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What kind of milk do boba guys use?

4 min read

Since their launch, Boba Guys has famously eschewed milk powders in favor of real, high-quality ingredients. So, what kind of milk do boba guys use to achieve their rich, creamy textures?

Quick Summary

Boba Guys uses premium organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, plus plant-based options like Oatly oat milk and Califia Farms almond milk for their high-quality milk teas and beverages.

Key Points

  • Organic Dairy: For their standard milk teas, Boba Guys uses premium organic milk from Straus Family Creamery, known for its rich flavor and sustainable practices.

  • Oatly Oat Milk: Oatly is the primary vegan and dairy-free option, selected for its smooth, creamy texture that closely mimics dairy milk.

  • Califia Farms Almond Milk: A lighter, nutty plant-based alternative from Califia Farms is also available for those preferring almond milk.

  • No Upcharge: Boba Guys does not charge extra for switching to their plant-based milk alternatives.

  • No Powders: Their ingredient philosophy focuses on using real milk, fresh tea leaves, and house-made syrups, rejecting the use of powdered creamers.

  • Some Drinks Unmodifiable: Specific traditional drinks like the Thai Tea and Hong Kong Milk Tea are made with condensed milk and cannot be made dairy-free.

  • Regional Variations: While core brands are consistent, some locations may feature regional suppliers, such as Battenkill Valley Creamery previously used in NYC.

In This Article

The Commitment to Quality: Boba Guys' Milk Philosophy

Boba Guys has built its reputation on transparency and high-quality ingredients, a stark contrast to many traditional boba shops that rely on powdered mixes. This commitment extends directly to their milk choices, which are carefully selected to complement their premium loose-leaf teas and house-made syrups. The result is a richer, more balanced flavor profile in their classic milk teas and lattes.

The Standard: Straus Family Creamery Organic Milk

For their classic dairy-based beverages, Boba Guys uses organic milk from Straus Family Creamery. This partnership began early in the company’s history, driven by a desire to use the best possible ingredients, mirroring the standards of high-end ice cream shops. Straus milk is known for its rich, creamy quality, which pairs perfectly with Boba Guys' specially blended teas, like their Classic Milk Tea.

Key features of Straus milk:

  • Certified organic.
  • Minimally processed to maintain its natural richness.
  • Sourced from family farms with sustainable practices.

Popular Plant-Based Alternatives

In line with modern dietary trends and preferences, Boba Guys offers several dairy-free milk alternatives at no extra charge. This inclusivity has made their menu accessible to a wider audience, including those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant. These options have also evolved over time, transitioning from earlier choices like soy to more popular alternatives.

Oatly Oat Milk

Oatly has become the primary vegan-friendly option for Boba Guys' customers seeking a dairy-free experience. The brand was first introduced in San Francisco stores in 2017 and immediately became a hit. Oatly is valued for its creamy, rich texture that provides a satisfying mouthfeel, making it an ideal substitute for dairy in lattes and other milk teas. It is a frequent choice for pairing with drinks like the Korean Banana Milk and certain seasonal lattes.

Califia Farms Almond Milk

Califia Farms almond milk is another quality plant-based option available at Boba Guys. It provides a slightly nutty flavor that complements different tea blends well. Like Oatly, it is available as a dairy-free choice without an upcharge, giving customers more flexibility in customizing their drinks.

The Use of Condensed Milk

It's important to note that some traditional Boba Guys drinks are made with condensed milk and cannot be modified to be dairy-free. This includes their famous Hong Kong Milk Tea and Thai Tea, where the condensed milk is integral to the authentic flavor profile.

Comparison of Boba Guys' Milk Options

To help you decide which milk is right for you, here is a comparison of the primary options available at Boba Guys:

Feature Straus Organic Milk (Dairy) Oatly Oat Milk (Dairy-Free) Califia Farms Almond Milk (Dairy-Free)
Flavor Rich, creamy, slightly sweet Neutral, oat-y, subtly sweet Mild, nutty, slightly sweet
Texture Smooth and full-bodied Creamy and thick Lighter and more watery than oat or dairy
Best For... Classic milk teas, creamy lattes Vegan alternatives, fruity pairings, lattes Nutty flavor pairings, lighter milk teas
Dietary Notes Contains dairy Vegan, nut-free Vegan, contains nuts

How to Choose Your Boba Guys Milk

  • For a rich, classic experience: If you don't have dietary restrictions, the standard Straus organic milk is the best choice to appreciate the intended flavor profile of their signature black tea blends.
  • For the creamiest vegan option: Oatly oat milk is the closest match to the dairy option in terms of texture and fullness, making it a popular plant-based choice for milk teas and lattes.
  • For a lighter vegan option: Califia Farms almond milk offers a delicious, lighter alternative with a pleasant nutty hint that works well in many tea-based drinks.
  • For certain specialty drinks: Be aware that some drinks, like Thai Tea and Hong Kong Milk Tea, are made with condensed milk and cannot be substituted. Always ask staff if you are unsure.

The “Next-Level Quality” Philosophy

The milk choices at Boba Guys are a direct reflection of their overarching philosophy of “next-level quality.” They have been vocal in their commitment to using real, fresh ingredients over powders and artificial syrups, famously using the hashtag #fightthepowder. By partnering with premium suppliers like Straus, Oatly, and Califia Farms, they ensure every ingredient contributes to a superior, thoughtfully crafted beverage. This focus on quality and transparency is what sets the brand apart.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the kind of milk you get at Boba Guys depends on your preferences and dietary needs. The brand provides a clear, high-quality solution for every customer, from the rich and organic Straus dairy to the creamy Oatly and nutty Califia Farms plant-based options. By transparently sourcing their ingredients and avoiding powders, Boba Guys delivers on its promise of a superior boba experience. Their careful selection process ensures that whether you choose dairy or a dairy-free alternative, you receive a delicious, high-quality drink every time. You can learn more about their ingredients and sourcing by visiting their website. https://www.bobaguys.com/nextlevelquality

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some of their traditional recipes, like the Thai Tea and Hong Kong Milk Tea, use organic condensed milk, which means they contain dairy.

No, Boba Guys prides itself on not charging extra for its plant-based milk alternatives, such as Oatly oat milk and Califia Farms almond milk.

The Horchata is house-made with rice milk and a splash of almond milk, making it a naturally dairy-free option.

Yes, their standard dairy milk is sourced from Straus Family Creamery, which is certified organic.

Yes, many of their drinks can be made vegan by choosing Oatly or Califia Farms milk. Always check for dairy-based toppings or ingredients in specialty drinks.

Boba Guys has evolved its menu over time. As Oatly gained popularity and aligned with their quality standards, they began serving it, replacing earlier options like soy milk.

The #fightthepowder campaign was an intentional movement by Boba Guys to promote transparency and highlight their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients instead of low-quality powders.

Straus milk is prized for its rich, creamy body and minimally processed nature, which perfectly balances the robust flavors of Boba Guys' premium loose-leaf teas.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.