Boba, bubble tea, tapioca pearls — whatever you call it, we call it delicious.
The black bubble drink is super popular globally, first originating in Taiwan and expanding through Asia.
The terms boba and bubble tea are interchangeable, and are also extremely customizable in terms of flavors and add-ins. The only thing that makes the drink a true boba is the inclusion of the black tapioca pearls that provide the chewy goodness that boba lovers crave.
Even then there is room for more options, as you can also add popping pearls, flavored syrups and then different milks and teas to make it more or less creamy or caffeinated.
To save you some time on your next boba run and also some money at a fancy bubble tea shop, we rounded up the best boba kits for you to make your own drinks at home. Some come with premade pearls and bubbles, while others help you make your own for a cooking, baking and boba-barista night perfect for dates, sleepovers and solo fun.
1. Brown Sugar Boba Tea Kit with Boba Pearls, $42
Brown sugar boba is one of the most classic flavors, and so it topped our list. This kit includes the tapioca pearls, black tea and the oh-so important brown sugar syrup for mixing and the drizzle on the cup.
2. UncommonGoods Bubble Tea Kit, $40
UncommonGoods make a perfect gift set for you or a boba-loving buddy. This kit includes the boba, a chai mix for a yummy drink, milk powder and two reusable boba straws.
3. The Ultimate DIY Bubble Tea Kit, $43
Lychee, mango, taro? Oh my! This really is the ultimate kit, as it comes with six flavors and enough boba, straws and mix for about 36 drinks.
4. New Territories Hong Kong Boba Tea Kit for Six, $80
Venture into new territory and get your boba ingredients delivered from Goldbelly. The boba shop is actually a tiny NYC based store that whips up these boba kits fresh to ship out nationwide.
5. DENFER Nonstick Tapioca Bubble Tea Pearl Maker Machine, $202, original price: $272
Want to make your own boba? This tapioca pearl maker is a great way to become your own boba chef, now on sale at Wayfair.
6. Tea Drops Boba and Jelly, prices vary
This is really as close to having a boba tea shop in your own as we’ve seen. Tea Drops sells the tea and the jellies, so you can make yummy combinations like Thai tea and coconut jellies, strawberry matcha with honey boba and more.
7. Ultimate Boba Kit, $45
Head to Etsy for a curated boba experience that is perfect for gifting or for a boba cooking night for yourself. The box includes a cup and straw, as well as 10 servings of boba and three packages of tea.
8. Boba Guys Strawberry Matcha Boba Kit, $90
Boba guys and gals need to see this stunning kit. For those that love matcha just as much as boba, the sweet strawberry matcha flavored kit is for you, now sold at Williams Sonoma.
9. Apexy Bursting Popping Boba Pearls, $25 for three flavors
Not a tapioca fan? You can still enjoy a delicious milk tea with the addition of these popping pearls. The three flavors include lychee, mango and strawberry and each provide a satisfying pop when you drink them.
10. VEVOR Manual Tea Cup Sealer Machine, $95, original price: $106
This one is for the hardcore boba lovers, a boba birthday party or even a small at-home shop. The best part of boba for us is stabbing the straw through the plastic lid — so we wanted to give you the option to do that at home. The machine is sold on Amazon and is now on sale.
Check out New York Post Shopping for more content.