCN

Recommended Posts

GlutenedCN Apprentice

Hey guys, 

I have a friend who wants to take me out for bubble tea, but I feel awkward because I'm not sure about contamination issues. I am also sensitive to dairy. 

Has anyone here had problems with bubble tea, or is it safe for celiacs? 

Also, I know that I can get milk free bubble tea, but I'm a little worried about contamination. 

Thoughts? 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



kareng Grand Master

Ask the place ahead of time. Maybe go by and sope it out.    What would contaminate the tea?  What else do they make?  Where do they make the other stuff?

GlutenedCN Apprentice

I tried calling, but customer service was really bad. 

The woman kept telling me that I could have milk because it wasn't dairy. 

I'm asking about bubble tea in general. If contamination were not a problem, is bubble tea usually gluten free? 

cyclinglady Grand Master

I know nothing about bubble (boba)  tea except mixes are used (processed) and whole tapioca is added.  There are many stores around my house which are owned by Koreans.  Nice people, but they do not have much exposure or knowledge about celiac disease in my personal experience.  You know that "deer in the headlights" look when you ask about gluten.  My gluten-eating kid likes the drinks, but I opt for plain coffee with cream at the Starbucks located in the same strip mall.  

Keep us posted on the results of your research.  

GF-Cheetah Cub Contributor

" I'm asking about bubble tea in general. If contamination were not a problem, is bubble tea usually gluten free?  "

Yes.

My celiac daughter likes boba tea.  I have tested her favorite tea with ezgluten test kit as well as NIMA, and they have always tested negative.   We only get our tea at this one specific tea shop (they have 3 different locations).   They pretty much only sell tea and coffee, and some snacks that are usually kept in a window display and in their own plastic casings.  

Boba tea is just milk tea and tapioca.   You can order with black tea or green tea, and with or without milk.   These places generally don't use flour or soy sauce in their "production line".   I would avoid tea places that also sell food.  

GlutenedCN Apprentice

Thanks for all your input guys! 

After much research, I decided to scope out a bubble tea place in advance. It was a specialty tea  shop, but did sell other things like cake. Thankfully, the gluten containing products were carefully separated from the tapioca pearls and tea. I also requested a copy of their tea ingredients, which were gluten free. 

I decided to risk it, as I didn't have anything up for the next few weeks and could handle a glutening. I was really hoping that I wouldn't have a reaction, and to my delight, I didn't. 

I really appreciate the advice everybody gave, as they helped me choose a low risk establishment to trial with. 

Claire 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      12

      Related issues

    2. - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      12

      Related issues

    3. - Wheatwacked replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      12

      Related issues

    4. - Known1 replied to Known1's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      2

      What would you do - neighbor brought gluten-free pizza from Papa Murphy's

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,458
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Healthierbody2026
    Newest Member
    Healthierbody2026
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      I take Niacin, bilberry, Omega threes, zinc, selenium, and Vitamins C and A for eye health, skin health and digestive tract health.  The skin, digestive system and eyes are all derived from basically the same sort of cells.  Niacin is extremely important to keeping these tissues healthy.    Niacin has be shown to prevent cataracts and improve eye health.  Niacin is turned into tryptophan which is necessary to heal the digestive tract.  Tryptophan is used to make Serotonin, a very important neurotransmitter in mood regulation.  Those with Niacin insufficiency become irritable and easily upset, angry, even. Niacin improves skin health.  The flushing of Niacin opens the smallest blood vessels in the skin so that waste products can more easily be removed.  I have Dermatitis Herpetiformis.  Niacin helps drain away those built up antibodies in the blisters and improve skin health.   Bilberry contains lutein and zeaxanthin and other anthocyanins,  potent antioxidants that help protect the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.  Bilberry has sGLT1 and GLUT2 which help to lower glucose levels by removing excess glucose from the bloodstream.  High blood glucose levels are bad for eye health.   Omega Threes are important to provide relief in dry eyes.  You are familiar with how oil floats on water.  Same thing happens with eyes.  Omega threes provide the oily layer that protects water from evaporating from the eyes causing dry eyes.  Omega threes in olive oil, sunflower seed oil,  and flaxseed oils will help improve dry eyes. Vitamin A and Riboflavin B2 are important in this function as well.   None of the medications I was given improved my dry eyes.  I increased my Omega threes and Vitamin A, and had improvement very quickly. Selenium and zinc are important in skin and eye barrier functions, too, and are important to preventing infections. When I take 100 mg of Niacin every three hours (but not more than 500 mg/day), my skin and eye health improves.  If one is deficient in Niacin, the flushing effects may be uncomfortable, but ride it out, continue taking Niacin and the flushing goes away as niacin stores inside cells are repleted.  When flushing, don't scratch!  Use pressure applied over a bigger area above the itch.  I wrap up in a towel or blanket to create the counter pressure.  The flushing goes away the longer one takes Niacin.  Don't use Niacinamide (the non flushing form of Niacin).   Other vitamins that improve eye health are Vitamin E and Pyridoxine B6 and Thiamine B1.  Most Vitamin E sold is derived from wheat germ, so find another source of Vitamin E.  I used Evening Primrose oil, also a source of healthy Omega threes and helps with female problems like perimenopause  and menopause symptoms. Do be aware that antifungals and antibiotics (as are frequently prescribed) destroy Thiamine.  Immunosuppressive drugs can suppress production of tTg antibodies.  Supplementing with thiamine above the RDA is safe and nontoxic.  RDA were set as the lowest amount to prevent illness.  Optimal health is seen in higher amounts.   Do talk to your doctor and dietician about supplementing essential nutrients.   References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39183990/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41156490/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7602486/
    • Jmartes71
      Thankyou. I have cyclosporine 0.05% OP single use drops and Erythromycin ophth ointment 3.5 Gmail for eyes. Dermatologist gave Pimecrolimus cream 1% and Clobetasol Propoonate USP 0.05% it doesn't help at all.i do see a difference taking Yarrow Pom but its too expensive!
    • Wheatwacked
      I've added NAC, N-Acetyl Cysteine; "crucial for replenishing glutathione—the body's master antioxidant." I used Clear Eyes 1% NAC lubricating eye drops for several years until the FDA forced them off the market.  In 2015 I had cataracts in bofh eyes.  In 2019 my left eye was clear, right eye was improved.  They are back now.  I discovered new companies with the drops at higher NAC but went with 500 mg NAC capsules.  Spread the cheer 🤓. My impression so far is the NAC is doing good.  Best with meal.
    • Known1
      When the pizza was dropped off she told me it had a Udi's certified gluten-free crust.  Even so, I am trying to play things as safe as possible for at least the next 6-months.  With that said, I returned the two slices to my neighbor and asked her to thank her mom for the pizza.  😊  I will likely bump into my neighbor's mom sometime next week.  She shuttles my neighbor's son, a freshman, to and from high school.  As mentioned, she is very kind so I am sure she will understand.  Heck, at least it went back to her family members and not in the trash.
    • Jmartes71
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.