Flavors That Pop
Boba is basically unavoidable nowadays. The Taiwanese export is all the rage for the textural sensation of the chewy tapioca, the wide range of flavors, and the nearly endless customization. However, some flavors are simply so hyped up that they become stale. It's important to note that none of these flavors are bad, and many are good entry points into the wide world of boba.
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1. Black Milk Tea
We can't hate on original black milk tea too much. After all, it's the introduction most people have to boba, and it's the drink that gets some people hooked for life. However, others make the rookie mistake of not customizing the sugar and ice levels, resulting in a sickly-sweet ice cold drinks that masks the quality of the tea.
2. Taro
Taro fans may disagree with us for putting this pretty purple tuber on the wrong side of the list, but the flavor can be off-putting to some. Taro is naturally sweet and starchy, as well as visually appealing, but the taste can be chalky to some. It doesn't help that some chains use artificial flavoring.
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3. Strawberry
Strawberry boba prizes style over substance and, frankly, we can't blame fans. The pastel pink drink looks like an elevated Nesquik strawberry milk, and that's exactly what this is. This cavity-inducing drink will surely delight kids and kids at heart.
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4. Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Spice boba bridges the generational divide between Millennials and Gen Z, but we're not so sure it sticks the landing. This flavor is fragrant and sure to hit the spot for lovers of all things autumnal, but regular boba fans may want to skip this one. Reviews say that this flavor is more akin to a pureed slice of pie than a tea.
5. Brown Sugar
Next to original milk tea, brown sugar is probably the number one boba flavor, at least in the West. Thanks in part to the expansion of Tiger Sugar, brown sugar boba won fans over with its stripey pattern and caramelized tapioca. However, this is one of the most unhealthy options you can get, and some drinkers don't taste much difference, if any, from original milk tea.
6. Oreo
Speaking of sickly sweet, Oreo boba is prized for its Instagramability, but the taste leaves something to be desired. If you thought that pumpkin spice boba was a dessert in a cup, then you haven't tried Oreo boba. At this point, you'd be better off drinking a milkshake.
7. Mango
You will never find us hating on mango, one of the best fruits. However, spend five minutes in line at any boba shop, and you'll be floored by how many mango drinks they churn out. Mango is creamy and refreshing, but the texture of the fruit is too similar to the texture of the pearls that it feels a little uncanny.
8. Matcha
Similarly, it pains us to put matcha on this side of the list. The grassy, herbaceous flavor of matcha also comes with loads of health benefits. Unfortunately, it's an acquired taste that can easily come off as grainy; even more unfortunately, the concept of matcha has recently become associated with an internet meme about male manipulators.
9. Chai
The warming spices of traditional masala chai make it one of the most comforting drinks around. However, this is another drink where the sugar and ice levels come into play. Assuming that shops aren't using a generic mix, the complex flavors of the tea are beaten down by the overwhelming sugar and ice. Most people don't realize that boba can also be served warm!
10. Coffee
Coffee boba should be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the earthy bitterness of the coffee doesn't always play well with the sweetness of the boba. At the end of your cup, you'll likely wish you just got an iced latte instead.
Now that we've gone over some menu mainstays, let's look at some hidden gems most chains serve!
1. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is mouth-puckeringly tart, but not too sour. This vivid yellow drink is citrusy and refreshing. Most chains tend to pair passion fruit with other flavors, such as pineapple, or green tea.
2. Thai Iced Tea
Maybe you'll disagree with us for putting Thai iced tea on this half of the list due to its cult following, but, in terms of average boba drinkers, this flavor is pretty under the radar. While we've criticized other drinks for relying too heavily on sugar, Thai iced tea is one of the sweetest drinks you can order, and it works. The sweetness here comes from condensed milk rather than artificial sweetners, and it melds wonderfully with warming spices like star anise and cardamom.
3. Honeydew
Honeydew often plays second fiddle to canteloupe, but it's time for this mellow melon to step out of the shadows. Honeydew strikes a perfect balance between creamy and fruity with its subtle taste. The refreshing flavor is perfect for summer when you want something that's sweet, but not too sweet.
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4. Wintermelon
It doesn't have to be cold to enjoy wintermelon boba. The flavor of wintermelon may take drinkers by surprise, as it's an unusual balance between vanilla and cucumber! If your tastes learn earthy rather than sweet, but you still want something fruity, wintermelon tea is the drink for you.
5. Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is sort of like a cross between black tea and green tea. For those who find matcha too be a little too earthy, but regular black tea too sweet, jasmine tea may be the best option. The flavor is delicate, fragrant, and floral.
6. Earl Grey
It seems odd to call Earl Grey boba one of the most "tea-y" flavors on this list of teas, but for most Westerners, this is the quintessential flavor of tea. Earl Grey is bold with hints of bergamot and citrus, that tastes almost like Froot Loops to some. This tea also comes with a slight kick of caffeine to chase away those afternoon blues.
8. Red Bean
Red bean tea may seem a bit off-kilter for a drink flavor, but if you've already tried taro, why not take the plunge and try red bean? Red bean paste is far silkier than you would imagine, and comes with a mild chocolate flavor. It may not be pretty, but red bean can be a welcome change for drinkers with an anti-sweet tooth.
9. Oolong
At first taste, some oolong teas may taste so similar to black or green tea that you don't really taste the difference. However, oolong is actually a class of tea rather than one simple flavor. Oolong tea is roasted for a warm, nutty flavor that's creamy and delicious.
10. Rose
If you're looking for proof that pretty drinks don't need to be weighed down by artificial flavors, look no further than rose boba. Rose boba is typically made with rosewater or rose syrup, which has a delicate, slightly floral taste that can range from citrusy to creamy, depending on your tastebuds. Plus, it's a beautiful shade of pink!
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