Boba shops have grown increasingly popular in the United States, with the bubble tea industry valued at $2 billion.
The fluid in bubble tea, or boba, is typically a milk or green tea base. Milk tea is for those who enjoy a creamier taste, while green tea is generally used for fruity flavors. These bases are usually combined with sweeteners and tapioca pearls, the most common topping for this drink.
Topico pearls are small, chewy, edible balls made of tapioca, a type of starch. They are a crucial ingredient in boba drinks, giving them a unique texture and taste.
Hello Boba, the first boba cafe in Central Georgia, offers many options for those interested in trying a boba drink.
Hello Boba is popular in the area, with an overall Yelp rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
A Yelp review of Hello Boba from Michelle W. says, “A cute little place that was needed in Macon. As a boba tea fanatic, this was some amazing boba tea. I like how you can build your own, and I ended up getting milk tea with classic flvoring and boba.”
Five familiar flavors are listed below if you are unsure what to try when visiting a boba shop. These are the essential flavors of the drink, but similarly to coffee, they are customizable and allow customers to add extra toppings and sweeteners.
- Classic milk tea
Classic milk tea combines a sweet, creamy base with a sweetener and tapioca pearls. It is a good flavor to try for newer customers of the drink. Although a more straightforward option, many drink variations are available at different locations.
- Matcha milk tea
Matcha milk tea combines a milk base with matcha, a powdered green tea. It is then commonly topped with boba pearls. Matcha drinks have grown in popularity due to their unique color and taste.
- Lychee tea
Lychee tea commonly uses a green tea base combined with the flavor of lychee, a tropical fruit popular in Asia. It is then mixed with sweeteners and tapioca pearls. This drink differs from the others on this list as it is known for its fruity flavor.
- Tiger milk tea
Tiger milk tea is a popular boba drink that contains brown sugar syrup, milk, and boba pearls. It is an excellent option for those who enjoy sweeter drinks. It is known for its caramel drizzle resembling tiger stripes.
- Taro milk tea
Taro milk tea is a sweet drink with a nutty and vanilla flavor. It is generally thicker than the others listed and has a unique purple color.
