21 Best Boba Flavors To Enjoy in 2025

Boba flavors have taken the world by storm, turning the Taiwanese drink of bubble tea into an international favorite with seemingly endless options. According to Michigan State University, this beverage has become so popular that by 2032, the global bubble tea market is expected to reach 6.2 billion USD, an increase of 3.45 billion USD from its 2022 value.

Made with a base of tea, milk and/or fruit flavoring, alongside a sweetener and those signature chewy tapioca pearls (boba), the drink of bubble tea (also known as boba tea or even just boba in the U.S.) is as much about texture as it is about taste.

But with so many boba flavors to choose from, what makes one stand out from another? Whether you're new to bubble tea or a longtime fan looking to switch up your order, understanding the tradition, flavor options and what boba actually is can help you choose the perfect boba flavors for you. 

We did all the research, so keep reading to see which boba flavors are ranked the best of the best. 

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• The 21 Best Boba Drink Flavors
• Boba vs. Bubble Tea: What’s the Difference?

The 21 Best Boba Drink Flavors

21. Boba‑Chata (Horchata Boba)

Now, this one’s new on the boba flavors scene, but it’s still worthy of a spot on this list of the best boba flavors for how quickly it’s become a show-stopping favorite. By fusing Mexican horchata with traditional bubble tea, “boba-chata” was made. 

It has a cinnamon-spiced rice milk base with plenty of chewy pearls. We found that fusion boba flavors like this are often instant hits with bubble tea fans, thanks to their uniqueness and, in this case, nostalgic appeal for horchata lovers. 

However, if you’re a bubble tea purist seeking those classic tea bases, you may not enjoy the bold creaminess of this drink. Despite being fairly new, boba-chata feels like one of those boba flavors that’s been around forever, because it just makes so much sense. 

It also reminds us of a traditional Taiwanese milk made with rice and roasted peanuts, with the familiar nuttiness coming from the cinnamon and the slight sweetness from the rice. Just be aware: Boba-chata is newer than most boba flavors you’ll find, so if you’re keen to try it out, you may need to do some research to see if your local bubble tea stores have it on the menu.

20. Lavender

For all the fans of floral boba flavors, this one’s for you. Lavender is a light, aromatic and subtly sweet bubble tea flavor that’s often mixed with Earl Grey or black tea to further enhance these tasting notes. 

We liked that it’s something a little different from the classic tea flavors, though many critics of newer boba flavors note that lavender by itself can be too subtle for people wanting a punchy flavor.  We also found that the quality of the lavender flavoring makes all the difference; if the bubble tea store is using a low-quality syrup or powder, the flavor is mostly soapy rather than light and floral. 

But it can be hard for a customer to know what the quality of the lavender flavoring is before tasting. As a rule of thumb, lavender powders are usually higher-quality than syrups, especially if there is no purple food dye present. But, if you’re unsure about the quality of the lavender flavor being used, we recommend you try a different option on this list of the most popular boba flavors. 

19. Passionfruit

If you love tropical-flavored drinks, then passionfruit could be one of the top boba flavors for you. We found that juice-based boba flavors like this one are pleasingly bright and tart. Passionfruit boba also has an energizing acidity that balances out sweeter notes, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. 

However, we had to dock points for this flavor’s diversion from tradition. We found that this flavor can sometimes give “overpriced juice” vibes if you don’t add a tea base. Plus, if your local bubble tea shop leaves in the passionfruit seeds, the textural experience of the drink can be altered. 

We found that the flavor’s strong acidity can clash with creamy bases, so it’s best served solo. It’s also best to avoid additional sweeteners, because passionfruit bubble tea is plenty sweet by itself.

18. Black Sesame

Black sesame bubble tea is toasty and nutty with a bold flavor profile that matches its striking appearance. Black sesame is also as good solo as it is when paired with a tea base. 

There are two ways a bubble tea store could make its black sesame bubble tea. The first is by blending black sesame paste with milk and a sweetener. The second is by soaking toasted black sesame seeds in water before blending them to make sesame seed milk. 

Whichever option is used, you’re in for a treat, as boba flavors like this are bold, sophisticated and different from most beverages on the market. Black sesame bubble tea also gets extra points for its distinctive gray-black hue, which is often achieved naturally without the need for additional food dyes. We also liked that this boba flavor offers a slight savory counterpoint, which adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.  

17. Coffee

If you can’t start your day without some caffeine in your system, then drinking coffee bubble tea is a fun, new way to get your morning pick-me-up. We found that the flavor is just as desirable as its caffeine content, and all those chewy pearls add an extra layer of texture. 

