Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea or boba tea, is a popular drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It typically consists of brewed tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls.
Bubble tea has gained worldwide popularity over the years and is now available in many countries around the globe.
Does Bubble Tea Have Caffeine?
One of the main ingredients in bubble tea is tea, and many people wonder if bubble tea contains caffeine. The answer is that it depends on the tea used in the drink. Some types of tea, such as black tea and oolong tea, contain caffeine, while others, such as herbal tea and white tea, do not.
Black tea and oolong tea are made from the Camellia sinensis plant leaves and are the most common teas used in bubble tea. These teas are generally higher in caffeine than other types of tea. The amount of caffeine in a cup of bubble tea will depend, but it will be discussed later in that article.
White tea, which is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant, is low in caffeine but does contain some. White tea is generally considered to be the least caffeinated of all the caffeinated tea types and is often used in bubble tea as a more subtle alternative to black or oolong tea.
Herbal teas, on the other hand, are not made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally do not contain caffeine. Some popular herbal tea flavors used in bubble tea include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or trying to avoid it for other reasons, it is important to ask about the kind of tea being used when ordering bubble tea.
Many bubble tea shops offer a variety of tea flavors and will often have options that are low in caffeine or caffeine-free.
How Much Caffeine Is in Bubble Tea?
The caffeine content of bubble tea can vary greatly depending on the type of tea used, the brewing time, and the size of the serving. Some types of tea, such as black tea and oolong tea, are higher in caffeine than other types, such as herbal tea and white tea.
On average, a 16-ounce serving of bubble tea made with black tea can contain anywhere from 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brewing time and the strength of the tea. Oolong tea, another common tea used in bubble tea, has caffeine content similar to black tea.
On the other hand, herbal and white tea are generally lower in caffeine. A 16-ounce bubble tea with white tea can contain around 20 milligrams of caffeine, and boba with herbal tea doesn’t contain caffeine.
Does Taro Bubble Tea Have Caffeine?
Taro bubble tea, also known as taro milk tea or taro boba tea, is a popular drink that consists of brewed taro root, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. Taro is a starchy root vegetable and does not contain caffeine, as it is a plant from the same family as potatoes and yams.
Therefore, taro bubble tea made with taro root as the main ingredient is generally considered caffeine-free.
However, even if it’s rare, it is worth noting that some bubble tea shops may use other ingredients that contain caffeine in their taro bubble tea. Therefore, you should always ask about caffeine before ordering.
Does Tapioca Pearls Have Caffeine?
It is worth noting that the tapioca pearls that are often added to bubble tea do not contain caffeine.
These pearls are made from the cassava root, a starchy root vegetable, and are cooked and then formed into small, chewy balls, which are added to the drink for texture.
Conclusion
Bubble tea can contain caffeine, depending on the tea used in the drink. If you are looking for a low-caffeine or caffeine-free option, be sure to ask about the tea used and consider opting for herbal or white tea instead of black or oolong tea.
As always, it is important to pay attention to your caffeine intake and to consume it in moderation to avoid negative side effects such as jitters, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
If you would like to know more about, for example, taro bubble tea, you can read my article about taro bubble tea and how to make it.