Frederic Melton
Cheese tea is a beverage made by topping tea with a layer of cream cheese that has been whipped into a thick foam. The tea used is typically green or black tea, and the drink is usually served cold. Cheese tea has become popular in several Asian countries, including Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. However, it has faced slower adoption in Western countries like the United States due to its unusual combination of tea and cheese. While it offers a unique blend of bitter, tangy, salty, and sweet flavors, cheese tea has been criticized for its high content of fat, calories, and sugar, which may outweigh the potential health benefits of tea.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese tea is high in calories, fat and sugar
Cheese tea is a unique drink that combines the health benefits of tea with the creamy, salty, and sweet taste of cheese foam. While it offers a delightful sensory experience, cheese tea is high in calories, fat, and sugar, which can be concerning for health-conscious consumers.
A standard cup of cheese tea can pack a minimum of 150 calories, with approximately 10 grams each of fat and simple sugar. These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. For example, a tablespoon of cream cheese contributes about 45 calories, 41 of which come from fat. This amount of fat accounts for 16% of the daily value for saturated fat. Similarly, a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream contains comparable nutrition facts.
Powdered sugar, often added to maintain the soft and fluffy texture of the cheese foam, further increases the calorie count. Each tablespoon of powdered sugar adds about 8 grams of simple carbohydrates and over 30 calories. Excessive sugar intake is associated with various health risks, and the high sugar content in cheese tea can be detrimental if consumed in large quantities.
The full-fat dairy used in cheese tea, such as cream cheese and whipping cream, also contributes to the high-fat content. While full-fat dairy has its own health benefits, the combination of sugar and fat in cheese tea can be a concern for those watching their calorie and fat intake.
It is worth noting that cheese tea is typically consumed as a treat or a specialty beverage, and the portion sizes tend to be smaller compared to other drinks. However, for health-conscious consumers or those with specific dietary restrictions, the high-calorie, fat, and sugar content of cheese tea may be a significant consideration when deciding whether to indulge in this unique beverage.
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It can be contaminated with listeria, especially if made with raw milk
Cheese tea is a unique drink with a distinct flavour profile that combines bitter, tangy, salty, and sweet notes. It is made by topping hot or iced black or green tea with a layer of cream cheese that has been whipped into a thick foam and finished with a sprinkle of salt. While it offers a delightful taste and sensory experience, there are some potential health risks associated with consuming cheese tea, especially if it is made with raw milk.
One of the primary concerns with cheese tea is the possibility of contamination with Listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in raw milk, and it can cause a serious foodborne illness called listeriosis. Listeriosis typically affects vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. It can lead to severe symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea, and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening.
The risk of Listeria contamination is higher in cheese tea made with raw milk because the milk has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that eliminates pathogens, making the milk safer for consumption. However, some cheese tea recipes, especially those made with raw milk, may not undergo pasteurization, leaving consumers vulnerable to Listeria infection.
To minimize the risk of Listeria contamination when consuming cheese tea, it is essential to inquire about the source and quality of the milk used. Reputable tea shops that prioritize food safety will use pasteurized milk or take extra precautions when handling raw milk to ensure its safety. Consumers should also be cautious when making cheese tea at home, opting for pasteurized milk and practicing proper food handling and sanitation to reduce the risk of Listeria contamination.
While cheese tea offers a delightful sensory experience, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with raw milk. By taking the necessary precautions and consuming cheese tea in moderation, individuals can enjoy this unique beverage while minimizing the chances of encountering any adverse health effects.
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It's loaded with sodium, which is bad for people with high blood pressure
Cheese tea is a unique drink that combines the health benefits of tea with the indulgent taste of cheese. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with this beverage, especially for individuals with high blood pressure.
Cheese tea, also known as "milk cap," "cheese mouse," or "naigai cha," originated in Taiwan around 2010 and has since spread across Asia and to the Western world. The drink typically consists of green or black tea topped with a layer of salty or sweet cream cheese foam, often made with milk, whipping cream, and a dash of salt. While it offers a delightful combination of bitter, tangy, salty, and sweet flavours, it's important to consider the high sodium content of cheese tea.
The average person should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, according to the American Heart Association. However, a single tablespoon of cream cheese contains about 80 milligrams of sodium, and that's before adding additional salt to the foam or considering the sodium content of other ingredients. When sipped, the saltiness of the cheese foam enhances the overall drinking experience, making it difficult to stop at just one sip. This high sodium content can be dangerous for individuals with high blood pressure, as excess sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and put extra strain on the heart.
