How to save money with boba
Boba Tea has taken the internet by storm. Besides the cute cafes and normal coffee shops, such as Starbucks, boba tea has become the newest drink on trend. The cute drinks serve as an aesthetic photo and a delicious drink snack in one. The boba pearls can be flavored, and different textures which serve to be delicious and fulfilling. But going to the mall, or other places for boba can be so expensive. Especially if you constantly drink it! Learn how to save some cash and make your favorite boba at home.
Boba tea, also known as bubble tea or pearl milk tea, is a Taiwanese tea-based drink that originated in the 1980s. The drink typically consists of a tea base, milk (or non-dairy alternatives), sweeteners, and chewy tapioca pearls. It can be served hot or cold, and variations include fruit flavors, smoothies, and other creative additions.
The term "bubble tea" or "boba" refers to the frothy bubbles created when the tea is shaken or stirred before serving. The chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom of the drink are another distinctive feature, giving it a unique texture and making it a fun and enjoyable beverage to consume.
The origins of boba tea can be traced back to Taiwan in the early 1980s. The drink is credited to Lin Hsiu Hui, who, at the time, was a teahouse owner. The story goes that she added tapioca pearls to her iced milk tea on a whim, creating a sensation that quickly gained popularity. The trend then spread throughout Asia and eventually around the world.
Making homemade boba (bubble tea) involves preparing the tapioca pearls and then assembling the tea. Here's a simple recipe for homemade boba pearls:
HOMEMADE BOBA PEARLS:
Ingredients:
1 cup black tapioca pearls
Water for boiling
Brown sugar or honey for sweetening (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Use about 10 cups of water per 1 cup of tapioca pearls.
Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water.
Stir the pearls gently to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the pearls for about 20-30 minutes or according to the package instructions. They should become soft and chewy.
Once cooked, drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water.
Sweeten the pearls by tossing them in brown sugar or honey while they are still warm. This step is optional but adds sweetness.
Let the pearls cool for a few minutes. They are now ready to be used in your boba tea.
WuFuYuan Tapioca Pearl
Recommended Product: I’ve always used this brand as it seems to be more authentic than most. It is quick and easy boba pearls. There’s also a decent amount in the bag. I honestly believe that different countries outside of the US are great at healthier items, and in bulk.
CLASSIC BOBA TEA:
Ingredients:
Cooked and sweetened boba pearls
1-2 tablespoons black tea leaves or 1-2 tea bags
1 cup hot water
Ice cubes
1-2 tablespoons condensed milk or sweetened milk of your choice
Sugar (optional, to taste)
Milk (optional, for a creamier texture)
Instructions:
Brew a strong cup of black tea by steeping the tea leaves or tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves or bags and let the tea cool.
Add ice cubes to a glass.
Place the sweetened boba pearls in the glass.
Pour the cooled black tea over the pearls.
Add condensed milk or your preferred sweetened milk. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding sugar if necessary.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can also add milk to the tea.
Stir the ingredients well to combine.
Insert a wide straw into the glass to enjoy the boba pearls along with the tea.
Feel free to experiment with different tea flavors, sweeteners, and milk types to create your favorite homemade boba tea! The reason for popularity can be credited to the unique different options for customization! Different types of boba pearls and flavors really make options and possible combinations endless.
I will show the products below that I’ve tried or plan to try and also the links to see them.
GINO Lavender Milk Tea
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Recommended Product: This is authentic lavender tea! As you can tell on the packaging - it is in Japanese (correct me if I’m wrong). It tastes so good, and you can tell it isn’t artificial flavoring compared to most. Unfortunately, I was not a tea drinker so I didn’t drink much, but it comes in a big package with plenty of tea. I do still have it, and will be drinking it in the future.
MONEY
At times, it can seem like a lot of work, right? Yeah, but also it is worth the work for authentic, real, homemade boba that you can control every aspect of down to the ingredients in it not just the flavors. Making boba tea at home can save you money for several reasons:
Lower Cost of Ingredients: The individual ingredients needed for boba tea, such as tea leaves, tapioca pearls, sweeteners, and milk, are generally less expensive when purchased separately compared to buying a ready-made drink at a cafe or restaurant. Bulk Purchases: When you make boba tea at home, you have the option to buy ingredients in larger quantities, which is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual servings from a store. This is particularly true for items like tapioca pearls and tea leaves.
Honeydew Blended Crème Mix by Angel
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Recommended Product: So this powder is my go-to for almost everything drink-related. It can be used to make smoothies, ice cream, shakes, tea - literally anything you can think of. It is super sweet and has a thicker powder consistency so it may take some time to blend. It also comes in a huge bag and will last you years. I use it once in a while since it’s so sweet, but I’ve had the bag for years.
Customization: Making boba tea at home allows you to control the ingredients and their quantities. You can adjust the level of sweetness, choose your preferred type of tea, and customize the milk or non-dairy alternatives to suit your taste. This reduces the need for added expenses related to specific customization requests at a cafe. Reusable Equipment: Investing in reusable equipment such as tea infusers, strainers, and boba straws can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to regularly purchasing single-use cups and straws from a store. Elimination of Cafe Markup: When you buy boba tea from a cafe, you're not only paying for the ingredients but also for the labor, overhead costs, and the cafe's profit margin. Making it at home cuts out these additional costs, saving you money. Avoiding Additional Charges: Some cafes charge extra for add-ons or special requests. Making boba tea at home allows you to add your preferred ingredients without incurring additional charges. Reduced Transportation Costs: If your favorite boba tea shop is not nearby, making it at home eliminates the need to travel to the store, saving you money on transportation costs.
8 Pcs Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids
Recommended Product: These glasses are cute and medium sized which makes it perfect for any type of beverage. The bamboo lids and plastic straws help make it an ecofriendly product. Bamboo is great especially as a lid for food items. I cannot stress this enough, please use paper or plastic straws. NEVER use metal straws. If you happen to fall or sit..and that straw goes upwards..it will impale you. Please, if you do have one be careful. I have one and it scares me everytime
While there may be an initial investment in purchasing ingredients and equipment, the long-term savings, customization options, and convenience of making boba tea at home can make it a more economical choice for enthusiasts who enjoy this popular beverage regularly.