The taste is more bitter than most boba flavors, but it pairs well with almost all sweetness levels, allowing you to create a drink that’s got the perfect balance of bitter, sweet and creamy flavors. You can usually choose your milk ratio when making a boba latte as well. While the bitter flavor of coffee isn’t for everyone, most coffee lovers will enjoy a coffee bubble tea.  

16. Pumpkin Spice

Now, don’t get us wrong, pumpkin spice certainly isn’t a traditional boba flavor. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying! 

Some of the best bubble tea flavors are contemporary fusions of popular drinks and ingredients, like this one. The spices from the pumpkin spice syrup bring a comforting warmth to this bubble tea, with vanilla usually added for extra sweetness. 

We liked how familiar the pumpkin pie spices contrasted against the chewy tapioca pearls, and found that spiced boba flavors like this one work well when paired with added extras like brown sugar boba. 

As with a regular pumpkin spice latte, this will likely only be available during the fall, if your local bubble tea shop has it at all. But if you do see it on a menu, we would recommend trying this fusion boba flavor at least once. 

15. Coconut Milk Tea

If you don’t drink dairy milk or are simply looking to switch up your usual selection of boba flavors, then coconut milk tea is well worth a try. Typically paired with a black tea base, this flavor is particularly versatile compared to the other types of boba we’ve covered so far. It’s slightly sweet, lusciously creamy, and rich without being too indulgent. 

The best part about coconut milk tea is that it pairs perfectly with any and all add-ins; popping boba, fruit jelly, brown sugar boba… the list goes on! 

We found that some bubble tea shops will use coconut milk, while others may use regular milk with coconut syrup, so it’s best to try a few different options and see which version of this boba flavor is your favorite. We also found that the coconut flavor goes great with both green and black tea bases, so the level of customization that you get with this flavor is truly unmatched. 

However, by itself, coconut milk tea can lean a little on the heavy side because of how rich the coconut flavor is. This can also overwhelm subtler mix-ins, so just bear this in mind when you’re choosing your ideal syrups and toppings. Overall, this is a great tropical-flavored bubble tea option that truly shines when you start experimenting with the add-ins. 

14. Red Bean

Red beans are a standout ingredient in traditional Taiwanese cuisine — from red bean cakes to sweet red bean soup — so it just makes sense to lend their mild sweetness and nutty flavor to milky boba flavors. 

These beans definitely have a subtle flavor profile, so if you haven’t tried them before, it’s best to add extras like a sweetener or brown sugar boba to enhance their flavor and also sweeten the drink further.

It’s important to note that these beans aren’t usually blended into the milk. Instead, they’re most frequently seen roughly mashed into the bottom of your drink or added the way you would add tapioca pearls. 

This means you can suck them up with the straw and chew them alongside the tapioca pearls, adding an extra layer of texture. Some bubble tea stores will also add red bean powder to your drink to enhance this flavor further. You can even ask for just the powder if you’d prefer to only have tapioca pearls in your drink. 

Great with classic milk tea or even matcha, red bean is one of the more versatile boba flavors to pick. Few boba flavors have the kind of understated sweetness and earthiness that this flavor has, so it’s a great choice if you want less sugary options among the more traditional boba flavors.

13. Strawberry Milk Tea

Strawberry milk tea has to be one of the most instantly recognizable boba flavors. Baby pink in color with a sweet, candy-like flavor, this is one of the best bubble tea flavors for kids and bubble tea first-timers, though seasoned boba drinkers may find it too artificial or sugary.

It all depends on what your local bubble tea shop makes the syrup from. If the strawberry syrup is homemade, it’s often got a less intense color with a more berry-forward flavor that isn’t too sweet, while the artificial syrup will have a stronger color and a sweeter taste. 

Like many fruit-based boba flavors, strawberry milk tea walks a fine line between nostalgic and over-the-top. We found that the flavor tastes its best when there’s no added sweeteners, and tea bases like black tea, jasmine tea or matcha are also good at levelling out the sweetness. 

And if you love sweet boba flavors, feel free to add brown sugar pearls to make this drink into a satisfying, dessert-like option. Above all: You’ve got to try strawberry milk tea with grass jelly. Thank us later!

One drawback is that, when not prepared well, the powders can leave a chalky taste, and the syrups can give the drink an acidic sweetness. Yet, overall, this drink tastes exactly like the nostalgic strawberry milk and strawberry candies from our childhoods — and the tapioca pearls are the perfect textural addition — just don’t expect something refined or tea-heavy. 

