In its early days, boba tea was typically made using a few simple ingredients which included milk, green or black tea, some type of syrup or flavoring, and the tapioca pearls. As the drink has become more widely known, devotees have put their own creative spins on boba tea flavors, and tea houses, cafes and restaurants now offer a wide range of varieties. As a result, there are dozens—perhaps even hundreds—of different flavors and styles of bubble tea that you can try. You can also have a drink customized especially for you by choosing a creative combination of milk, tea and flavoring selections. If you want to enjoy boba tea at home, you also have plenty of options thanks to the assortment of “instant boba” kits and packs available at many stores and online retailers. For a quicker and more portable option, you can even buy a range of ready-to-drink boba tea varieties in a can. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Boba Flavors
Black milk tea
This is arguably the most common and well-known boba flavor. In its most basic form, it is made from a very simple recipe consisting of black tea, milk and those tapioca pearls, mixed with ice. Its simplicity makes it universally appealing. As boba tea has become more popular, black milk tea has evolved and is now often accentuated with other ingredients and flavorings.
Brown sugar
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will likely find brown sugar boba irresistible. Thankfully, this instant boba pack from Boba Bam lets you prepare a scrumptious glass of brown sugar boba in about a minute. You can also try this instant brown sugar boba kit from Trader Joe’s.
Taro
Coffee
Here’s one for the people who struggle to answer the question, “Coffee or tea?” If you just cannot decide between the two, this flavor of boba might be perfect for you. Some people (particularly those who favor the sweeter, fruit-based varieties) find the taste a bit too heavy, but coffee lovers will likely think it is just right. Satisfy your craving for coffee boba tea quickly with instant boba packs from Boba Bam.
Thai milk tea
Thai milk tea is another classic option, and as more versions of milk-based tea permeate the mainstream beverage landscape, there’s increasing overlap between this and black milk tea, which can often seem very similar. Before the boba craze started sweeping the globe, this drink was often served without the boba pearls at all, but boba fans now usually expect the boba to be included.
Matcha
Matcha boba is one form of bubble tea that you will surely want to try. Since matcha is a popular drink that’s also having a moment right now, it makes sense that combining this with boba would let you achieve beverage perfection. If the matcha doesn’t provide a strong enough taste for you, try adding a little extra sugar or other sweet flavorings.
Strawberry
If you love fruit-based smoothies, you should give strawberry boba a try. It is definitely on the sweet side but is also cool and refreshing.
Rose
The cool, eye-catching look of this rose bubble tea may get your attention, but the delicious taste will ensure you want to order this drink again and again. The taste is pretty much what you would guess from the name—a sweet, floral essence that will make you feel like you are lounging in a serene garden.
Pineapple
Mango
Lychee
Lychee is a small fruit with a taste that is often described as floral or citrusy. This is one of the most popular fruit-based boba options because the lychee flavor is light, cool and refreshing without being overwhelming.
Wintermelon
Don’t confuse this with watermelon, as they are different foods with very different tastes. Wintermelon (also known as a wax gourd or ash gourd) is a fruit that is commonly used in Asian recipes. It has a subtle (some might say bland) flavor that is frequently compared to that of a cucumber. But don’t let that dissuade you—the way this fruit is prepared when used in tea transforms it into caramelized goodness. Trust us, this is one you’ll want to try. Next up, learn about the different kinds of tea.
