A new snack dubbed "milk skin tanghulu" has taken social media by storm, but not without consequences. On Wednesday (Nov. 5), the topic surged to the top of trending searches after reports emerged of some early enthusiasts experiencing skin issues linked to excessive sugar intake.
According to Yangtze Evening Post, a netizen recently shared that she had become hookedon the sugary delicacy, buying several sticks every day after work. After consuming it regularly, she noticed her complexion deteriorating. A medical checkup revealed her symptoms were caused by skin glycation, a reaction to long-term overconsumption of sugar.
Dr Jin Hui, chief physician of endocrinology and clinical nutrition at Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University in Nanjing, explained that glycation is a gradual process. "Glycation not only accelerates skin aging, causing dullness and sagging, but is also a potential risk factor for health issues such as atherosclerosisand cataracts," she said.
To minimize glycation, Jin advises cutting back on sugar, salt, and fat, especially by strictly controlling intake of sugar and oil.
Milk skin tanghulu is a crossover treat combining traditional tanghulu, or candied hawthorn berries, with a rich layer of milk skin (a dairy product similar to clotted cream), all encasedin a crisp sugar coating. Its complex texture and sweet-and-sour taste have made it a hit among young consumers.
While most milk skin tanghulu sells for between RMB 15 and RMB 25, one trendy shopin Shanghai charges up to RMB 98 per stick, and still sees high demand. Some vendors report selling thousands of sticks on peak days.
Dr Jin cautioned that the snack is unsuitable for individuals with high blood lipids or blood sugar, those with obesity or metabolic syndrome, people needing to manage their weight, and those with lactose intoleranceor dairy allergies.
"Traditional milk skin forms from cooled, fermented milk and is high in fat. Most commercial versions today are heat-processed, which further increases calorie content," she noted. While occasional consumption may be fine for active, healthy individuals, regular intake is not recommended for at-risk groups.
(Source: China Daily)
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