Boba Goes Mainstream

Boba, or “bubble tea,” has existed in the U.S. since the ’90s, but it’s finally ready for mainstream consumption.

Americans can now find boba at their favorite spots:

• Baskin-Robbins’ Tiger Milk Bubble Tea mixes Asian milk teas with ice cream

• Peet’s Coffee’s brown sugar jelly incorporates that familiar flavor and texture of boba

• Jack in the Box serves milk tea with boba, iced coffee with boba, and a vanilla boba shake

Starbucks is the latest restaurant chain to roll out its version of boba drinks. This summer, boba lovers can enjoy berry-flavored refreshers served with raspberry-popping pearls or spice up classic drinks like Starbucks’ iced matcha by adding boba. Starbucks previously sold flavored iced oolong tea with flavored pearls, including plum pearls, in Asian markets.

McDonald’s could be next. Several outlets have reported that McDonald’s is testing new boba drinks at CosMcs, their beverage-focused small-store restaurant spinoff.

Boba – coming to a menu near you soon.

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