Bubble Tea and the Rise of the “Boba Culture”
Bubble tea is a drink created based on tea with the addition of pearls, usually made of tapioca. Its history dates back to the 1980s, and today it is winning the hearts of many young people. So why is bubble tea's popularity growing at such a rapid pace? What do we know about boba culture and the bubble tea trend? Does it only apply to the younger generation? You will read about it in the rest of the article.
Bubble tea trend - just popularity or something more?
Legend has it that the origins of the tea-drinking tradition date back to 2737 BC when a mythical emperor of China accidentally dropped tea leaves into hot water and obtained a pleasant-tasting brew. The fact is that today tea is drunk in many ways in almost every corner of the world.
Based on the tradition of tea brewing and the love of sublime flavors of infusions prepared from different kinds of tea leaves, bubble tea was just created, and its popularity is constantly growing, creating a new boba culture.
What is boba tea culture?
The term "boba culture" describes the popularity and social atmosphere surrounding the consumption of a new kind of tea called bubble tea. Taiwanese tea-based beverage called boba tea, also known as bubble tea, typically contains tea, milk, and tapioca balls (also known as "boba" or “pearl”). The drink can be personalized with various flavors and toppings and is usually served chilled.
The boba tea culture has gained popularity across many Asian nations and, most recently, in Western countries as well. It is frequently connected to a relaxed, sociable setting and is considered a hip beverage by young people. Bubble tea is a popular drink while shopping or running errands, and many enjoy it with friends. Additionally, many stores focus on bubble tea drinks and have become popular hangout spots for friends and a destination for boba tea enthusiasts.
That is why bubble tea evolution is not only connected with taste and the need to drink tea. Bubble tea influences how people spend time together, encouraging them to meet and interact face to face.
Bubble tea craze – will this trend last?
Bubble tea is more than just a beverage, so no one is surprised by bubble tea fandom. But, like other foods like rice, soy sauce, and sushi that have become cultural symbols, boba tea also creates an identity.
Bubble tea history shows how the beverage has gained a growing fan base over the years - from Taiwan to other Asian countries, to the US and Europe. Today, it is known that the bubble tea market has reached a value of as much as $2.4 billion in 2022. Moreover, all indications are that the next few years will be even better. IMARC Group specialists forecast that the market will reach $3.6 billion by 2028, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% between 2023 and 2028.
Sharetea, a leading bubble tea franchise company, is contributing to boba culture, as it has been continuously serving fans of the beverage since 1992 with high-quality bubble tea created with selected ingredients to please the consumer's heart's. Sharetea has over 150 locations in the US and over 400 tea shops worldwide. They provide a wide variety beverage menu and freshly made delicious flavors to select from.