From Instagram influencers to Gen Z YouTubers, everyone seems to be obsessed with bubble tea lately. Are you in the same Boba boat?

Even if you are, we bet you didn’t know that bubble tea isn’t exactly a modern invention—it’s been making the rounds in Taiwanese tea houses since the 1980s! Also, it didn’t recently make its way to the US—it’s been here since at least the 1990s and has been in and out of popularity several times during the past few decades.

Of course, its popularity has recently skyrocketed, not only here in the US but around the world, and we think it may have something to do with the way Boba has been reinvented in more creative ways. It could also have something to do with gen Z being obsessed with it.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep up!

What Goes into Bubble Tea?

Generally, there are a lot of different variations of bubble tea, and they all have their own ingredients. However, most classic variations have a tea base—this could be green, black, matcha, and so on. There’s also milk and sweeteners added to it—you could opt for plant-based milk like coconut or almond if you prefer those.

Of course, the tea has tapioca balls, or an alternative close to it, that tie the whole bubble tea experience together!

Why Is Bubble Tea Called Bubble Tea or Boba?

Bubble tea is also called Boba or, at times, even pearl milk tea or simply tapioca milk tea. Its name, of course, comes from its key ingredient, i.e., the tapioca balls. These edible balls are made from starch extracted from the cassava root and are also known as tapioca pearls and bubbles due to their original translucent appearance.

Now, you’re probably wondering why the bubble tea balls in your drink are usually black if they’re originally supposed to be translucent and pearly. This is because they’re boiled and caramelized in brown sugar syrup.

What Does Boba Taste Like, and Is It Healthy?

Since there are so many different ways and flavors to create bubble tea, it’s hard to describe its taste accurately. But generally, most classic versions have a rich and strong taste from the black tea, along with the creaminess of the milk and sweetness from the brown sugar Boba.

Again, its healthiness varies between different versions depending on the ingredients that are used. Generally, Boba itself is gluten-free, and if you want to make your drink healthier, you can choose to go with a sugar-free variation and low-fat milk.

Also, if you want healthier bubble tea, you could try making it yourself at home. You’ll find pre-made tapioca balls at most Asian groceries, and for the base, you can order black or green tea online from us at the Red Bud Tea Company.

We also have Scottish breakfast tea online that you could use as your bubble tea’s base—check it out.