Nearly seven in 10 Americans prefer straws over forks when it comes to dessert, new research suggests. In a poll of 2,000 adults, 69% said they’re likely to order drinkable desserts rather than ones meant to be eaten.  On average, respondents started ordering dessert drinks around the age of 22. But 14% did so during adolescence (age 15 or younger). While one respondent simply wants “an easier way to enjoy dessert,” 44% will reach for a dessert drink specifically to satisfy their sweet tooth.  Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of TIGER SUGAR , the poll revealed that 76% of respondents claim to have a sweet tooth.   Four in five millennials have a fondness for sweets, more so than any other generation. In fact, 88% of millennials like to eat dessert after every meal, compared to only 38% of baby boomers. When asked which foods they’d categorize as desserts, respondents cited a variety of both edible and drinkable options. Forty-four percent of respondents chose ice cream and 35% chose custard. But 34% believe milkshakes to be dessert and 26% even categorize bubble tea as such. The most popular non-alcoholic drinks were coffee (65%) and water (64%), but dessert drinks like milkshakes (58%) and bubble tea (54%) didn’t fall far behind.  When it comes to flavors, respondents were most likely to prefer traditional dessert flavors, like chocolate and vanilla, compared to fruity ones (29% vs 18%). Even so, 80% are likely to add sugar to their drink and another 65% are likely to add a shot of flavor.  “By bridging the gap between traditional boba tea with bold, modern tastes, people are finding their new favorite drink,” said Shirley Yeung, a spokesperson for Tiger Sugar. “No matter what their flavor of choice is, people are adding a little sugar and a little sweetness to their lives.” More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents have noticed an increase in the popularity of dessert drinks. For example, bubble tea gained more attention (28%) than other consumable trends mentioned in the survey, like poke bowls (24%) or matcha (25%). And when it comes to trying a new trend, respondents said they'd do so because they like to try new things (39%) and if it were recommended by family or friends (35%). Forty-eight percent have stood in a line for over an hour to try a trendy food or drink.  In fact, almost seven in 10 (68%) admitted they’ve tried a dessert drink to feel “on trend.” “While drinks like bubble tea have a longer history in Asia and Eastern countries, the U.S. has seen a recent surge in popularity,” said Yeung. “And while people may try a dessert drink to feel ‘on trend’, they may just find their new favorite.” REASONS TO TRY A NEW TREND I like to try new things - 39% Thinking I might like it - 39% Makes me feel more connected to someone - 35% Family or friend recommendations - 35% Brings me back to fond memories - 34% Seeing it on social media - 32% Makes me feel younger - 32%  FAVORITE BUBBLE TEA AND BOBA FLAVORS Strawberry - 34% Mango - 30% Black tea - 30% Passionfruit - 28% Brown sugar - 27% Melon - 26% Unsweetened - 26% Matcha - 25% Lycee - 24% Taro - 24%