Is Bubble Tea Kosher?
The broad appeal of bubble tea has led to an explosion in its popularity in recent years. As a fun and inclusive drink it is important to know the dietary restrictions.
Whether setting up your own café or just having some friends round for dinner, it’s important to recognise dietary requirements. In previous posts we have explored whether bubble tea products are halal and vegan and now we ask, is bubble tea kosher?
What is Kosher?
‘Kosher’ describes any food or beverage that fulfils the regulations of Jewish dietary law. These laws determine the food that may be consumed and how it must be produced, processed, and prepared.
The guidelines forbid pairing meat with dairy in the same meal and require separate utensils for each. Only certain cuts from specific animals are permissible, and they must be prepared according to strict procedures. Plant-based foods usually qualify as kosher unless prepared using non-kosher equipment. During Passover, additional restrictions apply. Read more on those below.
Is Bubble Tea Kosher?
Bubble tea can be kosher, but you should always confirm. Traditional tapioca pearls come from cassava starch, not gelatine or other animal products. This allows milk tea to be mixed with tapioca pearls under kosher guidelines. Bubble tea shop owners should check with suppliers and review their menu to ensure compliance. Understanding these dietary rules helps create a welcoming environment and allows you to point out suitable options to customers.
Is Bubble Tea Kosher for Passover?
To answer this, we first need to understand what “kosher for Passover” means. According to the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), foods must meet stricter requirements beyond ordinary kosher standards. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and God “passing over” their homes during the final plague. During the holiday, Jews eat unleavened bread (matzo) and remove all leavened products (chametz) from their homes.
For food, this means:
- Chametz prohibition: Foods containing wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that have leavened are forbidden. Even tiny traces make a product non-kosher for Passover.
- Kitniyot considerations: Some traditions, especially Ashkenazi, avoid legumes, corn, rice, or soy.
- Cross-contamination: Equipment used for chametz during the year must be specially cleaned or dedicated for Passover.
Currently, we do not hold a kosher-for-Passover certification. However, a rabbi supervises all operations at our UK factory at all times.
What Taipec Bubble Tea Products Are Kosher?
Taipec launched its own kosher-certified range, Bokka, and continues to expand it. The following products are certified:
- All our BOKKA products,
- Boba Brown Sugar Tapioca Balls (9-10mm) 3kg,
- Regular Brown Sugar Tapioca Balls (8mm-9mm) 3kg and
- Invert Sugar Syrup.
Our Kosher Certifications
Our Kosher-certified products are certified by 3 different organisations: KVH, CRC and KLBD. Our kosher products also have been recognished as kosher by the MBD. Read more information about these companies below.
KVH (Kashrus Vaad Harabonim)
KVH inspects and approves all aspects of production, from ingredients to handling. Their specialists supervise processes to ensure compliance with Jewish law. The KVH symbol signals high kosher standards and production integrity.
CRC (Central Rabbinical Congress)
CRC rabbinical teams oversee facilities, inspect ingredients, and monitor production to prevent contamination. This certification guarantees compliance with Jewish dietary laws.
KLBD (Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din)
KLBD thoroughly reviews and approves products under rabbinical supervision to ensure they meet strict kosher standards.
MDB (Manchester Beis Din)
The Manchester Beis Din is a Jewish rabbinical court and authority that provides religious oversight and kosher certification. Its kosher certification arm, MK Kosher, certifies food and ingredient manufacturers worldwide, ensuring compliance with Jewish dietary laws while supporting companies in reaching global markets.
While we do not hold official certification from MBD, they recognise our products as kosher based on our certifications from KVH, CRC, and KLBD.
If you want more detailed information about our kosher products, email Michael @ Kosher Bubbles.
Looking to start a boba shop?
So what does that mean for bubble tea retailers? Yes, certain bubble tea products are kosher, but not all. Make sure you check the certifications of your bubble tea supplier.