12. Chai 

Chai, which literally means “tea,” is one of the coziest boba flavors you can order, especially if you like a strong tea flavor from your bubble tea. When people in the West say “chai,” they typically are referring to “masala chai,” though it's best to check with your local bubble tea shop to see how exactly they make their chai bubble tea. 

The main difference between chai and masala chai is the addition of spices; chai is black tea steeped in hot milk, while masala chai contains black tea (like Assam) and hot milk along with warming spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. 

Some bubble tea stores will serve boba flavors like masala chai, while others may stick to just chai, but whichever option you choose, you’re in for a treat. We found that masala chai was on average more popular, as the spices give the bubble tea a good balance of sweet and spicy, especially when served with brown sugar pearls for extra sweetness. 

Traditional chai is usually sweetened with sugar to balance out the strong flavors, so this addition just makes total sense. This flavor is an exciting fusion for fans of both bubble tea and chai lattes. Some boba purists may find it lacking in actual tea-forward flavor, but generally, boba flavors like chai are well-received and a great way to bring new life to classic café favorites. 

11. Avocado Milk Tea

Avocado milk tea is one of those boba flavors that always catches people off guard, in the best way. Rich, creamy and surprisingly refreshing, the avocado adds a buttery texture and mild sweetness to this drink that feels way more decadent than it sounds. 

If you don’t add a sweetener, this is also a pretty healthy drink. While avocado milk tea certainly isn’t one of the classic boba flavors you’ll find everywhere, it’s well worth trying if you see it pop up on the menu of your local bubble tea joint. 

It ranks highly in taste tests for its balanced and neutral flavors, and this bubble tea flavor goes great with pretty much any add-in. Most people choose to have this flavor with a green tea or matcha base and extra brown sugar pearls, though which sweetener you go for is really up to how bitter you want your bubble tea, as the avocado alone won’t bring much sweetness to the mix. 

We also found that avocado milk tea is a bit of an acquired taste. Some drinkers may find the texture too thick or the flavor too savory compared to other boba flavors, but for fans of creamy smoothies or drinks like matcha lattes, this hits all the right notes. Add sweetened condensed milk to round out the flavor, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to among the unconventional boba flavors.

10. Lychee 

We’re yet to find someone who doesn’t like lychee-flavored drinks. But if you have anyone in your life who hasn’t formed an opinion on this fruit, we recommend taking them to the best bubble tea shop in town and asking for a lychee tea, because there is no way they will dislike this! 

Considered one of the best fruit-based boba flavors, this bubble tea is sweet, delicate and tastes like summer in a cup. Whether your tea shop uses artificial bubble tea flavors or makes its own lychee syrup, you’re in for a treat. 

Light and fruity flavors like this boba flavor go great with pretty much any tea base and any milk type (or no milk at all), though the most popular combos include jasmine tea or oolong tea with plenty of coconut jellies, sparkling lychee tapioca pearls and coconut cream on top. 

9. Jasmine Tea

As a bubble tea flavor, jasmine tea truly celebrates the delicate and refined qualities of traditional tea. It’s light and floral and has a herbaceous aroma that adds elegance to your bubble tea experience. 

Boba flavors like jasmine tea are perfect if you’re after something refreshing and not too rich, especially when paired with only tapioca pearls and some ice. Jasmine tea is notably a great pick for anyone who usually finds milk-based boba flavors too heavy or too sweet. 

However, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy this bubble tea with milk, and plant-based milk alternatives like coconut milk and almond milk are just as good with jasmine tea as their full-dairy counterpart. If you also want to add some interesting mix-ins, we found that the most popular additions to jasmine tea are lychee or lemon jellies, which add just the right amount of acidic sweetness to brighten the drink. 

One thing that’s important to note is that jasmine tea won’t be the best fit for people craving the dessert-like sweetness of other boba flavors. Its subtlety may come off as bland if you’re expecting a punchier flavor, so consider adding a light fruit syrup or additional sweetener if you want something more flavorful.

8. Wintermelon Milk Tea

If you like the idea of not-too-sweet boba flavors like jasmine and lychee, then you’re in for a treat with wintermelon milk tea. This is one of the best boba milk tea flavors when you want a drink that’s a little bit unusual. 

While not overly sweet compared to many types of bubble tea, it’s much sweeter than the typical wintermelon you find in soups and stews because this gourd has been simmered down with sugar to create a sweet, almost vanilla-like syrup that’s light, herbal and a little earthy. 

We found that wintermelon pairs especially well with green or oolong tea bases, and it can be served with or without milk depending on your preferences. The flavor is on the milder side, though, so you might want to add extra sweetener or toppings like brown sugar boba to give it more dimension. Wintermelon is also a little on the creamy side, so it pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk or egg pudding. 

