What is Boba?
Boba (also known as bubble tea, pearl milk tea, boba milk tea) is a sweet Taiwanese tea-based drink, usually served cold with a chewy tapioca ball. Boba milk tea can be tea-based or milk-based with a variety of toppings, like chewy tapioca balls, jelly, custard, grass jelly, and even popping boba.
Is Boba the Same as Bubble Tea?
The short answer is yes, boba and bubble tea are the same thing. Bubble tea has been around since the 1980s but was later known as boba milk tea because of the chewy tapioca pearls. The difference between bubble tea and boba milk tea is that boba milk tea contains the chewy tapioca pearls, while bubble tea does not.
Differences Between Boba and Bubble Tea
- Toppings: Boba milk tea is typically served with chewy tapioca pearls, while bubble tea can be served without any toppings or can include a variety of different toppings such as jelly, custard, grass jelly, and popping boba.
- Taste: Boba milk tea is usually sweeter than bubble tea, as the tapioca pearls add an extra sweetness that can alter the flavor of the drink.
- Drink Base: Bubble tea can be either tea-based or milk-based, while boba milk tea usually consists of a black or green tea base mixed with milk.
Conclusion
Despite their slight differences in toppings and taste, boba and bubble tea are essentially the same thing. Both drinks are sweet, refreshing, and often contain chewy tapioca pearls. If you ever see the two drinks being sold in a cafe or shop, don’t be confused – you’re just getting two names for the same product.
