Bubble milk tea has become exceptionally popular all over the world. What was once considered a popular drink primarily in East Asia has seen significant growth in Australia, Western Europe, and the United States. While this drink has been around since the 1980s, its rise in popularity around the world is a fairly recent occurrence. Many people are still not familiar with what bubble is or why it has quickly become a popular drink option.
What is bubble milk tea?
Bubble milk tea, also known as pearl tea or boba tea, has a tea base mixed with milk or fruit. There are also granita-style tea versions. While not an original component, most of this tea will come with little chewy tapioca balls, or boba. While many people believe that the name bubble comes from tapioca pearls, it actually comes from the bubbles that are produced when the drink is shaken before serving.
Where did bubble milk tea come from?
Bubble milk tea was originally created in the 1980s in tea shops in Taiwan. A tea shop owner added tapioca pearls, which has now become synonymous with bubble milk tea. There are now hundreds of different recipes in tea shops around the world. Along with milk, other popular items to put in your tea include ice cream, fresh fruit, syrup, flavored powders, and black or green tea.
How has it become a global beverage phenomenon?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why this drink has become such a worldwide phenomenon, but many people point to its unique texture and appearance. Tapioca pearls stand out for being typically black, although they can also be white or transparent. The color of tapioca is determined by its ingredients. For example, black pearls often include sweet potato, brown sugar, and cassava root.
health benefits
One of the reasons why bubble milk tea has become popular is due to the perceived health benefits. Black tea or green tea itself offers numerous health benefits because it is rich in antioxidants. The specific antioxidants found in the tea also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This allows them to protect the body against free radicals that can cause cell damage and inflammation. At the same time, it’s important to remember that tea often has sugar and sweetened condensed milk that can add to the calorie count. Fortunately, it’s easy to get a healthier version by using less sugar, substituting brown sugar for white sugar, and adding fresh fruit.
unique flavors
Another reason bubble milk tea has become globally popular is because of its versatility. Unlike sodas or other pre-packaged drinks, there is no limit to the number of bubble flavors that can be created. This allows it to be tailored to the taste preferences of each individual locality.
it’s fun to drink
The simplest explanation why this drink has become a worldwide phenomenon is that it is fun to drink. The oversized straws make it fun to try and aim for the tapioca pearls while consuming the drink. Plus, it has a unique visual appeal that makes it a talking point among friends.