Viral TikTok Custom Coffee Drinks Spark Health Concerns
A recent surge in viral TikTok videos showcasing extravagantly sweetened coffee concoctions has sparked concerns amongst health experts who warn of serious health implications tied to the consumption of these sugary beverages.
Numerous videos capture customized drink orders featuring eye-watering amounts of syrups, flavourings, and sugar. One video, posted in September by coffee ring coffee giant, Starbucks.
While visually appealing, the high caloric intake from these personalized beverages is alarming. Some contain upwards of 1,000 calories – the equivalent of consuming several donuts in one sitting.
“It’s the staggering amount of sugar that raises concern,” Dr. Ashwin Sharma, medical communications manager at Levity
“With the equivalent of about 12 donuts’ worth of sugar in this beverage can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar levels and potential long-term health issues, especially if this customer is consuming drinks like this regularly.
Comments on the videos often reflect a mix of amusement and horror. One comment, receiving 280,000 likes, joked: “Destiny is about to meet her destiny,” while another, garnering 330,000 likes, stated “this is a sugar scrub.”
Healthy
But experts are sounding the alarm bells. Some drinks contain up to 21 teaspoons of sugar. This level of sugary intake
Hidden Health Risks:
Many TikTok users turn to custom drinks as a treat
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises on added sugars
Commenting on a particular drink documented in one viral video containing over a thousand Viewers
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A registered dietitian, nutritionist, and Levity consultant, told Newsweek
“These custom drinks are harmful to health because they’re not just sugary,
A similar drink order for Sabrina G.,
"Consuming such a large amount of sugar at once will cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to your body, especially if you drink them regularly," she
"Over time, this can increase the risk of developing metabolic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Wan advised that these drinks should, at most, be consumed
“For those with a sweet tooth, indulgence doesn’t have to mean excess. It’s entirely possible to enjoy a treat that satisfies without overwhelming your body with unnecessary sugar, additives and empty calories,”
Are elaborate custom coffee drinks, popularized on TikTok, genuinely a health hazard?
## Coffee Craze: Sweet Treats or a Health Scare?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into a trend that’s brewing up controversy online: elaborate custom coffee drinks popularized on TikTok. Joining me is Dr. Ashwin Sharma, a leading expert in nutrition and public health. Dr. Sharma, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure.
**Interviewer:** So, we’re seeing countless videos of these extravagant coffee concoctions, often loaded with syrups, flavors, and sugar. What’s your take on this trend?
**Dr. Sharma:** While these drinks might be visually appealing, the truth is, they can pose serious health risks. The sheer amount of sugar in some of these creations is alarming. We’re talking upwards of 1,000 calories in a single drink, which is equivalent to several donuts. [[1](https://hip2save.com/recipes/how-to-make-whipped-iced-coffee/) ].
**Interviewer:** That’s a staggering amount. What are the potential consequences of regularly consuming these sugary beverages?
**Dr. Sharma:** Constant overconsumption of sugary drinks can lead to a host of issues, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. The added calories provide little nutritional value and contribute to empty calorie intake.
**Interviewer:** That’s definitely something to think about before ordering that extra pump of caramel. Dr. Sharma, what advice would you give to viewers who are tempted by these tempting coffee creations?
**Dr. Sharma:** Enjoy these drinks in moderation. Consider asking for less syrup or opting for sugar-free alternatives. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is about balance.
**Interviewer:** Excellent advice. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Sharma.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure.
