Canned bubble tea

Product Keyword: Canned bubble tea. Canned bubble tea is a pre-packaged version of the popular Taiwanese drink, bubble tea or boba. It typically consists of tea, milk, or fruit flavoring, and chewy tapioca pearls or other types of popping boba, which are small balls made from starch or jelly-like substance and packed in a convenience can drink packaging for easy consumption.

Types of canned bubble tea

Canned bubble tea is a growing trend that allows for convenience and accessibility while still offering the classic chewy tapioca pearls that define the drink. While it can be found in a variety of flavors and styles, here are the most predominant:

Classic milk bubble tea

This remains the most popular form of canned bubble tea and is easily accessible in most retail markets and chains. It consists of brewed black or green tea mixed with milk and sugar. The bubbles or tapioca pearls are made from tapioca starch, which provides a chewy texture.

Fruit-flavored bubble tea

Using fruit teas instead of milk or regular brewed tea, this variation offers a lighter and fresher taste, especially good for those who do not like milk or have issues with lactose. Common flavors include strawberry, mango, and passion fruit. Popping boba or fruit pearls can also be included.

Tea-infused bubble tea

This allows for a more sophisticated take on bubble tea using different teas rather than the standard black or green tea. Examples include Chai bubble tea, matcha bubble tea, and Thai bubble tea. Consists of a more refined or stronger flavor profile, which might include other additions such as sweeteners or flavors.

Vegan or plant-based bubble tea

Vegan or plant-based canned bubble teas are often made with plant-based milk, such as almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk, instead of regular cow's milk. This makes it lactose-free and suitable for those following a vegan diet or those with lactose intolerance.

Pop bubble tea

This canned version features popping boba filled with flavored liquid that bursts in the mouth. Likely to be found in fruit flavors.

Ingredients of bubble tea

The main or most popular feature that all types of canned bubble tea may have in common is the chewy tapioca pearl or boba caviar. While the ingredients of fuctional canned bubble tea may vary depending on its type and flavor, the ingredients of the most common versions include the following:

Milk bubble tea

The classic or original variant of canned bubble tea consists of black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. Some forms use creamer. The milk can be regular whole milk, skim milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.

Fruit-flavored bubble tea

These are often made with fruit purees or concentrates, brewed tea, or fruit-infused water. Most of the fruity bubble tea drinks are thickened with tapioca or agar-agar for the pearls.

Tea-infused bubble tea

These contain additional ingredients such as matcha powder, chai spices, or Thai herbs. Sweeteners can be regular sugar, honey, or other alternatives.

Vegan bubble tea

Vegan or plant-based versions use non-dairy milk. The tapioca pearls are made only from tapioca starch and water.

Japanese kanazawa bubu rice

The boba or tapioca pearls used in the bubble tea are made from tapioca starch, boiling water, and sometimes a pinch of salt. The chewy consistency is the result of kneading the mixture until smooth, rolling it out into small balls, and cooking or boiling it in water.

Flavored syrups or sweeteners

Most varieties of canned bubble tea come pre-sweetened for ease of consumption. Regular bubble tea drinks are sweetened with sugar syrup or honey. This is usually not the case with vegan versions. To add sweetness to fruit bubble teas, fruit syrups are sometimes added.

How to choose canned bubble tea

Certain steps and tips can help both the buyers and the users of the canned bubble tea make the right decision on which variety to go for, considering factors like suitability for the target market and personal preference for taste, nutritional value, and convenience. Here are the steps to consider when choosing canned bubble tea:

Flavors

Canned bubble tea drinks may be classic milk teas, fruity, or tea-infused. This allows buyers to choose various flavors to offer their customers or stock a favorite for personal consumption. Perhaps bubble tea lovers might prefer cooler and more refreshing drinks like mango or strawberry bubble tea, while others would prefer the classic black or green tea.

Nutritional content

As the demand for healthier or not-so-hurtful beverage options increases, consumers look for canned bubble tea with lower or no added sugars, use of sugar alternatives, fewer calories, and the presence of vitamins or minerals. Canned bubble tea made with non-dairy milk or without milk is perfect for those who need vegan or lactose-free products.

