Boba Tea: What You Need To Know

bubble tea with caffeine

Boba is taking the world by storm and has grown in popularity in the UK over the last few years. But one recurring question, is bubble tea… tea?

Boba tea, bubble tea, pearl tea (or milk tea…) is the sweet Taiwanese tea that mixes energy drinks, dessert, and sweet treat all in one. The Taipei originating tea was first commercialised in the 1980s and rapidly spread across South-East Asia before conquering Australia, the USA, and the rest of the world. Mixing tea, tapioca balls, milk, creamer, and fruity flavouring makes bubble tea a unique and delightful treat.

Is Bubble Tea…Tea?

While the clue may be in the title (it's Boba TEA, after all) and traditional bubble tea does indeed include tea, it's not as simple as it first looks.

Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all popular teas in traditional boba that contribute to its distinctive flavour.

Black Tea

The original (and according to some fans, the best!) black tea pairs excellently with a wide range of milk tea flavours and can always be relied upon to provide a refreshing pearly treat. Mixing tapioca pearls with brown sugar and milk to produce the distinctive matte colour palette of the original boba makes black tea a stalwart of the boba industry.

Green Tea

An absolute favourite and a good choice for those looking for a healthier option, green tea has become a mainstay in the bubble tea market. Green tea also pairs well with the traditional milk and tapioca balls.

Oolong Tea

A light and floral-flavoured tea that pairs excellently with sweet milk, oolong tea is less popular in the UK but is popular across Asia. Incredibly versatile and loved by boba fans this is another great base for your hit of Taiwanese tea.

Boba Without The Tea?

But can you have boba tea without the tea? The answer is, surprisingly, yes! Boba without the tea involves mixing milk or creamer, fruit, sweetener and ice into a shaker or blender. Add tapioca balls or popping boba and you have yourself a caffeine-free treat.

This is a great way to mix up your boba drinks and customise the taste to your own preferences. For more insights into the world of tasty Taiwanese treats, check out the products on our website or contact us today!