Does Boba Have Coffee in It? Unpacking the Ingredients of Bubble Tea

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While most classic boba teas use a tea base, not a coffee base, some popular varieties actually mix the two, like the Hong Kong-style coffee milk tea. The answer to 'Does boba have coffee in it?' depends entirely on your specific drink and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

Boba, or bubble tea, doesn't inherently contain coffee, as it's typically made with a tea base. However, some menu items specifically combine coffee and milk tea, and caffeine levels vary by ingredient choice. The drink's components are highly customizable.

Key Points

Not inherently coffee: Boba is traditionally made with a tea base, not coffee, meaning a classic milk tea won't contain it.
Coffee variations exist: Many modern boba shops offer specialty drinks that combine tea and coffee, like the popular Hong Kong-style 'Coffee Milk Tea'.
Pearls are coffee-free: The chewy tapioca pearls in boba are made from cassava root and contain no coffee or caffeine.
Caffeine levels vary: The amount of caffeine in a boba drink depends on its base, with dedicated coffee-based versions having significantly more caffeine than standard tea-based ones.
Ask the barista: Customization is key; always read the menu or ask about the base ingredients to ensure your drink meets your preferences for coffee and caffeine.
Caffeine-free options are available: You can order many fruit or herbal tea bases, or taro milk without a tea base, for a completely caffeine-free boba experience.
Coffee jelly topping: For a coffee flavor without the full coffee base, you can add coffee-flavored jelly as a topping.

Standard ingredients: What's in a classic boba drink?

At its core, a traditional boba drink is composed of four main elements:

Tea Base: The foundation of the drink is typically a brewed tea, most commonly black, green, or oolong tea. The choice of tea determines the fundamental flavor profile and caffeine content.
Milk or Creamer: This adds a creamy texture to the tea. Options include whole milk, condensed milk, powdered non-dairy creamer, or plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Sweetener: Syrups or sugars, such as brown sugar syrup, fructose, or honey, are used to sweeten the drink.
Tapioca Pearls (Boba): These are the chewy, sphere-shaped toppings found at the bottom. Made from tapioca starch extracted from the cassava root and sometimes brown sugar, these pearls are inherently coffee-free and caffeine-free.

The coffee connection: When boba and coffee combine

Although not part of the original recipe, the global popularity of boba has led to countless variations, including those that incorporate coffee. Many boba shops and chains now offer a dedicated menu of coffee-infused drinks for those who enjoy the flavor and caffeine kick of both beverages.

Specific coffee boba options

Coffee Milk Tea (Yuenyeung): A popular Hong Kong-style beverage that explicitly combines black tea with brewed coffee and milk. This drink provides a stronger caffeine kick than a standard milk tea, offering a unique blend of flavors.
Boba Coffee or Coffee Boba Latte: Some shops offer variations of lattes or iced coffee that include tapioca pearls.
Coffee Jelly: A popular topping made from coffee-flavored gelatin that can be added to any boba drink for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Caffeine levels: Boba versus coffee

For many, a key question is how the caffeine levels in boba compare to a typical cup of coffee. The answer largely depends on the base of your boba drink.

Standard Tea-Based Boba: A typical 16 oz serving of black milk tea might contain around 50 mg of caffeine, while a green tea base could have 30-45 mg. This is notably less than a standard cup of brewed coffee.
Coffee-Based Boba: If a drink specifically combines coffee and tea, like a Yuenyeung, the caffeine content is significantly higher. One recipe can have over 150 mg of caffeine per serving, comparable to a strong Americano or latte.
Standard Coffee: A typical 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while a shot of espresso can contain 63 mg.


Feature	Standard Boba (Milk Tea)	Coffee Boba (e.g., Yuenyeung)
Primary Base	Brewed black, green, or oolong tea	Black tea and brewed coffee
Source of Caffeine	Tea leaves	Tea leaves and coffee beans
Typical Caffeine (per 16 oz)	30–50 mg	150+ mg, depending on recipe
Flavor Profile	Sweet, creamy, and tea-forward	Strong, robust, and a mix of tea and coffee flavors

How to identify a coffee-infused boba drink

To make an informed choice, it's crucial to read the menu carefully or ask the barista. Look for specific drink names that mention coffee, such as 'Coffee Milk Tea,' 'Mocha Boba,' or 'Espresso Boba.' If the menu doesn't specify, asking about the base of a milk tea is the best way to determine the ingredients. Many shops list ingredients or have a menu section for coffee-based offerings. Some popular Australian Sharetea locations, for example, have dedicated 'Coffee' items on their menus, and include coffee jelly as a topping. For a broader menu overview, websites like sharetea.com.au can offer a glimpse into typical offerings.

Customizing your boba for a caffeine-free experience

For those who want to enjoy boba but avoid coffee and caffeine, customization is key. You can create a delicious drink without any tea at all.

Fruit Tea or Smoothie Base: Opt for a drink made with fruit puree or juice, often served with fruit-flavored popping boba. These are naturally caffeine-free unless a tea base is explicitly added.
Herbal Tea Base: Some shops offer herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos as a base, which contain no caffeine.
Taro Milk: A popular flavor that is typically made with taro root powder and milk, without a tea base. Always confirm with the barista to ensure no tea is included.
Non-Tea Milk Drinks: Simply order a drink with just milk and flavorings, often served with tapioca pearls or other toppings.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to 'Does boba have coffee in it?' is that it depends entirely on the drink you order. While the traditional bubble tea is tea-based, the drink's evolution has led to popular coffee-flavored variations for those who want to combine the best of both worlds. The fundamental tapioca pearls are always coffee-free. Your best bet is to check the menu for specific coffee-related ingredients or to ask your barista to ensure you get exactly what you want, whether that's a caffeine boost or a refreshing caffeine-free treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, boba pearls are made from tapioca starch (from cassava root) and sugar. They are naturally coffee-free and contain no caffeine.

Coffee milk tea is a specific type of boba drink that originated in Hong Kong. It explicitly combines brewed coffee with milk tea, offering a fusion of both flavors and a higher caffeine kick.

Traditional taro boba does not have coffee. It is made with taro powder, milk, and sweetener. While it is sometimes made with a tea base, you can often request a completely caffeine-free version by asking the barista to omit the tea.

Yes, you can. Many boba shops offer caffeine-free options by using bases like fruit purees, herbal teas, or by preparing certain drinks like taro milk without a tea base.

Not necessarily. While tea-based boba generally has less caffeine than a strong cup of coffee, the high sugar content in many boba drinks can make them a less healthy option. It depends entirely on the specific ingredients and customization.

To order boba with coffee, look for menu items specifically named 'Coffee Milk Tea,' 'Latte Boba,' or 'Mocha Boba.' Alternatively, you can ask for an espresso shot to be added to a standard milk tea.

The terms 'boba' and 'bubble tea' are often used interchangeably. While 'boba' technically refers to the tapioca pearls, it is also used colloquially to mean the entire bubble tea drink, especially in the US.