How Long does Bubble Tea Last?

ordering bubble tea

Imagine this: You have just had a big meal, and the irresistible craving for bubble tea strikes. Yet, as you savour the drink, a realisation dawns – you are too full to fully enjoy it. It is a scenario that resonates with the best of us. Lucky for you, in this blog, we will go through bubble tea's shelf life and unveil tips to extend its freshness. As a leading supplier and distributor of bubble tea and Taiwanese groceries, we understand the importance of maintaining the freshness and quality of our products. 

Understanding Bubble Tea Ingredients:

1. Tapioca Pearls:

   Tapioca pearls are a key component of bubble tea, and their freshness significantly impacts the overall quality of bubble tea. While they are best consumed right after preparation or a recommended timeframe of 4-6 hours after preparation. Proper storage can help maintain their signature chewiness.

2. Tea Base:

   The tea base, whether black or green, influences the drink's overall taste and shelf life. Tea bases with natural ingredients tend to have a shorter shelf life. In general, black tea has a longer shelf life than green tea. 

3. Sweeteners:

   The type and amount of sweetener used can affect the drink's longevity. Artificial sweeteners may contribute to a longer shelf life, but finding the right balance is crucial to preserve the authentic taste.

4. Additives:

   Additional ingredients, such as fruit syrups, popping boba or jellies, can impact shelf life and choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to maintaining the drink’s taste. 

Factors Affecting Bubble Tea Shelf Life:

  • Ingredient Quality

Opting for fresh, natural ingredients ensures a shorter shelf life but preserves the authenticity of the drink.

  • Storage Conditions

Refrigeration is recommended to slow down the degradation of ingredients. Tapioca pearls, for instance, should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming too soft or hard.

  • Preparation Method

Proper hygiene during preparation minimises the risk of bacterial contamination, extending the freshness of the drink.

Storing Bubble Tea: Do's and Don'ts:

Ideally, bubble tea is best drank right after it is made as the tea is still fresh and tapioca balls are at the perfect consistency. Here are some tips to store your bubble tea.

Ideal Storage Conditions

  • Refrigerate bubble tea to slow down the deterioration of ingredients.

   – If you have hot bubble tea, let it cool down first before placing it in the refrigerator

   – Separate tapioca and keep it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. When refrigerated for a long time, tapioca pearls will lose their flavour and satisfying consistency as it will become hard, especially the middle. As for jellies, they will enlarge as they will absorb the liquid. 

   – Use your senses to check for any visual discoloration or smell. If you are not entirely sure it can be consumed, it is better to not drink it and be more mindful next time. 

What to Avoid

   – Avoid exposing bubble tea to direct sunlight.

   – Do not leave bubble tea at room temperature for an extended period.

   – Refrain from using or buying bubble tea drinks with low-quality ingredients by assessing a shop or suppliers’ certifications. 

   – Avoid drinking your bubble tea 24 hours after refrigeration. 

Can you freeze bubble tea?

If you find yourself unable to enjoy your bubble tea immediately, freezing is indeed a viable option. It is recommended to remove the tapioca balls from the drink before freezing. When you are ready to drink it, defrost the bubble tea in the microwave and microwave the tapioca balls separately. Keep in mind that this preservation method will result in firmer tapioca balls than their original texture. While freezing is technically feasible, our suggestion leans towards refrigeration and drinking it as soon as possible. 

Generally, preserving the freshness of bubble tea requires a delicate balance of using high-quality ingredients, employing proper storage methods and adopting sound preparation practices. By understanding the intricacies of each component and following the provided tips, you can be prepared for when you need to preserve and store your bubble tea. All in all, it is best to drink fresh, so be mindful when you are ordering your drink!