Previous research topic:
1. Comparison of large and small cup of bubble tea: a look at the monetary value. (scroll down for complete reference)
2. Perception of the size of McDonald hamburger in childhood and teenage years.
Introduction: Bubble tea (bbt) has become the most preferred drink among Chinese Canadians. It is estimated that a person spends an average of $99 every year and the bbt business is growing at 5% since its introduction in 1997. Despite the large amount of investment involved, there is not yet a study on the value of bbt. This study attempts to compare the monetary value of large and small cup of bbt. This study is part of a series of studies looking at establishing a consumer guideline for bbt buyers.
Method: A large and small sprout milk tea were purchased at Green Rabbit of Market Village in Markham. A water bottle (Ng) was used to get water from washroom. After enjoying the sprout milk tea, water was pour from small cup to large cup to compare the volume of the cups.
Results: Large cup can take 1 and 1/2 of water from small cup.
Conclusion: If small cup = 2k, $/unit of K = $4/2 = $2, since large cup = 1 1/2 of small cup = 3k, thus it should cost 3x$2 = $6. But large cup is sold at $5, so it is more economical to get a large cup.
Discussion: It is found that the more economical size of bbt is large cup. However, a few limitations were noted in this study. Since the comparison of volume is performed on empty bbt cup, not actual bbt, it is possible that volume varies because of different waitness. As well, volume occupied by the bubbles may be different for small and large cup. In addition, there is also argument that people may get too full when having a large bbt thus not feeling it is as good as it should be than small cup. Having bbt with friends isanother confounding factor. Future studies should include Janet and Wendy Preference Index (JWPI) of likeliness and social situation before recommendations can be made.
The authors would like to thank A Chan, W Cheung, C Chow and C Wong for their support in developing this study.
