How to Make Milk Tea Without Boba

Milk tea, also known as bubble tea, has become a popular drink all over the world. It’s a tea-based beverage that’s traditionally made with boba, which are small tapioca pearls that give the drink its unique texture. However, not everyone is a fan of the chewy boba, and some may prefer to skip it altogether. Luckily it is possible to still enjoy this delicious drink without the signature pearls. In fact, you can enjoy delicious and refreshing milk tea without the boba’s chewy texture.

So if you are wondering how to make milk tea without boba? Read ahead and find out.

Table of Contents

What is boba?

Boba, also known as tapioca pearls or bubble tea pearls, is a type of chewy and gummy ball made from tapioca starch. Originating from Taiwan in the 1980s, boba is a popular ingredient in bubble tea, a tea-based drink that has taken the world by storm.

Boba is usually boiled and then soaked in a sweet syrup made of sugar and honey to give it a sweet and slightly chewy texture. It comes in different flavors and colors, such as green tea, chocolate, strawberry, and black sesame.

Boba is often mistaken for “fruit jelly” or “fruit balls,” but it is not made from fruit. Instead, it is a type of starch extracted from the roots of cassava plants, also known as yucca or manioc. The cassava roots are peeled, grated, and mashed to extract a starchy liquid that is then formed into small balls and cooked.

In recent years, boba has become a trendy ingredient in many desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries. It’s also used as a topping in some frozen yogurt shops and can be purchased in Asian supermarkets.

Can You Make Milk Tea Without Boba?

Yes, you can definitely make milk tea without boba. Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, is a popular addition to milk tea for its chewy texture and ability to hold onto the sweet and creamy flavors of the drink. However, for various reasons, such as personal preference or dietary restrictions, some people may not want to use boba in their milk tea. The good news is that there are plenty of other ingredients and techniques that can give your milk tea a delicious and satisfying taste without boba.

Tips to Remember

Here are some tips to remember while making milk tea without boba:

Use high-quality tea leaves to ensure the best flavor. Black tea is the most popular tea for milk tea, but you can experiment with other types of tea to find your favorite.
You can also use tea bags instead of loose tea. For every 1 tablespoon of loose tea, you can use three tea bags.
Steep the tea for the appropriate amount of time. Over-steeping can lead to a bitter taste, while under-steeping can result in weak tea.
You can replace brown sugar with white granulated sugar or any artificial sweetener as well. Alternatively, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
When adding the milk, use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut or oat milk to achieve the creaminess you desire.
Mix the milk and tea thoroughly to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed.
If you want to add additional flavor, you can experiment with different syrups like chocolate or caramel. You can also add warmth and flavor using spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

How to Store Milk Tea Without Boba

If you make a large batch or have some leftovers, you might wonder how to store them properly. Storing milk tea is simple. Let the milk tea cool down to room temperature before storing it. Transfer the milk tea to an airtight glass jar or a plastic container. Store the milk tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

You can also freeze milk tea. To freeze the milk tea, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to drink it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before reheating it.