Tea or non-tea base

While most bubble teas are made using black or green tea, some people prefer drinks that do not have any tea at all, such as fruity bubble tea. Those who like the natural caffeine in bubble tea or would like extra health benefits might want to go for bubble tea made from black tea or green tea.

Types of pearls

Although canned bubble tea almost always has regular tapioca pearls, some varieties might offer different pearl options, such as popping boba. Popping boba is flavored liquid-filled spheres that burst in the mouth compared to the chewy and plain tapioca pearls. Some canned bubble teas might also have fruit caviar.

Packaging and portability

Canned bubble tea is packaged for convenience within the can. Consider the size of the can, the design, and whether it is resealable. Resealable containers could be a very useful feature for people who may not consume the drink in one sitting.

Quality of ingredients

Take a look at the ingredient list to ensure that the canned bubble tea contains high-quality ingredients. Canned bubble tea that is prepared using freshly brewed tea, real fruit, and high-quality tapioca starch will likely have a better taste and provide more nutritional value than that made with artificial flavors, low-quality tea dust, or substandard tapioca starch.

How to use and send canned bubble tea

Canned bubble tea is predominantly practical and versatile, making it very simple to prepare and consume. Here are some ways that allow buyers to understand the product well and also give suggestions to their end customers on how to use it:

Chilling and consuming

Most varieties of canned bubble tea will taste best when chilled. The tea drinks can be simply served chilled or over ice. After shaking the can, the drink can be consumed directly from the can or poured into a glass. If planning to consume the drink later in the day, it is advisable to keep it in a refrigerator to keep it fresh and cool.

Adding ice or milk to the drink

Some people prefer their bubble tea drinks extra cold. If the drink is not already served chilled from the can, adding ice can help cool it down quickly.

Smoothies or blended drinks

For people who like thicker, slush-like drinks, bubble tea can be blended with ice or frozen fruit to make a smoothie.

Bubble tea gift baskets

With so many varieties, colors, and flavors available in the market, canned bubble tea may be used to make fun or whimsical gift baskets or bubble tea stations.

Personal customization

Some people like to customize their bubble tea drinks by adding more sweeteners, different types of milk, or additional flavors like vanilla or caramel. This way, they can control the drink's flavor and sweetness to their liking.

DIY bubble tea kits

Suppliers could offer DIY bubble tea kits to their customers, including canned bubble tea, pre-made tapioca pearls, and instructions for preparing the drink. The buyers could, in turn, share this idea with their customers, especially those targeting young or creative audiences who enjoy personalizing their drinks.

Q&A

Q1. Can the canned bubble tea be vegan and health-conscious at the same time?

A1. It is. Canned bubble tea is suitable for various dietary needs and preferences as it can be both vegan and health-conscious. Most canned bubble tea that is vegan is made with non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, which makes it suitable for people following a vegan diet or those who are lactose intolerant. Many of these also include added fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them more nutritious than several other beverage options. Moreover, health-conscious consumers may want bubble tea made without added sugars or with sugar substitutes to reduce calorie intake while still being able to enjoy the drink.

Q2. What can be done to improve the quality of canned bubble tea?

A2. The quality of canned bubble tea can be improved by using high-quality tea leaves, real milk or non-dairy alternatives, premium tapioca pearls, and natural sweeteners or fruit purees. Avoiding artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives will enhance its taste and nutritional value.

Q3. Is canned bubble tea gluten-free?

A3. The vast majority of canned bubble teas are gluten-free. However, to be absolutely sure, one needs to verify the ingredients as some flavored pearls may have added ingredients such as malt or other gluten-containing additives.

Q4. Which is the most popular or the most preferred form of bubble tea?

A4. The most commonly or widely available form of canned bubble tea is classic milk bubble tea. It consists of black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. However, the preference may vary based on individual taste, dietary needs, and trends.

Q5. How long can canned bubble tea be stored, and does it have an expiration date?