Are you curious about all the excitement surrounding bubble tea? It’s become a global phenomenon with a huge variety of flavors, textures, and combinations. But have you ever stopped to wonder what are bubbles in bubble tea? Well here’s your chance to find out. From its history and origin to modern-day varieties and why they’re so popular, this article will give you a comprehensive understanding of just what makes bubble tea such an irresistible drink.
Contents
- 1 Introducing The Concept Of Bubble Tea
- 2 What Are The Bubbles In Bubble Tea Made Of And How Are They Made?
- 3 Exploring Different Types Of Bubbles In Bubble Tea?
- 4 How To Achieve Consistency For The Bubbles In Bubble Tea?
- 5 Tips On Adding Bubbles To Your Own Bubble Tea At Home
- 6 Tasting Experience Of Drinking Bubble Tea With And Without Bubbles
- 7 Exploring The Differences Between Regular And Bubbly Tea
- 8 How To Preserve Leftover Bubbles In Bubble Tea?
Introducing The Concept Of Bubble Tea
Bubble tea, a beverage commonly known as “pearl tea,” supposedly originated in 1986. As the story goes, teahouse owner Tu Tsong-he was intrigued by white tapioca balls he spotted at Ah-bó-liâu (鴨母寮, or Yamuliao in Mandarin), a local market. Drawing inspiration from these traditional Taiwanese snacks, he concocted a tea that eventually became the esteemed bubble tea.
What Are The Bubbles In Bubble Tea Made Of And How Are They Made?
The bubbles in bubble tea are made from tapioca flour, a starch. Unlike wheat flour, which contains starches, protein, and fiber, tapioca flour mainly consists of starch. The process of creating bubbles involves the interaction between starch particles and water.
Exploring Different Types Of Bubbles In Bubble Tea?
There are various types of bubbles that can be used in bubble tea, each with its unique texture and flavor. Traditional bubble tea uses the classic black tapioca pearls, which have a chewy and slightly sweet taste. These pearls come in different sizes, ranging from small to large, and can also be infused with various flavors such as taro or matcha. Aside from tapioca pearls, there are also popping boba, which are small juice-filled balls that burst in your mouth with each sip. Another popular option is the jelly-like cubes made from agar or konjac, known as nata de coco. These add a fun and unique texture to bubble tea.
How To Achieve Consistency For The Bubbles In Bubble Tea?

To achieve consistent bubble texture in bubble tea, it is crucial to strike the right balance of liquid to flour. Too much liquid can transform the dough into quicksand, while too little water can make it crumbly and difficult to work with. The key lies in ensuring the dough is soft enough to be molded and yet firm enough to retain its shape when rolled into small balls.
Tips On Adding Bubbles To Your Own Bubble Tea At Home
Making bubble tea at home can be a fun and creative activity. Here are some tips on how to add bubbles to your own bubble tea:
- Use a variety of bubbles for different textures and flavors.
- Follow the instructions carefully when cooking the tapioca pearls to achieve the desired texture.
- Experiment with different liquids such as milk, fruit juice, or even sparkling water for a unique bubble tea experience.
- Have fun and get creative with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or fresh fruit slices.
Tasting Experience Of Drinking Bubble Tea With And Without Bubbles
The bubbles in bubble tea add a whole new dimension to the drinking experience. They provide a burst of flavor and texture with each sip, making it more than just a regular cup of tea. Without the bubbles, bubble tea is still enjoyable, but it lacks that extra something special that the bubbles bring.
Exploring The Differences Between Regular And Bubbly Tea

Regular tea is a simple drink made from brewed tea leaves and hot water, while bubble tea is a more complex beverage with added ingredients such as milk, fruit flavors, and of course, bubbles. Regular tea has been around for centuries and has cultural significance in many countries. On the other hand, bubble tea is a relatively new invention that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years.
How To Preserve Leftover Bubbles In Bubble Tea?
At Room Temperature
To preserve leftover bubbles in bubble tea, follow these steps:
- Allow the cooked boba to cool down completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container and keeps the boba from becoming soggy.
- Transfer the cooled boba into an airtight container or plastic bag. Ensure that it is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering.
- Sprinkle some sugar or honey over the boba before storing. This helps maintain moisture and prevents sticking.
- For additional flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or fruit syrups.
In The Refrigerator
To preserve leftover bubbles in bubble tea, follow these steps:
- Store cooked boba in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Drain any excess liquid from the pearls.
- Rinse them under cold water and allow them to cool completely.
- Transfer the pearls into an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Ensure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it shut.
- If storing different boba flavors separately, use separate containers or bags to prevent flavor mixing.
In The Freezer
To preserve leftover bubbles in bubble tea, follow these steps:
- Drain the cooked boba from their cooking liquid and rinse them under cold water.
- Allow the boba to cool down for a few minutes before transferring them into an airtight container or ziplock bag.
- Label the container with the date and place it in the freezer.
- When you’re ready to use the frozen boba, remove only the amount you need and let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
What are you supposed to do with the bubbles in bubble tea?
You eat them. They’re chewy, like little gummy candies. (though they are tapioca root, not candy) They should suck up the straw while you drink the tea and you just eat them as you go.
My daughter 3 years old always ask for a bubble tea when she see it. Are there any bubble tea drink good for a 3 years old ?
I don’t have a toddler but I would assume getting them something fruity or milky would be enjoyable, but without any toppings because they’re all choking hazards for 3 year olds.
I made popping bubbles for bubble tea at home!
Thank you so much!
What bubble tea places have popping bubbles?
Boba Paw on Ness, and they are great!
What common brands of black tea are good for Bubble Tea?
Lipton works for bubble tea. But any CTC grade black tea works.