That said, as a solo drink with no extras, wintermelon’s subtle sweetness helps it stand out from some of the more sugary boba flavors on this list. It’s a great option for people who like things a little less sweet, or anyone looking to branch out from the standard fruit or milk-based boba flavors they’re used to.

7. Honeydew Milk Tea

For fans of mellow and subtly sweet boba flavors, honeydew milk tea is a classic that has stood the test of time. People tend to prefer honeydew milk tea over wintermelon milk tea because honeydew is a naturally sweeter gourd, meaning the syrup often doesn’t require added sugar. 

This results in a soft, creamy melon flavor that’s naturally sweet, refreshing and cooling — unlike wintermelon syrup, which typically needs sugar added to achieve its sweetness. Boba flavors like this are especially popular when served over ice on a hot day.

For add-ins, most prefer to keep it simple with just the regular tapioca pearls. Aloe jelly also pairs nicely with the gentle sweetness of the honeydew. Unlike some of the stronger fruit-forward boba flavors on this list, honeydew offers a more understated experience. That’s part of its appeal but also its biggest drawback: if you like bold and punchy flavors, honeydew may come off a little underwhelming.

We recommend pairing it with a green tea or matcha base to bring out its natural sweetness, though you can also try experimenting with toppings like grass jelly to give the flavor more depth.

6. Thai Milk Tea

Spiced, sweet and strikingly orange, Thai milk tea is another boba flavor you can’t miss ordering if you want to try all the OGs. This drink uses strong-brewed Ceylon or black tea mixed with spices like star anise and tamarind. It has a distinctive taste that’s somewhere between chai and vanilla custard. 

This flavor is nearly always served with cream or sweetened condensed milk and we liked that the creamy base smooths out the boldness of the spices while also giving the drink a rich sweetness. 

This is definitely one of the more luxurious and full-bodied boba flavors out there. We found that delicate toppings often get overpowered, so to let the flavors of this drink shine, it’s best to skip the fruit jellies and syrups and stick with the classics like tapioca pearls to avoid clashing flavor profiles.

With its silky texture, tea-forward spicy-sweet flavor and vibrant color, boba flavors like this are both refreshing and indulgent. In our opinion, it’s well deserving of a spot in every bubble tea fan’s rotation, and it won’t be leaving ours anytime soon!

5. Mango Milk Tea

If you're new to the world of boba flavors, mango milk tea is one of the best boba milk tea flavors to start with. It’s a safe bet; fruity, vibrant and instantly refreshing. Mango is one of the few fruit-based boba flavors that works just as well with milk as it does without, and we found that its popularity has a lot to do with that versatility. 

Some people prefer it with green tea and regular tapioca pearls, while others will have it with sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar boba. The drink combinations are endless, and that’s why mango milk tea has gained a high spot on this list of the most popular boba flavors.

It does tend to lean on the sweeter side, so if you’re ordering it for the first time, we recommend trying it at half sweetness. A great first order is mango, green tea, cream and tapioca pearls (or fun popping boba). Once you’ve tried it for the first time, you can customize it further for your next order.

In terms of cons, we found that this flavor can sometimes taste a bit one-note if the mango syrup or purée isn’t high-quality, especially without a tea base to give it structure. But when done well, it’s easy to see why this is a staple on most boba shop menus. 

4. Brown Sugar Milk Tea

If you find yourself always adding brown sugar pearls to your drink when you reach the front of the line, perhaps it’s time to try the classic flavor that started the craze? Brown sugar milk tea is one of the greatest boba flavors you can choose if you like your bubble tea sweet, syrupy and a little bit indulgent. 

Typically made with that instantly recognizable “tiger stripe” look from the brown sugar syrup drizzled onto the inside of the glass, boba flavors like this often feel more like a dessert than a tea, and we’re definitely not mad about it. 

There are two popular ways to have brown sugar milk tea — either with a tea base or without a tea base — and you usually need to be extra clear to your server if you’d like tea included, as it’s most frequently ordered without. Often simply called “brown sugar milk,” this drink is the perfect caffeine-free treat to introduce kids to the world of bubble tea, and it becomes an even more decadent dessert when you add egg pudding. 

In terms of tea bases, the most popular choices are strong black teas like Assam or Ceylon that cut through the sweetness. Some people may find brown sugar milk tea to be a bit overwhelming compared to lighter and more refreshing boba flavors, but generally, the chewy texture of the boba paired with the syrupy base is an unmatched flavor combo in most people’s minds. 

