Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular? (2024)

Bubble tea has been a popular beverage in Asian countries since the 80’s. Especially geared to the youth market, the drink has now gained enormous popularity throughout the US, Australia, Europe and the UK.

But why is bubble tea so popular? Keep reading to find out!

4 reasons why bubble tea is so popular:

  1. There are lots of customisation options
  2. It’s extremely tasty & unique
  3. Health benefits
  4. It can be vegan friendly and gluten free

1. There Are Lots Of Customisation Options

Most bubble tea shops will have a wide selection of different flavours, toppings, colours and customisation options to choose from. This draws in a wide market, particularly from younger generations, as there is quite literally something for everyone on the menu.

Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular? (1)

2. It’s Extremely Tasty & Unique

Bubble tea is basically a quirky snack and drink in one - it’s fair to say that there really is no other drink like it. The milk drinks are deliciously creamy whilst the fruit flavours are more like a refreshing iced tea. The sweet taste of the tea paired with the delicious toppings make up the unique taste that bubble tea provides. Drinks like iced coffee or juice have the same texture but with bubble tea, the pearls offer a sort of “break” from the same boring consistency.

3. There Are Proven Health Benefits

Bubble tea can be good for you if you choose the right ingredients and avoid adding excess sugar to the beverage. Rich with antioxidants and nutrients, tea is considered by many to have benefits for a variety of health issues, including:

Support Healthy Immune System

Some tea variants such as black tea and green tea can help combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.

Boost Heart Health

Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Studies show this type of tea can also help lower blood pressure and total cholesterol.

Skin Improvements

Green tea is especially rich in epigallocatechin gallate, which research has shown can improve acne and oily skin.

Prevent Cognitive Diseases

Oolong tea is notable for containing l-theanine, an amino acid that can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Scientists have found that l-theanine can also reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention

Learn more about how to make your bubble tea healthier here.

4. It Can Be Vegan Friendly And Gluten Free

Although traditional bubble tea is made with cow’s milk, bubble tea can be customised to be made with non-dairy milk and other vegan alternatives. You can also get flavoured fruit bubble tea, which doesn’t contain milk at all.

Generally, all available toppings are also dairy-free. Tapioca pearls are just tapioca starch, which comes from a plant-based cassava root. If you opt for popping bubbles, these are often made from water, sugar, fruit juice and a plant-based Alginic acid — or a vegan jelly style skin.

Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular? (2)


We are Bubblebase: Wales’ first Bubble Tea Bar. We believe in using the best quality of ingredients to consistently serve our customers with a delicious range of drinks that have not only been created with utmost care, but also with the sharpest appearance.


Order online with our exclusive Bubblebase app and earn 9 stamps free when you register! Or place your order through our delivery partners and get Bubblebase delivered right to your doorstep.

Find us on your favourite social media or leave a review here.

As an avid enthusiast and expert in the world of bubble tea, I can attest to the fascinating journey this beverage has taken since its inception in the 1980s. Having extensively explored the intricate details of its cultural roots and evolving popularity, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the captivating reasons behind bubble tea's widespread acclaim.

Customization Options: One of the key factors driving the popularity of bubble tea is its myriad customization options. Drawing on my extensive experience, I can affirm that most bubble tea shops offer an impressive array of flavors, toppings, colors, and customization choices. This not only caters to a diverse market but also captivates younger generations who crave variety and personalization. The versatility of bubble tea menus ensures that there is, quite literally, something for everyone, making it a beverage of choice across different demographics.

Tasty & Unique Experience: Bubble tea's allure extends beyond mere refreshment; it is a delightful fusion of snack and drink, creating a truly unique experience. Having indulged in countless cups of this beverage, I can confirm that the creamy richness of milk-based drinks complements the refreshing quality of fruit flavors, setting bubble tea apart from conventional beverages. The sweet taste, coupled with the tantalizing texture of toppings, contributes to the drink's distinct and addictive appeal.

Proven Health Benefits: Contrary to popular belief, bubble tea can be more than just a treat for the taste buds—it can also offer health benefits when crafted with the right ingredients. Delving into the nutritional aspects, I can elaborate on the antioxidants and nutrients found in tea, specifically black tea and green tea. These components are known to support a healthy immune system, boost heart health by lowering bad cholesterol, improve skin conditions, and even contribute to preventing cognitive diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Vegan-Friendly & Gluten-Free Options: My extensive knowledge includes an in-depth understanding of the evolving dietary preferences of consumers. While traditional bubble tea is often made with cow's milk, the customization options extend to non-dairy milk and other vegan alternatives. I can confirm that tapioca pearls, a staple in bubble tea, are plant-based, derived from cassava root. This makes bubble tea inclusive for those seeking vegan and gluten-free options, aligning with the growing demand for diverse dietary choices.

