Boba may be a trendy drink, but it’s not actually new. It’s been around since the 1980s in Taiwan and it reached the U.S. in the 1990s. Its popularity only grew from there and this bubble tea can be found everywhere today. But what is it and is it good for you?
What is Boba?
Boba is a bubble tea made with milk or fruit flavoring. The liquid is poured over boba, dark pearls that are made from tapioca starch. They contain sugar, water, and a few other ingredients that give them color and flavor, although their flavor is very mild and the texture is chewy.
Going Deeper
Boba comes in sweet and savory versions. It can be made with milk, coffee, green tea, black tea, fruit-flavored tea, or even a smoothie. Most of the time it’s made with milk tea or some beverage with fruit flavor, although the other options are not uncommon.
This tells you that its nutrient contents depend on what you put in your drink. You can make a healthier version with green tea and avoid sugar, or you can make a sugary treat that you’ll drink occasionally without considering it very good for your health. It’s totally up to you!
