Drinking bubble tea is an entire experience. You can customize the boba flavors to make the drink type your taste buds crave. In addition, the flavor menu at any boba shop is quite expansive, and that’s one reason why it has become so popular.
And if it is your first time ordering, you might need help figuring out where to start. There are many options- from thistle milk to slushes and pearls to pudding. Oh, and we cannot forget about the varying degrees of sweetness.
Fear not, curious boba drinker. Plan out your next drink order as we take you through the history of boba all the way to curating your new favorite flavor combination.
What Is Boba Tea?
Boba tea goes by many names- bubble tea, boba, pearl milk tea, milk tea. But we can only talk about what it is after discussing the unique history.
History of Boba Tea
It is said that bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s.
Someone- we don’t know who- thought combining tea, milk, and ice would be a good idea. It was a hit because of the sweet, refreshing taste. Then, a few years later, the legendary tapioca pearls were introduced into the mix.
This tasty drink didn’t make it to the USA until the 1990s. Now, it is popular all around the world.
So, What Is It?
A basic recipe for boba tea includes brewed tea, milk, flavor, tapioca pearls, and a topping (sometimes). Those elements are combined with ice and served in a clear plastic cup with an oversized straw.
Most people assume that the “bubble” part of boba tea is related to the tapioca pearls and their round shape. But shaking the drink forms a foamy layer of bubbles at the top, which is the real reason for the name. Shaking also helps distribute the flavor profile and cool down the drink.
The original pearl milk-based tea has morphed over the years as new flavors and types of boba have been created.
How Many Boba Flavors Are There?
The exact number of boba flavors available is difficult to determine as it can vary greatly depending on different factors such as regional preferences, local bubble tea shops, and ongoing innovations within the industry.
Bubble tea has become a global phenomenon, inspiring a wide range of flavors and combinations. With various tea bases, milk options, fruit syrups, and toppings like tapioca pearls, jelly, or popping boba, the potential flavor combinations are virtually limitless.
It’s safe to say that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of boba flavors waiting to be explored and savored!
Different Types of Bubble Tea
Boba tea can take on many forms, which is why the flavor menu is overwhelming to beginners. Looking at the drink at its foundation, there are four main types of bubble tea. Everything else (like toppings, milk used, tea used, etc.) is an addition or customization.
Thai Tea
This type of milk tea uses sweetened condensed milk paired with black tea. Tapioca pearls are optional; this flavor profile is stronger, sweeter, and creamier.
Milk Tea
Regular milk tea is a basic recipe, and it calls for any tea (as long as it mixes with milk) and black tapioca pearls. You can also use regular dairy or non-dairy milk.
Fruit Tea
Fruit bubble tea is unique and very refreshing. It is fruit-based, containing your choice of fruit puree or syrup. No tea or milk is used; it also comes with tapioca pearls.
Taro Tea
If you’re in the mood for something different, this type of bubble tea should be on your radar. Taro tea uses pureed taro, which is a purple root similar to sweet potato, and it tastes sweet and slightly toasty.
Tea Options to Choose From
Now that you know the bases, it’s time to choose your tea. These tea options are the most popular you will likely encounter in a boba shop. However, some shops might have herbal teas or unique blends not listed.
Black Tea
Black tea is a relatively strong tea that is popular in the US, and it is also known as red tea in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. A Black tea, such as earl grey, is the most popular tea option for boba.
Green Tea
Green tea is another popular option, lighter than black tea and still full of caffeine. You might see jasmine green tea and green tea matcha powder listed.
Oolong Tea
Traditional oolong tea is great for boba. The green oolong variety is also another type of tea you might see in a flavor menu.
White Tea
While white tea might be popular in the US, you will rarely find it at a boba shop in Taiwan. Nevertheless, it still makes for a tasty and very light drink.
Sugar or No Sugar
Sugar, sugar, and more sugar. You might have guessed after one sip of 100% sugar, but part of what makes bubble tea so addicting is the sweetness. But did you know you can customize the sweetness level?
With the exception of some pre-determined recipes, you can choose between five levels of sugar. Opt for 0% (no sugar), 25% sweet, 50% sweet, 75% sweet, or the full 100% if you want the pure sugar experience.
If you’ve never drunk boba before, we recommend starting out with at least 75%.
Boba Flavors Menu
How many boba flavors can you fit in one menu? A lot. Every bubble milk stand will have their own unique recipes and ingredients. However, here are a few staple boba flavors you can find almost everywhere.
- Hong Kong Style
- Thai Iced
- Tarot
- Honeydew
- Mango
- Strawberry
- Vietnamese Coffee
- Red Bean
- Caramel
- Brown Sugar
- Lychee
- Matcha Flavor
- Almond
- Avocado
- Peach
- Pineapple
Can You Add Toppings?
Yes, you can add toppings to your bubble tea drink. The original “topping” is the traditional black tapioca pearls that sit at the bottom. You can add popping boba, which look like tapioca pearls, except they burst when you chew them.
Also, you can also add pudding, cream cheese, red bean paste, fruit, or jelly.No matter what topping you add; they will all be consumed through the wide straw that is a boba staple.
Conclusion
Boba tea (bubble tea, milk tea, etc.) is an ultra-diverse sweet drink that was created in Taiwan. In modern-day times, connoisseurs have spread their love for boba all around the world.
New recipes and methods for making bubble tea are always in the works and added to the boba flavors menu. But you can always find a good sip of the traditional mixture at any boba shop.
What is your favorite bubble milk recipe?