If you’ve ever seen kids and adults alike exiting China Town with tall plastic cups filled to the brim with strange, colourful liquids and spherical sweet things sitting at the bottom of the sealed vessel which is accessible only by an almost comically large straw; you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to demystify the classic Taiwanese beverage known interchangeably as boba tea, bubble tea and milk tea.
We chatted to Jaxx Jackson, brand director at CUPP Bubble Tea for some insight into the wonderful world of boba.
What is boba tea and how is it made?
“Boba tea is a blended tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan back in the 80s. Traditionally it's freshly brewed tea, blended with sweetened milk and chewy tapioca pearls, served in a sealed cup with a fat straw - it's the drink that you chew. Boba tea has now evolved worldwide with different combinations of tea, milk, flavours and fruit, as well as jellies, popping boba and other toppings to suit everyone's taste. At CUPP we blend the tea and other ingredients with ice to order, and pour over the customer’s choice of toppings.”
What is the main difference between pre-packaged boba and fresh boba tea from a dedicated tea shop?
“Pre-packaged boba is usually full of preservatives, syrups and powders, with the tapioca/toppings having a much different texture when canned/bottled. Whereas at CUPP we cook the tapioca pearls fresh throughout the day, expertly brew loose-leaf tea, blend with fresh milk or milk alternatives only (no nasty tea or milk powders here) and mix with fresh fruit juices and purees and high-quality brown sugars and syrups.”
Is boba tea an iced drink?
“Traditionally boba tea is an iced drink, however, we also offer hot boba tea at all our CUPP stores. During the autumn and winter seasons, we focus on comforting, warming and cosy hot boba teas as part of our seasonal specials, showing customers it can be enjoyed all year round.”
What’s the deal with customisable sugar content?
“We love to offer flexibility with all customisations on our menu - sugar being one of those. With most CUPP drinks, you're able to reduce, increase or remove the sugar. Helping customers cater to their dietary requirements or sugar cravings.”
What is the original boba tea flavour combination?
“The original boba tea would be a classic milk. With a choice of oolong, black or green tea, served sweet with chewy tapioca pearls. The Classic Milk Boba tea is still one of the best-selling drinks at CUPP, showing that even today in the UK market people love the traditional version of boba.”
What is your favourite boba tea flavour and tapioca combination?
“I'm a traditionalist when it comes to boba - I love classic milk, taro milk and matcha milk tea if I'm feeling milky... However, during summer I love fresh grapefruit tea, with lychee coconut jelly”.
With both traditional and modern bubble tea combinations in mind, we’ve curated a selection of the best boba drinks on the market right now. Keep scrolling for summertime hydration.
Shop now
Bubbleology Milk Bubble Tea Mixology Kit with Tapioca Pearls
One of London’s most popular bubble tea shops has recently released brilliant boba mixology kits to enjoy from the comfort of your home. This set of two flavours includes two taro blend teas and two brown sugar milk teas, instant chewy tapioca pearls and those famous extra-large straws.
Simply blend 300ml of cold milk with the taro sachet, heat the tapioca in the microwave and add both to a large glass with some ice.
Buy now £8.50, Amazon
Bubbleology Fruit Bubble Tea Mixology Kit with Popping Bobba
A fruity version for those who prefer lighter bubble tea, this Bubbleology kit comes with two raspberry tea sachets, two passion fruit tea sachets as well as strawberry and mango popping boba. Just add water and ice.
Buy now £11.99, Ocado
Dot Dot Lychee & Rose Bubble Tea
A luxurious lychee and rose-infused bubble tea which is perfect for afternoon tea parties, this pretty in pink option is blended with popping lychee tapioca pearls. Enjoy the aromatic, vegan brewed tea cold over ice.
Buy now £15.95, Harvey Nichols
Ocean Bomb Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea Drink
This chic little can houses instant, caramel-sweet tapioca pearl-filled bob. The can itself is decorated in the vibrant lanterns and stalls of traditional Taiwanese street markets, while the tea is imbued with a classic ever-so-slightly smoky flavour.
Buy now £2.29, Japan Centre
Rico Matcha Flavour Bubble Milk Tea Drink
An original Taiwanese classic, Rico’s canned matcha boba milk tea is sure to help alleviate those bubble tea cravings. This canned option has a mild, delicate and sweet matcha flavour.
Buy now £1.75, Asda
KGN Bubble Tea Drink Mix
A variety pack of KGN bubble teas which is sure to keep you satiated all summer long, flavours include classic taro, matcha, brown sugar and honeydew. Each 330ml can is infused with chewy and flavoursome konjac tapioca pearls.
Buy now £17.99, Etsy
Classic Bubble Tea Cans - Mixed 4 Pack
Fortified with vitamins B and C, low in sugar and vegan-friendly, Tempo’s classic bubble tea offers a slightly more health-conscious approach to the Taiwanese sweet treat. This brilliant discovery set includes four different 700ml cans with flavours such as Blue Blast grape, and a peach and grapefruit-infused Pink Punch.
Buy now £16.00, Tempo
