Today, you’ll find stores that sell boba everywhere. Even the smallest of towns at least has one boba shop. They’re quite popular yet not many know where they came from or what they’re made of. 

In this post from Square Bubbles, we’re sharing a quick guide to classic Boba milk tea - one of the most popular drinks today:

Where Did Boba Come From?

Boba is a tea drink that’s usually served with tapioca pearls. This is the most common drink in Taiwan. It’s becoming more popular with the younger generation in the United States, Thailand, and South America.

Boba is called boba in Taiwan and China. The word boba means “bubbles” in Taiwanese. In the Philippines, it’s called bubble tea. In Malaysia and Singapore, it’s called pearl milk tea. In South Africa, it’s called tsokolate. In Australia, it’s called bubble tea or boba.

What Is Boba Made From?

Boba is made from a milky tea base with small chewy tapioca balls. The tapioca balls are made from cassava roots. Boba is made from a high-protein substance called agar. Agar is a gelatinous substance produced from a type of algae. It’s made by boiling the algae in the water, then straining and freezing it.

What Is in a Boba Milk Tea?

Boba tea has a milky tea base that’s usually mixed with sugar. The tapioca balls vary in size depending on the brand and the country. They’re usually small, around a centimetre in diameter.

A typical Boba Milk Tea contains:

• Boba: made with tapioca pearls

• Milk: made with whole or low-fat milk

• Tea: made with black or green tea leaves

• Sugar or Honey

Boba Fruit Drinks

Nothing goes better with a tasty drink than some fresh fruit! Boba fruit drinks have fruit pulp added to a Boba drink. Some of the most popular fruits are mango, apple, strawberry, peach, and passion fruit.

Boba Toppings

You can also top off your Boba with some different fruit snacks. The most popular ones used though are grass jelly and aloe vera. Grass jelly is a gelatinous substance produced from the leaves of the plant "carrageenan." Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

What Are the Most Popular Boba Milk Tea Flavours?

There are hundreds of different flavours of Boba. These aren’t all of the most popular flavours, but they’re some of the most common ones.

Black Milk Tea

Black milk tea is the original flavour of Boba. It’s a simple recipe with tea leaves, milk, and sugar, but it’s a very popular recipe. Black tea is rich in antioxidants that can help boost the immune system.

Taro Milk Tea

Taro milk tea is a common Boba drink in Asia. Taro is a tropical plant with a sweet and nutty flavour, much like potatoes. The taro drink is made by blending taro roots with a milky tea base.

Mango Milk Tea

Mango milk tea is another popular drink that’s often served in Asia. It’s made by blending fresh mangoes with a milky tea base. It has a fresh and creamy flavour with a tropical twist.

Peach Milk Tea

Peach milk tea is another drink with a creamier texture. It’s made by blending fresh peaches with a milky tea base. It has an extremely fruity flavour and a smooth texture.

Strawberry Milk Tea

Strawberry milk tea is another popular drink that’s made with strawberries and milk. It has a very sweet and tropical flavour. It’s made by blending strawberries with a milky tea base.

Conclusion

Classic boba milk tea has become so popular because it’s not just a drink, it’s a way of life. It brings together the old and the new and creates a culture of its own - a culture that encourages family and friends to share a drink and enjoy each other’s company.

Here at Square Bubbles, we’re dedicated to creating the best boba drinks in London to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings! Choose from our selection of smoothies, fruit teas, and milk teas and pick your order up from our Acton square site!