Boba Time: 20 Surprising Facts Americans Didn't Know About Their New Favorite Drink
Fun Facts About Your Pearly Drink
By now, you've probably had at least a few (or hundreds, give or take) cups of this highly addictive pearl-filled drink. After all, with so many flavors, toppings, and franchises to choose from, it's a paradise out there for all boba lovers. But how much do you really know about it beyond its distinctive milky, chewy taste? Grab your boba and buckle in—here are 20 interesting facts you likely didn't know about your new favorite drink.
1. "Bubbles" Refers to the Froth
If you didn't already know, another term for boba is "bubble tea". But while you might think the "bubble" part refers to the tapioca pearls, it actually refers to the froth that forms at the top when shaking the drink. There's a fun fact for you!
2. Pearls are Made from Cassava Root
Believe it or not, the tapioca pearls in bubble tea are made from a starchy vegetable called cassava root. Native to South America, they look similar in shape and size to sweet potatoes, and are now typically grown in West Africa and Southeast Asia.
3. Traditionally Made with Black Tea
Boba is traditionally made with black tea, although green tea, oolong tea, and white tea varieties are also used. The tea is generally supposed to come off very strong in flavor, which is then balanced by other ingredients, like milk and sugar.
4. Pearls are Soaked in Brown Sugar
Ever wondered what makes those tapioca pearls so addicting to slurp up? Well, that's because they're not just boiled and cooked—they're also soaked in a huge pot of sugar. This helps the chewy boba absorb all that sweetness that gives the drink its signature taste.
5. Originated—and Invented Accidentally—in Taiwan
You may already know that boba originated in Taiwan, but did you know that the invention was almost accidental? The story goes that in the 1980s, several street vendors decided to experiment and make a concoction by combining various toppings and textures. Somewhere along the way, boba was born.
6. Boba Can Be Made Hot or Cold
While you might have only had boba served cold, you can also have it served warm. Chilled bubble tea is typically blended with ice, but hot bubble tea requires heating up the liquid before pouring in the pearls. This means you can still have your favorite drink in the winter!
7. "Boba" is Just One of Many Names
Other than "bubble tea," you may also hear boba called as "pearl milk tea," "tapioca milk tea," or as its Chinese names—zhen zhu nai cha or bo ba nai cha. Both zhen zhu and bo ba refer to the pearls, while nai cha means "milk tea".
8. It's Super High in Sugar
Despite boba being highly addictive and super delicious, it's also extremely high in sugar.
In a regular 500ml cup, the drink alone has around 20tsp of sugar—and that's not even including the sugar from the pearls! This is why it's important to have boba in moderation, no matter how tasty it is.
9. It's Also Super High in Calories
Not only is boba high in sugar, it's also high in calories—most of which are owed to the pearls. In fact, a single serving (around 1/4 cup) of tapioca pearls amounts to 200 calories, raising the total of boba to 500 calories per cup.
10. Boba Comes In Many Forms & Flavors
The most traditional form of boba is milk tea, but in the West, you'll see it come in a wide range of forms, from slush and smoothies to fruit teas. To cater to Western tastes, there are also plenty of unique flavors you might not find anywhere else, like black sesame or Oreo smoothie.
11. Boba is Made Different Everywhere You Go
If you're used to the boba you can get where you live, chances are it's completely different elsewhere, despite it being the same drink concept. Fusion flavors are also much less popular and available in Asia, where you're more likely to find more traditional teas and fruit-based options than something overly indulgent.
12. Ordering Boba Doesn't Automatically Come With Pearls
You might assume that ordering boba means it automatically comes with the pearls inside, but it doesn't.
Most places charge extra for toppings (which seems contradictory, considering the name of the drink), so you'll have to specify and confirm when you order.
13. Pearls Can Come in Different Colors & Sizes
Though you may think these dark round pearls only have one size and color, they can actually come in a variety of shades. There are mini traditional pearls, then there are white, pink, and even green. Some in particular can even "pop" in your mouth.
14. Boba Can Come With Cheese Foam
Did you know you can add a dollop of salted cheese foam on top of your favorite drink? If you've never tried it before, you might grimace at the sound (cheese and boba)?!, but the foam adds a creaminess and layer of flavor that elevates your classic milk teas.
15. "3 Guys Milk Tea" Refers to Three Distinct Toppings
"3 Guys Milk Tea" or "3 Brothers Milk Tea" refers to a classic milk tea boba with three distinct toppings: tapioca pearls, grass jelly, and custard pudding. Its name is a direct translation from Chinese, san xiong di nai cha, where san xiong di means "three brothers".
16. There are Over 10 Different Toppings to Choose From
As you probably know by now, there are many more toppings available to put in your boba than just regular pearls. Grass jelly, pudding, sago, coconut jelly, red bean... the list goes on. It will also depend on the boba shop or franchise you go to, as some stores offer more options than others.
You can also mix and match various toppings together!
17. Brown Sugar Milk is One of the Most Popular Flavors in Taiwan
Apart from "3 Brothers Milk Tea," another extremely popular boba flavor is Brown Sugar Milk. In Taiwan, they may sometimes use fresh milk, which gives the drink a super rich, creamy, milky taste. For all its popularity, this drink is surprisingly easy to make: just milk, brown sugar tapioca pearls, and brown sugar syrup.
18. Boba-Inspired Desserts Exist
If you're addicted to this sweet drink, there's more to discover. Boba-inspired ice cream, popsicles, cakes, flan pudding, panna cotta, bubble waffles, cupcakes, and more exist, so you can indulge beyond sipping through a straw.
19. Boba Can Be Made Lactose-Free & Dairy-Free
Despite milk tea being the classic base for boba, some places use powder creamer over real dairy, which, depending on the creamer, can be lactose-free. This is great news for those who love the drink but are lactose-intolerant! But if you're vegan or just want to play it more safe, there are usually dairy substitutes like oat milk to choose from, though this option isn't typically available in Asia.
20. Boba Has a Time Limit
You might sometimes see a note on your boba cup telling you to consume within two or three hours. This is when your boba will taste the absolute best—when it's still fresh. You should avoid storing it in the fridge overnight, especially if you have pearls, as they'll harden and ruin the texture and flavor of your drink.
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