Here we will see about the Does Starbucks have Boba?
A flavourful drink is a perfect accompaniment to the festivities this time of year. As you gather with your loved ones in a cozy spot near the park, you sip on your completely customizable Starbucks order. Maybe it’s a chai tea latte on soy milk with extra vanilla syrup, or a simple iced matcha green tea latte, either way, you are proud you resisted the urge to order your favorite coffee drink knowing that consuming it at this time will keep you counting sheep all night. Although you are satisfied, you crave a wider tea selection menu from your nearest Starbucks, which contains less caffeine but still hits the spot.
All over the world, Bubble tea or Boba has become a highly sought-after drink. Perfect for those who want a completely customizable drink, which offers a less-caffeinated option for those late-night get-togethers this holiday season. Although Starbucks does not serve it, you can order their fruit tea and purchase the tapioca pearls/Boba somewhere else. Alternatively, there are shops you can find near you with a determined mind and a simple online search.
What is Bubble Tea?
This Taiwanese drink has become known for the chewy balls that reside within the tea blend that takes on the flavor of whatever syrup you choose. To experience an indulgent drinking experience, milk or dairy-free milk options can additionally be added for a creamier texture. Most Boba shops offer tailored drinks perfect for your own taste and add the option to choose between hot or cold, sweet or bitter, ice cubes or fruit chunks, topped with fruit jellies or pudding. You are completely at liberty of deciding what exactly you want.
Steps for constructing the perfect Boba tea order:
- Choose a Base
- If you prefer a caffeinated drink, opt for a black tea base.
- If you want a less-caffeinated drink, opt for green tea, oolong, matcha, or white tea base.
- If you want a creamier drink, opt for milk-based Boba tea. Options range from cow’s milk to milk alternatives such as soy, oat, coconut, and almond.
- Once you have chosen your preferred base, you can decide whether you want it hot, iced or blended.
Now that you have decided on your desired temperature and base, it’s time to choose a flavor that compliments it.
- Choose a flavor and desired sweetness
- You can expect to choose from a variety of fruit flavors. These come in syrup form and are commonly higher in sugar content.
- You may also come across the option for botanical flavors.
- You are also given the option to choose from a list of creamy flavors.
- You are additionally provided with an option for a higher fiber, lower sugar drink by choosing fresh fruit for a healthier blended drink.
- You can add a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor and kick.
To simplify this process, you can simply order from a list of specialty drinks that contain set combinations of flavor and bases for you to choose from.
- Choose your toppings and add-ons
- You can choose regular or popping Boba pearls, which are chewy, juicy and sweet. These are made from cassava root, sweet potatoes, and brown sugar.
- You have the option to choose tapioca pearls, made from dried cassava root. These are smaller, harder than, and not as sweet as other options.
- You may also opt for cubed, egg and milk pudding.
- You can choose a jelly add-on that comes in a variety of jelly flavors
When ordering your bubble tea consider how different flavors and add-ons pair together, for the ultimate drinking experience.
Health Benefits of Boba tea
Although this tea has been highly sought after for its delicious taste and customizable features, there are benefits to the drink other than satisfied taste buds. The vitamins and minerals contained within result in health benefits, as long as you don’t overdo it with the extra sweeteners which can lead to potential health risks like obesity and diabetes. However, when you consider moderation and sugar content, the minerals contained in bubble tea offers a variety of health benefits such as:
Folate
An essential B-vitamin that contributes to healthy skin and nails, results in reduced risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline
Calcium
Essential for building strong bones and teeth, and is necessary for healthy bodily function for proper muscle, heart, and nerve function.
Iron
Essential to eliminate fatigue, boost immune function and prevent anemia.
- Selenium
Contains antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer, and can improve mental health, and support healthy aging.
Conclusion
Even though you may not find Bubble tea at your local Starbucks this festive season, you can still enjoy this health-boosting, delicious, and completely customizable drink. To reap the full health benefits of the tea, consider minimizing add-ons and select low sugar options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do tapioca pearls contain gluten?
- Bubble tea is in fact gluten free
- Are the balls in bubble tea safe to consume?
- The “balls” are mainly made out of tapioca starch that comes from the cassava root which is natural and edible.
- Can I consume it as a main meal?
- It is a drink to have on its own, or accompanied by a meal but it is not meant to be consumed as a meal.
Is it affordable?
It is cheaper to produce it at home. There are various recipes that you can find online and try.
