Recently, Bawang Chaji has been mistakenly associated with “soft drugs” or “quasi-drugs” due to its caffeine content. The controversy started with social media content creator Ma Dugong, who stated: “High-caffeine drinks like Bawang Chaji are effectively skirting the edge of quasi-drugs.”
This statement, when isolated and shared, quickly spread on social media, linking Bawang Chaji to “soft drugs.” However, factual data provides clarity:
- Caffeine Content in Perspective
- Some Bawang Chaji drinks contain relatively high caffeine: e.g., “Wanli Mulan” (large) contains ~235mg, “Boya Juexian” ~105mg per 500ml.
- For comparison, brewed coffee typically contains 266–268mg per 500ml, and milk tea varies widely, with some reaching 406mg/500ml.
- The National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment recommends a safe caffeine intake of 400mg/day for healthy adults—roughly 2 cups of coffee or 3 cups of milk tea.
- Caffeine Is Not a Drug
Shanghai anti-drug authorities clarified that caffeine only falls under controlled substances when highly purified and not intended for consumption. Regular beverages do not fall into this category. - Brand Response and Transparency
- Bawang Chaji has engaged its legal team to defend against false claims.
- The brand also educates consumers about caffeine, providing clear labeling and multiple caffeine-level options. Their “Caffeine Traffic Light” system indicates: Green (<50mg/cup), Yellow (50–100mg/cup), Red (>100mg/cup). Online orders display exact amounts.
- Offering diverse product options allows consumers to choose based on their caffeine needs.
In conclusion, this incident reflects a misinterpretation rather than a fault of the brand. Science-backed data, transparent information, and diversified choices are key to building consumer trust.
