Bubble tea (a.k.a. boba) has quickly grown in popularity in the U.S., thanks to its sweet flavors and signature tapioca pearls. Many members of our CD Law team enjoy stopping by their favorite boba shops during lunch or after work. But testing by Consumer Reports has found heightened levels of lead in the tapioca pearls that are raising red flags and warnings about enjoying this drink in excess.
The Findings
Consumer Reports tested boba pearls from major brands, including Gong Cha, Kung Fu Tea, Trader Joe’s, and WuFuYuan, for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
The good news is that none of the samples exceeded official safety thresholds. However, several samples did contain lead at “concerning” levels for a single serving.
In fact, three out of four tested brands measured more than half of Consumer Reports’ “level of concern” for lead:
- Trader Joe’s Instant Boba Kit: 83% level of concern
- Gong Cha Pearl Milk Tea: 70% level of concern
- Kung Fu Tea Milk Tea with Boba: 63% level of concern
- WuFuYuan Tapioca Pearl: 29% level of concern
(Trader Joe’s has since discontinued the instant kit that was tested.)
The immediate risk from a single serving of boba appears low, but repeated exposure over time is the real worry. Remember that there is not necessarily a “safe” level of lead exposure, so repeated exposure is a cause for concern. Those who are most affected by lead exposure are young children and pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health, causing brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and even hearing and speech difficulties.
CD Law’s Vineet Dubey says, “Boba is a fun treat, and the Consumer Reports findings are a reminder that ‘natural’ ingredients can still carry risks depending on where and how they’re grown or processed. If you’ve been enjoying boba every day, consider dialing it back. Moderation protects your health and your family.” Click HERE to visit our Instagram for more from Vineet.
Why Boba Pearls Can Contain Lead
The pearls are made from cassava, a root vegetable. Because it is grown in the soil, cassava can naturally absorb heavy metals like lead from where it’s grown. Processing the vegetable after harvesting can also add to the lead contamination risk.
Consumer Reports has previously found elevated lead levels in other cassava-based foods, which is why they decided to specifically test boba pearls in the first place. Because lead builds up in the body over time, occasional exposure isn’t as risky as daily intake. Moderation makes a difference health-wise.
What this means for you
- Enjoy boba as a treat, not a habit. An occasional stop at your favorite boba shop is fine, but daily servings may pose unnecessary risk.
- Take extra caution if you’re pregnant, nursing, or serving young children. These groups are more vulnerable to lead exposure.
- Cut your exposure in simple ways. Ask for fewer pearls, share a drink, or choose tea without boba now and then.
The boba business isn’t slowing down anytime soon. According to IBIS World there are now more than 6,600 bubble tea shops across the U.S., a number expected to nearly double by 2028.
Reach out to our team if you have been impacted by lead levels in boba.
(213) 593-9095 
Book Your Consultation
September 08, 2025