Written By Michelle Chen
Bubble tea and boba tea are delicious drinks that have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. They’re made using tea as the base and can be enriched with various toppings like jelly, pudding or red beans. Are there any differences between bubble tea vs. boba tea? Keep reading to discover some of the best flavors recommended by Sharetea!
What is bubble tea and boba tea?
Bubble tea is a cold, sweetened tea-based drink that is often mixed with milk and fruit flavorings. It typically contains chewy tapioca pearls, which are also known as boba, that are added to the drink. These pearl balls are small, round and have a slightly gummy texture that adds a fun and unique element to the beverage.
Boba tea is simply another name for bubble tea. The term is derived from the Chinese word "bōbà," which denotes chewy tapioca balls.
So, to be clear, bubble tea and boba tea are completely synonymous terms that refer to the same type of drink. Some people may use one term more often than the other, depending on their regional preferences or personal choice, but there are no actual differences between bubble tea vs. boba.
Top flavors to try offered by Sharetea
In our menu you can find various flavors of bubble aka boba tea. Sharetea is a popular bubble tea chain with locations all over the world. The most popular options in our range include:
Classic pearl black milk tea - a popular flavor that features black tea and milk. The drink is sweetened with sugar and features chewy tapioca pearls. This flavor is perfect for those who want to try classic bubble tea.
Mango green milk tea - a fruity and refreshing flavor that features green tea, creamer, and mango. It’s perfect for everyone who is looking for classic tastes with a unique and refreshing touch.
Wintermelon lemonade - a refreshing beverage that is popular in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia. It’s typically made by blending or shaking together wintermelon syrup, lemon juice, water, and ice.
Matcha red bean milk tea - it typically includes matcha powder and red beans as its primary ingredients. Matcha is a type of finely ground green tea powder that has a slightly bitter and earthy taste. It’s an ideal option for everyone who likes strong green tea tastes.
Strawberry ice blended with lychee jelly - a fruity beverage that combines the flavors of sweet strawberries and juicy lychee fruit topping. It’s a perfect refresher for hot summer days.
The takeaway
What’s the difference between boba vs bubble tea? Actually, both names are used to describe the same type of drink. At Sharetea, you can find a variety of flavors and options to suit your taste preferences, all made with high-quality ingredients.
Bubble tea and boba tea are not only delicious and refreshing, but they also offer a tasty and fun drinking experience. Check out our menu to find a flavor that appeals to you the most!
Be sure to also check what does bubble tea taste like.
Bubble tea and boba tea, also interchangeably known as pearl milk tea, have indeed surged in popularity globally. My familiarity with these beverages extends beyond their recent rise—I've explored their history, ingredients, and the cultural significance attached to them.
To address the core question—bubble tea versus boba tea—there's a regional preference in terminology, but fundamentally, they refer to the same delightful drink. "Bubble tea" originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, named for the frothy bubbles formed when shaken. "Boba tea" traces its roots to the Chinese term "bōbà," signifying the chewy tapioca pearls that are a staple in these drinks.
The drink's base typically involves tea (black, green, or sometimes fruit teas), sweeteners like sugar or syrup, and often milk or creamer. What truly distinguishes these drinks are their diverse toppings, from the iconic tapioca pearls to jellies, puddings, or even red beans, offering varied textures and tastes.
Your article mentioned some popular flavors recommended by Sharetea, a well-known bubble tea chain. Classic pearl black milk tea combines black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls—a quintessential choice for those new to bubble tea. Mango green milk tea adds a fruity twist with green tea, creamer, and mango, appealing to classic tastes with a refreshing touch.
Wintermelon lemonade, a regional favorite, mixes wintermelon syrup, lemon juice, and ice for a uniquely refreshing beverage. Matcha red bean milk tea, featuring matcha powder and red beans, caters to those favoring a robust green tea flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Lastly, the strawberry ice blended with lychee jelly offers a fruity and sweet option, perfect for combating the heat on summer days.
Ultimately, while the names "bubble tea" and "boba tea" differ, they denote the same drink. Sharetea's menu illustrates the breadth of flavors and customizable options available to suit diverse preferences, all crafted with high-quality ingredients to offer an enjoyable and flavorful experience.
If you'd like to know more about the taste profile of bubble tea or delve into its cultural impact, feel free to ask!