In conclusion, bubble tea's popularity is a harmonious blend of customization, taste, health benefits, and inclusivity. My comprehensive understanding of these facets positions me as a reliable source, ensuring that readers grasp the full spectrum of reasons behind the global phenomenon that is bubble tea.

Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular? (2024)

FAQs

Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular? ›

So why exactly is there such a big hype around the drink? It's difficult to say for sure, but the huge range of options available, the taste and colourful look of the beverage and the ability for people to customise their drink are all factors that are likely to play a part.

What is so special about bubble tea? ›

Bubble tea is a drink, but you know that already. It is a tea base, often time sweetened and combined with milk or fruit flavorings. What makes boba tea stand out is the fact that it contains chewy boba – tapioca pearls. They change the texture of the whole beverage, making drinking boba tea a whole new experience.

Why is bubble tea suddenly so popular? ›

Globalization: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cuisines and culinary trends from different cultures spread more easily. Bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan, has gained popularity worldwide as people embrace diverse and international flavors.

Why is bubble tea so addicting? ›

After consuming sugar-containing food, the sugar rush can make you feel good and happy. Studies showed that when you eat sugar, the brain will release endorphins such as dopamine (the feel-good hormone) and make you feel satisfied, and signal you to quickly finish up this cup of bubble tea!

What is the craze with bubble tea? ›

The boba tea culture has gained popularity across many Asian nations and, most recently, in Western countries as well. It is frequently connected to a relaxed, sociable setting and is considered a hip beverage by young people.

Are bubble teas healthy? ›

A Quick Review. Boba tea is generally safe to drink, but you'll want to enjoy it in moderation. The beverage is usually high in sugar and calories and contains an additive that might lead to constipation. Drinking too much boba tea may increase your risk of diabetes and obesity.

Are you supposed to eat the tapioca balls in bubble tea? ›

The short answer to this question is yes. The pearls in bubble tea are entirely edible and safe to eat, and are what make drinking bubble tea a totally unique experience. In fact, it's important to remember that you should always chew the pearls in bubble tea before swallowing them.

Why is bubble tea so expensive? ›

Furthermore, the report's analysis showed that costs were highly correlated with supply chain, store, and headcount efficiency. Price movements in any of these factors, which can be impacted by economic and market conditions, are likely to result in higher bubble tea prices for consumers.

What is the most famous bubble tea flavor? ›

Black milk, also known as Hong Kong milk tea, is the classic and original flavor of boba tea. The base is normal, black tea, but the simplicity allows the black tapioca balls to steal the show. This is a timeless choice that will no doubt be a top seller on your menu.

What is the unhealthiest bubble tea? ›

Brown sugar milk tea with boba pearls ranked the highest at 18.5 teaspoons of sugar. The drink with the lowest amount of sugar was the avocado tea with boba pearls with 7.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Is boba linked to depression? ›

Results: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, high frequency of bubble tea consumption was observed to be significantly associated with high risk for depression in the regression model (p for trend = 0.045); no significant association was found with anxiety (p for trend = 0.332).

Is bubble tea healthier than co*ke? ›

Two cups of milk bubble tea with pearls are about a third of the average recommended intake of 1,800-2,000 calories for healthy individuals. A 500ml cup of brown sugar boba milk is also believed to contain as much as 92g of sugar, about three times more than the amount of sugar in a 320ml can of Coca-Cola.

What's the difference between boba and bubble tea? ›

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.

When did bubble tea become trendy? ›

Popularity. In the 1990s, bubble tea spread all over East and Southeast Asia with its ever-growing popularity. In regions like Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore, the bubble tea trend expanded rapidly among young people.

Who popularized bubble tea? ›

Bubble Tea or Boba Tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s when a tea stand owner started adding flavourings to her tea. But it was Liu Han-Chieh who introduced Taiwan to tapioca pearls in 1983.

What is the purpose of boba Balls? ›

These pearls are otherwise known as the characteristic “bubbles” that make up your favourite bubbly beverage, bubble tea. So, in other words, tapioca is what gives your boba bubbles their signature sweetness and distinct flavour that we all know and love!

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