Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply crave a sweet drink, bubble tea is the perfect solution. But it’s important to keep in mind that this beverage is typically high in calories and sugar.
Boba tea originated in the eighties when a Taiwanese tea house whimsically combined iced black tea with fen yuan, a traditional dessert of tapioca balls, and the result was a hit.
The Pearls
The iconic chewy tapioca pearls are the hallmark of boba tea. These little spheres of starch add a fun textural element to any drink, and they’re the key ingredient that makes bubble tea so popular.
These pearls are made from tapioca starch, which originated in southeast Asia. They’re typically white and are cooked so they become slightly translucent with a chewy opaque center. There are also black boba pearls, which have been cooked with cocoa powder or dark brown sugar for a darker, more vibrant color.
Making your own boba pearls takes a little time and effort, but the result is worth it. For an even faster option, you can buy pre-cooked boba at many grocery stores. But if you’re willing to put in the extra work, making your own pearls gives you complete control over the size, texture, and flavor of your boba tea. This allows you to create a unique beverage experience that sets your shop apart from the rest.
The Tea
The core ingredient in bubble tea is tea, and there are many flavors to choose from. Most popular are traditional black or green tea, but milk tea, fruit juice-based drinks, and even coffee and oat milk are also available at some shops.
The tea is shaken with flavorings and sweeteners, then topped with tapioca pearls (the chewy ones at the bottom). Those are called bobas.
Boba is boiled from cassava starch, and they’re cooked in either brown sugar syrup for the typical black boba or plain sugar syrup for white and other colored boba.
In addition to black and white boba, you can find popping boba (they float in your drink) and jellies made of various fruits and other ingredients like aloe vera or red bean. The result is a beverage that looks quite unique, which adds to its popularity among customers.
The Toppings
Tapioca pearls are the most popular topping. They’re balls of tapioca starch that are cooked, then soaked in brown sugar syrup. They’re chewy and subtly sweet, and they go perfectly with a cup of bubble tea. Most boba shops cook their pearls on site, so you can be sure they’re fresh and delicious.
Aloe jelly is another refreshing option that works well in fruity teas. It’s not a staple in every shop, but you might find it somewhere close by.
Red beans are made from adzuki beans, and they have a rich earthy taste that’s perfect with milk tea. They’re also low in calories, making them a great alternative to other sugary toppings. There are more boba teas made by bearybobafl.com that you should try now!
The Calories
The teas used in bubble tea are rich in antioxidants, which can help to prevent the damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules. However, most boba tea mixtures also contain high levels of sugar, which can have a negative effect on your health.
The calorie count of a boba tea drink depends on the type of tea and toppings. According to Mia Syn, an MS, RDN, a typical glass of pearl black milk tea contains around 600 calories. This is because of the amount of milk and sugar in the drink.
The tapioca pearls, which are often eaten with boba tea, are made from cassava roots. Cassava roots are low in fat, cholesterol free and a source of fibre. The boba itself is gluten-free and dairy-free, so it can be enjoyed by people with food allergies or intolerances. As the popularity of boba tea grows, more shops and brands are prioritizing healthier options and ingredient transparency. This will enable boba tea to be enjoyed by a variety of diets and lifestyles.
Give this store a chance and try theirs!
Beary Boba
105 Badger Park Dr Ste 11, St Johns, FL 32259
904-460-2548