John Myers
Bubble tea is currently experiencing a real boom again, which is why many vegans are asking themselves whether the trend drink is actually vegan. Here you can find out what vegans should look out for when buying bubble tea next.
Contents
show
Is bubble tea vegan?
More and more people are asking whether the trending Asian drink bubble tea is actually vegan. A clear answer is difficult here – because it depends on which type of bubble tea is ordered.
- Bubble tea originally comes from Taiwan and is traditionally made from black or green tea, tapioca pearls and milk.
- Tapioca pearls or “bobas” are the black or colored beads that float on the bottom of the cup. Although they are gummy, they do not contain any gelatin.
- The pearls are made from tapioca starch, which is extracted from the cassava root. Since they contain no animal products, they are therefore vegan.
- By default, however, cow’s milk is used for the preparation of classic bubble tea. There are other variations with yoghurt or cream cheese.
- A classic bubble tea is therefore not vegan because it contains cow’s milk.
So you can enjoy bubble tea vegan
The classic bubble tea variant is not vegan – but you can still enjoy vegan options of the trend drink. You should pay attention to this when buying:
- The fruity bubble tea varieties are usually made without dairy products. You can order these with a clear conscience.
- When you place your order, ask if honey is used as a sweetener. Normally, however, the addition of sugar is customary.
- If it is the classic bubble tea, you can ask about plant-based milk alternatives such as soy or oat milk. Many stores now offer this option.
- Bubble tea varieties that are prepared with yoghurt or cream cheese are often not replaced by plant-based alternatives. It is therefore better not to order these varieties or to inquire before ordering.
- To be on the safe side, you can also contact the operators directly by email or via social media. Be sure to ask beforehand if the Bubble Tea shop has vegan options.