Additionally, the cream cheese and other full-fat dairy products used in cheese tea are high in saturated fat and calories. While the exact nutritional content can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used, a standard cup of cheese tea can easily contain a minimum of 150 calories and 10 grams each of fat and simple sugars. This high-calorie content, coupled with the sodium levels, makes cheese tea a beverage that should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those managing their weight and blood pressure.
In conclusion, while cheese tea offers a unique and addictive flavour combination, it's important to be mindful of its high sodium content. For individuals with high blood pressure, the excess sodium can negatively impact their health. As with any indulgent treat, cheese tea should be consumed in moderation and balanced with a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain overall well-being.
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It's low in fibre
Cheese tea is low in fibre. Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, aiding digestion and preventing constipation. It is recommended that adults consume 30g of fibre per day. However, cheese tea contains very little fibre, as it is primarily composed of tea, cheese, and milk. While these ingredients provide some nutritional value, such as protein and calcium, they are not a significant source of fibre. As a result, cheese tea may not contribute to your daily fibre intake in a meaningful way.
The lack of fibre in cheese tea may be a concern for those seeking a well-rounded diet. Fibre is found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These foods are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are beneficial to overall health. By contrast, cheese tea, which is often sweetened with sugar or condensed milk, may contribute to excessive sugar intake, which can have negative health effects.
While tea is known for its antioxidants, the addition of full-fat dairy and sugar in cheese tea may outweigh these benefits. A diet low in fibre and high in sugar and saturated fat can increase the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and other health issues. Therefore, it is important to consume cheese tea in moderation and ensure that your diet includes adequate fibre from other sources.
It is worth noting that the lack of fibre in cheese tea may not be a significant concern for those who follow a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. In this case, the fat and protein content of cheese tea may align with dietary goals. However, for those seeking a balanced diet that includes adequate fibre, cheese tea should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple beverage.
To increase fibre intake, individuals can incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet. This may include adding fibre-rich ingredients to cheese tea, such as using alternative milk made from oats or almonds, or sweetening with honey instead of sugar. However, it is important to remember that excessive fibre can also have negative effects, so a balanced approach is recommended. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on fibre intake and overall dietary needs.
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It may cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance
Cheese tea is a unique drink that combines tea with a layer of cheese foam. While it has gained popularity in Asia, particularly in Taiwan, China, and Japan, some people may be hesitant to try it due to its unusual combination of ingredients. The drink is typically made with black or green tea, hot or cold, and topped with a layer of cream cheese that has been whipped into a thick foam, sometimes with a sprinkle of salt.
One potential concern with consuming cheese tea is the presence of lactose, which may cause digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar naturally found in milk and dairy products, including cream cheese, which is a primary ingredient in cheese tea. For people with lactose intolerance, the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the digestive system. As a result, consuming lactose can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
The severity of lactose intolerance can vary among individuals, and some people may have a higher tolerance for lactose than others. However, for those with a severe intolerance, even a small amount of lactose can trigger unpleasant digestive symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with lactose intolerance to carefully consider whether cheese tea is suitable for their dietary needs.
While cheese tea may pose digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance, there are potential ways to mitigate these concerns. One option is to use lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to dairy products when preparing the cheese foam. Lactose-free milk, for example, undergoes a process that breaks down the lactose into simpler sugars, making it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. Additionally, plant-based milk alternatives, such as soy, almond, or oat milk, do not contain lactose and can be used as substitutes in the cheese tea recipe.
In conclusion, while cheese tea may be a unique and tasty beverage for some, it is important to consider any potential digestive issues associated with lactose intolerance before consuming it. By being mindful of the ingredients and exploring alternative options, individuals with lactose intolerance can make informed choices about whether to include cheese tea in their diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese tea is loaded with sugar and additives, which can be harmful in large quantities. A standard cup of cheese tea can contain a minimum of 150 calories and roughly 10 grams each of fat and simple sugar.
Cheese tea often comes with a plastic straw, which is harmful to the environment. However, some shops provide a lid that allows for the perfect amount of froth and tea, removing the need for a plastic straw.
Cheese tea is not inherently bad in the US, but it has not gained the same popularity as it has in Asia. Many Americans find the combination of tea and cheese unappetizing.
