Introduction:Recently, Tea Baron launched a new bamboo-scented kiwi drink that promotes natural healthiness and low calories. However, many consumers reported experiencing oral numbness, throat irritation, and other discomforts after drinking it. This article delves into the full story of the incident, actual consumer experiences, possible causes, and recommends flavorful and high-quality coffee options for beverage lovers.

On February 7, Tea Baron officially released its new Bamboo Aroma Oolong series, among which the highly anticipated “Bamboo Kiwi” features Fujian Anxi Tieguanyin as the tea base, combined with fresh kiwi pulp and wheatgrass. Official information states that the kiwi used comes from Zhouzhi County in Xi’an, emphasizing fresh fruit pulp, natural healthiness, and promoting low calories and refreshment as its main selling points.

However, shortly after its launch, the new product sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many consumers reported experiencing oral dryness, lip numbness, and throat irritation after consumption. Some users even left comments on platforms referring to symptoms of “Bamboo Kiwi mouth numbness,” which became a trending search term. The discomforts included a needle-like sensation in the mouth, tongue pain, and a sour astringency when chewing the fruit pulp—leading many to question whether there might be issues with the ingredients or production process.

According to official descriptions, the Bamboo Kiwi is based on oolong tea, blended with kiwi pulp and wheatgrass, with an overall flavor profile designed to be refreshing. In marketing, the brand particularly emphasized features such as “fresh fruit pulp,” “natural healthiness,” “green fragrance,” and “low-calorie refreshment,” aiming to attract health-conscious consumers and those seeking post-holiday adjustment.

However, the actual consumer experience fell short of expectations. Some users mentioned feeling as if “needles were pricking their throats,” having “a numb mouth with a smoky aftertaste,” or noting that “the kiwi pulp felt very numbing to the mouth,” “no tea flavor could be tasted, but the kiwi left the mouth very numb,” or “my tongue hurt badly.” Although individual symptoms varied slightly, most emphasized that they had never experienced similar reactions when eating kiwi before, thus initially ruling out personal allergies to the fruit.

Additionally, some consumers observed that the kiwi pulp in the drink appeared underripe and had a noticeably sour and astringent taste, leading them to speculate that the fruit might not have been fully mature. In fact, unripe kiwis often contain higher levels of calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes—two substances commonly known to cause oral discomfort.

Kiwi is inherently rich in nutrients, with vitamin C content in every 100 grams of fruit pulp ranging from 100 to 420 milligrams, far exceeding that of common citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. It also contains various amino acids and lutein, which help boost vitality and protect vision. However, if the fruit is not ripe enough, the calcium oxalate crystals it contains can easily irritate the oral mucosa, causing a stinging numbness; meanwhile, the proteolytic enzymes may break down oral surface proteins, further leading to discomfort or even pain.

Regarding such situations, medical experts suggest that if consumers only experience discomfort when exposed to kiwi juice, they might try scooping the fruit pulp with a spoon to avoid direct skin contact that could trigger allergic reactions. If severe throat swelling or persistent oral pain occurs, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought.

Although Tea Baron has not yet issued an official response to the consumer feedback regarding the Bamboo Kiwi, the incident has garnered widespread market attention. Many netizens have left comments under related promotional posts, expressing concerns and dissatisfaction about the product’s quality.

For readers who enjoy sipping beverages, if you have concerns about the quality of tea drinks lately, you might consider turning to coffee products that offer stable flavors and carefully selected ingredients. When choosing coffee, you may prioritize origin, processing method, and roast level to fully experience the layers and nuances of different flavors, and find the option that best suits your taste.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.