Boba Goes Mainstream

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

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Americans can now find boba at their favorite spots:

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• 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

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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.

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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.

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Boba – coming to a menu near you soon.