Bubble tea, was originated from Taiwan , in a small island located in Southeast Asia .  Tapioca had long been a traditional dessert and it was a chanced invention by a small vendor outside of a school.  He added tapioca balls to shaken iced tea to attract students and it had been an instant success.  This new beverage concept had been wildly popular and quickly spread throughout the island and subsequently, the Asian community around the world. 

There's always been a misconception about bubble tea, which is the more well known term in the US .  Many people mistook the term bubble to the tapioca balls on the bottom of the cup.  However, “bubble” really refers to the bubble foam on the top of the tea after the tea is vigorously shaken to enhance its flavor. 

Boba, also known as tapioca pearls or tapioca balls, is derived from the starch of the cassava root. When cooked perfectly, Boba becomes a sweet chewy ball with a gummy-bear like texture about 1/4 of an inch in diameter.

There are many names for Boba.  Originally, Boba drinks were called tapioca milk tea (or tapioca tea latte) or pearl milk tea.  When it was introduced in Hong Kong, the locals called it Boba instead of Pearl because of its shape.  Boba literally means Big Pearls. 

Boba can be added to any drink: milk tea, icy, smoothies, juice and coffee. When boba is added to the tea, it adds a different texture to the creamy and smooth tea base.  Boba is chewy, almost like gummy bears, but softer.  When combined with the tea. It adds a fun twist to the drink.

Because the size of the tapioca balls is larger than your typical straws, bubble tea drinks usually come with fat straws to allow Boba, or tapioca, to travel through.  In addition to Boba and mini Boba, Lollicup® also offers other alternatives such as pudding and jelly.  Our customers enjoy the fun of creating his or her-own drink at Lollicup®.