Bubble milk tea is made of tea, milk (or a non-dairy alternative), a sweetener, and tapioca pearls (boba). Let's break down each component:
- Tea: The base of bubble tea is typically black, green, oolong, or white tea. The type of tea used influences the overall flavor profile.
- Milk: Milk is added to create a creamy texture. Dairy milk (whole, skim, etc.) is commonly used, but non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are also popular.
- Sweetener: Bubble tea needs a sweetener to balance the bitterness of the tea. Common sweeteners include sugar, simple syrup, honey, agave, and artificial sweeteners. Some shops also use flavored syrups to add extra flavor.
- Tapioca Pearls (Boba): These chewy spheres are the signature ingredient. They're made from tapioca starch, which comes from the cassava root. The pearls are boiled until soft and chewy, and then often steeped in a sugar syrup to add sweetness and prevent them from sticking together.
In addition to these core ingredients, some variations of bubble tea may include:
- Ice: Most bubble tea is served iced, so ice is a standard addition.
- Flavorings: Many flavors can be added to bubble tea, such as fruit purees, powders (like matcha or taro), or flavor extracts.