3. Matcha Milk Tea

Speaking of iconic boba flavors, matcha milk tea is an easy win when you’re trying all the best boba drink flavors. With its earthy, bittersweet base and signature green hue, matcha continues to be one of the most photogenic boba flavors on bubble tea shop menus to date. 

While the base flavor of matcha is usually loved or hated, it’s worth giving it a go when it’s combined with sweetened condensed milk and chewy tapioca pearls, because the difference in flavor is almost night and day from a standard matcha or matcha latte. 

The earthy flavors are enhanced by the sweetener, and the bitterness is muted by the added creaminess. The result is an energizing drink that feels like a refined take on your usual green tea. Boba flavors like this one are often ordered unsweetened or with alternative milks, so there’s plenty of room for customization depending on what you’re craving that day. 

Our favorite order? Matcha, oat milk and brown sugar pearls. You won’t regret it!

2. Black Milk Tea (Classic Milk Tea)

This is the original — the base from which all other boba flavors grew — black milk tea. As the drink that defines the whole category of boba flavors and is still the default order for many, black milk tea is made the way it’s always been made: with black tea, milk and tapioca pearls. 

We love this drink because the smooth blend of robust black tea and creamy milk makes it endlessly adaptable to any topping or add-in you’re craving. We also like that it’s perfect both on its own or jazzed up. Brown sugar boba? Lychee jelly? Or even plant-based milk? It all works here.

Despite being a long-time favorite, some people do find black milk tea to be a little too basic when compared to more experimental boba flavors. But we think that’s part of its charm — it’s the kind of drink that doesn’t try too hard, but it will always deliver. If you want a clean and classic tea-forward flavor that lets the pearls shine, then this is your starting point. 

1. Taro Milk Tea

What could possibly be better than the OG of all OGs, black milk tea? Well, only someone who hasn’t tried taro milk tea would ask that question. 

Taro milk tea is one of the most iconic, Instagrammable and unexpectedly comforting drinks in the boba world. With its beautiful purple hue and naturally nutty sweetness, taro milk tea has become the go-to for both newbies and seasoned bubble tea fans alike. 

We found that the flavor of this drink walks the line between a mild vanilla taste and an earthy root vegetable profile, similar to a candied sweet potato or yam but milder and nuttier. Often puréed or added as a powder, taro pairs especially well with a milk base for maximum creaminess.

We like that it’s sweet enough on its own and doesn’t need much added sugar, which makes it one of the more balanced boba flavors you can get. However, adding brown sugar pearls makes it even better. 

The richness can feel a little heavy for some, especially if you’re not used to starchy and earthy-flavored drinks, but it’s a small tradeoff for a flavor this balanced. Taro milk tea has easily earned its spot among the top boba flavors, and it’s a must-try for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of enjoying it yet.

Boba vs. Bubble Tea: What’s the Difference?

The terms “boba” and “bubble tea” are often used interchangeably, but they don’t actually mean the same thing. At its core, “bubble tea” refers to the broader category of drinks that originated from Taiwan in the 1980s, traditionally made with tea, milk, sugar and tapioca pearls.

The menu for these drinks has widened over time to also include fruit-based drinks and plenty of other add-ins, but they all still fall under the umbrella term “bubble tea.” However, in everyday use — especially in the United States — the term “boba” has become synonymous with “bubble tea” and is often used to describe the entire drink. Technically, though, “boba” refers only to the chewy tapioca pearls that settle at the bottom of the cup. 

That being said, it’s important to always make the distinction, as “boba flavors” can refer to different things: sometimes it describes the tea base, like matcha or jasmine, and other times it points to the tapioca pearl flavors, like brown sugar or lychee. In this article, we use “boba flavors” to refer to the full range of drink options, not just the flavor of the tapioca pearls.

Your bubble tea additions don’t just stop at boba, either. While boba is the most iconic addition to your bubble tea order, many stores have additional “sinkers” you can choose from, like grass jelly, aloe vera jelly or fruit jelly, as well as popping fruit-flavored boba or egg pudding chunks. 

Alongside “sinkers,” some bubble tea stores also have topping options, like cheese foam, ice cream or fresh fruit. So, no matter what you decide to call your drink, there’s no limit to the amount of experimenting that can be done to fine-tune your favorite order. 

Few beverages offer the sheer number of customizations that bubble tea does. And, trying a range of boba flavors is a great way to experience one of the world’s most beloved drinks while tasting ingredients and flavors you may never have had before. 

Whether you're going back for your all-time favorite drink or diving into a new order, there's plenty of boba flavors to explore, each one offering a unique combination of taste and texture. 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.