How Bubble Tea Became a Global Trend

The Bubble Tea Phenomenon

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a tea­based beverage that combines brewed tea, milk or fruit flavors, and chewy tapioca pearls (Bubble tea). What began as a local curiosity in Taiwan has exploded into a global craze: according to Grand View Research, the worldwide bubble tea market was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% through 2028. For F&B entrepreneurs, bubble tea offers a case study in how novelty, customization, and savvy marketing can drive rapid revenue growth.

Origins of Bubble Tea in Taiwan

Bubble tea traces its roots to Taichung, Taiwan, in the early 1980s. Tea house owner Liu Han-Chieh first served cold tea to beat the heat, and in 1988 employee Lin Hsiu-Hui added tapioca pearls, creating the first bubble tea mash-up. Early vendors tested flavors, prototypes and toppings in local cafés, gathering instant customer feedback. Lesson for entrepreneurs: start with small-batch innovations, listen closely to guests and refine offerings before scaling.

Key Ingredients and Unique Bubble Tea Texture

The hallmark of bubble tea is its contrasting textures. Tapioca pearls—made from cassava starch—deliver a signature chewiness that turns every sip into a playful experience. Beyond pearls, shops layer in popping boba, fruit jellies, pudding cubes and flavored syrups to broaden the mouthfeel spectrum. This sensory variety drives repeat visits as customers chase new textural pairings.

Bubble Tea Customization and Menu Variety

One reason bubble tea endures is its high degree of personalization:

• Sugar levels (0–100%) adjust sweetness to taste.

• Ice levels (none to extra) let guests control dilution.

• Base options include dairy milk, almond, soy, oat or coconut milk.

Seasonal specialities—such as mango winter melon tea or pumpkin spice milk tea—create urgency. Tip for operators: balance a diverse, Instagram-worthy menu with streamlined prep workflows to avoid over-complexity.

Social Media Influence on Bubble Tea Trend

Visually striking drinks fuel organic sharing on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Brands launch limited-edition cups, animated stickers and hashtag challenges (for example, #BobaArt) to boost engagement. Key tactics:

• Collaborate with micro-influencers for authentic product demos.

• Encourage user-generated content via contests and reposts.

• Use geotag filters so photos tie back to your store location.

Global Bubble Tea Expansion Through Franchising

Franchising has been the catalyst for bubble tea’s global footprint. Leading chains demonstrate the power of standardized systems:

• Gong Cha, founded in 2006, operates over 1,300 outlets across more than 20 countries.

• Chatime, launched in 2005, runs 1,000+ locations in 38 countries.

• Coco Fresh Tea & Juice, established in 1997, boasts over 4,000 stores globally, with a strong presence across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Franchisees benefit from established supply chains, training programs and brand guidelines. Advice for prospective partners: prioritize site selection based on foot traffic, demographic fit and local taste preferences.

Read more: 6 Important Restaurant POS Features That Are Often Overlooked (eats365pos.com)