Bubble tea (also known as “boba”, “PMT”, and “BBT”) is a common beverage of Taiwanese origin that first appeared in the 1980s, of which chewy tapioca pearls are poured into a glass of iced, sweetened tea.
Today, the drink has gained popularity around the world. However, many of the ingredients used to make it are questionable—from low quality tea using dust and fannings instead of whole tea leaves, non-dairy creamers, and corn syrup to artificial flavors—and has tarnished this beverage’s reputation.