As a coffee lover, I recently found myself in a dilemma when a friend asked me if Starbucks has boba. It got me thinking – could my favorite coffee chain also cater to my newfound love for boba?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. With Starbucks constantly evolving its menu and the ever-growing popularity of boba, it’s worth delving into the depths of its drink options to uncover the truth. So, join me on this quest as we explore the world of Starbucks and its relationship with the delightful world of boba.
Starbucks’ Boba Tea Flavors And Coffee Options
They have been testing two iced coffee beverages with popping coffee pearls, similar to boba, at select locations. These drinks include the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Coffee Pearls and the In the Dark, a cold-brew drink with coffee-popping pearls.
The pink boba options include Pink Tapioca Pearls from Sunnysyrup, Pink Rose-Bursting Boba from Bossen, and Crystal Boba in Cherry Blossom flavor, also from Bossen. Pink boba fat straws are available.
The availability of these drinks may vary by location, and Starbucks is continually testing new beverages, so it’s worth checking with your local store for the latest offerings.
Availability of Boba at Starbucks (USA and Canada)
Boba enthusiasts may be disappointed that traditional boba tea isn’t available at Starbucks as a standard menu item. However, there are still ways to enjoy a boba-like experience at Starbucks.
Some stores allow customers to add tapioca pearls, the signature boba ingredient, to their drinks. These chewy tapioca pearls can be a great addition to Starbucks teas, shakes, and smoothies. Additionally, Starbucks offers an alternative to traditional boba pearls with its coffee pearls.
While Starbucks may not have a dedicated boba tea option, customers can create their boba-like drinks by customizing their orders. For those who want to enjoy Starbucks boba from the comfort of their own homes, it’s possible to order a favorite Starbucks drink and add tapioca pearls for that delightful, chewy texture.
Pricing
The boba tea drinks at Starbucks include an Iced Chai Tea Latte with Coffee Pearls priced at $5.45 for a 16-ounce Grande size and the In the Dark cold-brew drink priced at $5.25 for the same size. These prices may vary by location, and it’s always best to check with your local Starbucks for the most accurate pricing.
Making Boba at Home: Starbucks Style
You can create coffee-popping pearls at home to make a copycat of Starbucks boba. Here’s a simple recipe for the coffee-popping pearls:
Ingredients:
150g black coffee (Starbucks House Blend)
5g sodium alginate (food grade)
1L distilled water
50ml drinking water
6g calcium lactate
2 cups clean drinking water for rinsing
Instructions:
Prepare the coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
In a bowl, mix the sodium alginate with the distilled water using an immersion blender until fully dissolved.
Mix the calcium lactate with the drinking water in another bowl until fully dissolved.
Drip the coffee mixture into the calcium lactate bath using a dropper, creating tiny pearls.
Let the pearls form fully in the calcium lactate bath for about 1-2 minutes.
Carefully transfer the pearls into the clean drinking water to rinse.
Once rinsed, the coffee-popping pearls are ready to be added to your favorite drink.
This recipe will allow you to enjoy homemade Starbucks-style boba with coffee-popping pearls, perfect for adding a unique touch to your beverages.
Exploring the Taste of Starbucks Boba Drinks
The coffee-popping pearls have a salty-sweet taste and are layered on top of the ice, creating a refreshing and indulgent experience.
So, if you’re in the mood for a unique and flavorful boba drink, head over to Starbucks and try their coffee pearl-infused options.
Mike Shaw
Mike is a fervent aficionado of all things coffee. His journey has taken him from the verdant coffee farms of South America to the vibrant coffeehouses of Europe and many places in between. Over the years, he's delved deep into the intricate tapestry of coffee, savoring, brewing, and analyzing myriad varieties. For Mike, coffee transcends its role as a morning energizer; it's a world waiting to be explored and cherished.
