A 2026 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated effects of adding inulin to bubble tea tapioca pearl boba:

“Fifty women (BMI ≥27 or waist >80 cm; age 20-50 years) were randomized to receive either I-fiber pearl or placebo (2 packs/day, 100 g/pack). After 12 weeks, the I-fiber group showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat mass, visceral fat, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. I-fiber pearl improved body composition and lipid profiles, suggesting potential benefits as a functional supplement for obesity management.

Participants in the I-fiber pearl group consumed approximately 8.3 g of chicory inulin daily. Macronutrient composition of placebo was matched to that of I-fiber pearl, with the sole difference being the absence of dietary fiber.

No adverse effects were observed in physiological parameters, hematological and biochemical markers, dietary intake, or physical activity levels, indicating that I-fiber pearl was well tolerated and safe. Further studies are necessary to clarify optimal conditions under which inulin supplementation most effectively supports weight, fat mass, and body composition management.”

https://www.jfda-online.com/journal/vol34/iss2/5/ “Evaluating the efficacy of I-fiber pearl on reducing body fat accumulation in obese females: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial”

It’s apparently easier to trick obese young women into doing something healthy than to just give them inulin as a substitute for their preferred beverage sweetener.

I hadn’t noticed after changing suppliers over the past five years that my daily inulin intake of a teaspoon had decreased:

I could double the daily dose to be closer to this trial’s 8.3 grams of chicory inulin. I don’t have much of a sweet craving, though.