Can You Get Caffeine-Free Bubble Tea?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes, you can get a caffeine-free version of bubble tea, although it won\u2019t contain any tea. Instead, these fruit based bubble teas use infusions and juices to create the base of the drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you head to a bubble tea shop, you\u2019re likely to notice that there\u2019s an incredible range of teas on offer. While some of them use the traditional tea base to build their beverages, other flavors will be fruity. In some cases, these fruit flavored bubble teas will have no caffeine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another fun option to try is brown sugar milk tea. This fairly traditional drink is made of milk, brown sugar syrup, and tapioca pearls, so there\u2019s no caffeine at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you want a more traditional bubble tea experience, with a lower level of caffeine, you may prefer ordering a flavor with a non-black tea base. Bubble tea made using green tea or white tea typically contains less caffeine overall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some bubble tea shops also make their drinks using matcha. This generally has a lower caffeine level than black tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some rare cases, you can order bubble tea made with decaffeinated tea concentrate. Decaf teas are very similar to black teas, only they\u2019ve gone through a complicated process to remove the caffeine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some bubble tea shops do offer decaf versions, but not often. This is an excellent option to consider if you want to make bubble tea at home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another way to cut down on the caffeine intake in your bubble tea is the most obvious option \u2014 order a smaller size. Typically, bubble tea is served in large cups, larger than you may order a standard tea. Cut down the size, and you cut down the caffeine content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t sure what to order, just ask! Bubble tea shops can have a large menu, and it\u2019s normal to need some help navigating it. Especially for a first timer. Ask about the caffeine free options, and order a bubble tea that gets you excited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Ingredients Are Used to Make Bubble Tea?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve covered the tea part, but what else can you expect to find in bubble tea?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tapioca Pearls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany of us will have never encountered the tapioca pearl outside of bubble tea. These small and chewy balls are a distinctive feature of standard bubble tea, but not everyone knows what they actually are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tapioca pearls are made of – you guessed it – tapioca. Specifically, tapioca starch, which comes from the root of cassava plants. This is then mixed with hot water, to form a sticky dough. The dough is then hand rolled into tiny balls, and left to dry. At this point, the boba pearls are hard and not hugely appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then comes the cooking process. Boba pearls have to be cooked for a while, until they\u2019ve taken on the soft and chewy texture that makes them so special. They\u2019re generally cooked in a sugar syrup if they\u2019re going to be used in tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end result is a bouncy and chewy pearl, that\u2019s fun to eat alongside the tea, and has a slightly sweet flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tapioca pearls are also known as boba. And they\u2019re free of gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milk And Milk Alternatives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs well as all the tea flavor options, bubble tea shops may have a large range of milks for you to choose between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bubble tea made with black tea is typically served with milk. This milk can be fresh dairy milk, but it might also be condensed or evaporated milk. Condensed and evaporated milks are sweeter and thicker, and turn bubble tea into a dessert style-drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as dairy milk, bubble tea shops may have non-dairy milks available. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are popular, and don\u2019t change the taste much. Coconut milk may be used as well, adding a slight sweet hint to the tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all bubble teas are served with milk. Fruit flavored bubble teas generally have no milk at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sugars And Sweeteners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve discussed the caffeine level of bubble tea, but the sugar level can be another reason to consume bubble tea in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bubble tea typically contains a lot of sugars and sweeteners. The tapioca pearls contain sugar, sugar syrups are a common addition, and fruit syrups are regularly used as well. All of this can add up to a drink that\u2019s very delicious, incredibly sweet, and not very healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like the caffeine level, the sugar level is something you can control. Bubble tea shops will often offer different sugar levels, and you can ask for less sugar to be included in your drink. Choosing a low sugar milk, leaving out the tapioca pearls, and reducing the syrups, are ways to reduce the sugar content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bubble tea is delicious, but definitely something to consume in moderation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruits (And Other) Flavorings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you first head to a bubble tea shop, the amount of variety on offer can seem overwhelming. Some of us quickly find a favorite, and will make that our standard order, very rarely deviating from our chosen beverage. Others will try anything and everything, resulting in some heavenly combinations, and some absolute disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some fruit flavorings go very well with milk tea. Coconut, caramel, chocolate, banana, rose, and ube taro are all additions that should get your mouth watering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other flavors that go best in drinks without milk include cherry, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, kiwi, and apple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you can even get less typical flavors, such as Oreo, peanut butter, and cookie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, if you can think of a sweet flavor, you can probably get it in bubble tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n