This Low Calorie Bubble Tea recipe is a refreshing beverage that combines a flavorful tea base and tapioca pearls. Next time you're craving a cool drink this homemade bubble tea is easy to make!
Try my Iced Peach Green Tea and my Pineapple Peach Lemonade for more refreshing drink ideas!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Difference Between Bubble Tea and Boba Tea
- Other Common Names for Tapioca Pearls
- Ingredients You Need
- Step By Step Photos
- How To Make Bubble Tea From Scratch
- Tips
- Bubble Tea Add Ins
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Tea
- More Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Low Calorie Bubble Tea
- #respond
This homemade version of low calorie bubble tea is like sipping on a refreshing blend of perfectly brewed tea, with less calories. But it doesn't stop there – add in those chewy tapioca pearls, cooked to perfection.
There's no need for complicated ingredients or intricate steps to make your own bubble tea. Brewing the tea is a breeze, and preparing the tapioca pearls is a straightforward process.
If you're a bubble tea lover this bubble tea drink has fewer calories and less sugar than the ones you find at a boba tea shop.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I'm not going to bore you with complex steps or send you on a wild goose chase for exotic ingredients. This boba milk tea is here to bring the joy of bubble tea to your kitchen without the unnecessary calories.
Enjoy this simple, awesome bubble milk tea!
The Difference Between Bubble Tea and Boba Tea
"Bubble tea" and "boba tea" are terms that are often used interchangeably. They generally refer to the same type of beverage – a tea-based drink that often includes sweeteners, milk, and tapioca pearls (boba).
Other Common Names for Tapioca Pearls
Tapioca pearls are also commonly known by a few other names, such as boba, boba pearls, pearl tapioca, tapioca balls, sago, tapioca beads, bubble tea pearls and sago pearls.
Ingredients You Need
- Black tea bag (or green tea): The heart of your bubble tea. Choose black tea for a robust flavor or green tea for a lighter touch. Oolong tea is also a good.
- Hot water: Essential for brewing your tea. The hot water extracts the flavors from the tea leaves, creating a delicious base for your bubble tea.
- Calorie free sweetener (monk fruit): To add just the right amount of sweetness to your tea without the extra calories or added sugar. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
- Ice cubes: For that refreshing chill. Ice cubes not only cool down your tea quickly but also add a nice texture when sipping.
- Dried black tapioca pearls: These chewy pearls add a unique texture to your bubble tea. Make sure they are black tapioca pearls, rather than white tapioca pearls, for the authentic look.
- Unsweetened almond milk or low calorie milk alternative (optional): If you want a creamy touch, add in some unsweetened almond milk or a splash of your favorite milk. Milk alternatives like soy milk and coconut milk work too!
Step By Step Photos
How To Make Bubble Tea From Scratch
Step 1. Brew the tea: Steep a black or green tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Add sweetener to the cooled tea.
Step 2. Prepare tapioca pearls: Boil black tapioca pearls in boiling water for 20-30 minutes until soft. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
Step 3. Prepare milk: Mix ½ cup unsweetened almond milk with sweetener (optional) for a creamier texture.
Step 4. Assemble the bubble tea: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the sweetened tea over the ice, add the tapioca pearls, and optionally top with sweetened milk.
Step 5. Stir and enjoy: Gently stir your creation, grab a large straw, and enjoy your homemade, low-calorie bubble tea!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Tips
- Achieving the right texture for tapioca pearls is crucial. Ensure they are soft and chewy but not overly mushy. Follow the recommended boiling time and rinse them with cold water promptly to stop the cooking process.
- The sweetness level is subjective. Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your liking.
- Use a wide straw to accommodate the tapioca pearls. It helps you get a bit of everything with each sip, making the bubble tea experience more enjoyable.
Bubble Tea Add Ins
Many boba stores offer additional options to enhance your tea, such as grass jelly, aloe vera, butterfly pea flower, cassava root, red bean paste, blue cornflower petals, fresh fruits and fruit jellies. These different flavors can also be great options to add to boba tea drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Tea
Store leftover cooked tapioca pearls in a container with a bit of water to prevent them from sticking together. Refrigerate and use within a day or two.
Freezing tapioca pearls isn't recommended.
Store brewed tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It's best to consume within 24 hours to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing bubble tea is not recommended, as the texture of the tapioca pearls and the overall quality of the tea can be compromised. It's best enjoyed fresh.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy
Low Calorie Bubble Tea
Special Equipment
Ingredients
For the Tapioca Pearls:
- Water for boiling
- ¼ cup dried black tapioca pearls
For the Tea:
- 1 black tea bag or green tea if you prefer
- 1 cup hot water
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sweetener
- Ice cubes
For the Milk:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk skim milk, or other low-calorie milk alternative
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sweetener
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring about 2 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the dried tapioca pearls to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Boil the pearls for about 20-30 minutes or until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pearls and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Place the tea bag in a cup and pour hot water over it.
- Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength.
- Remove the tea bag and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator or adding ice cubes.
- Once the tea has cooled, add 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- If you want a creamier bubble tea, mix ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk with 1-2 tablespoons granulated sweetener.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the sweetened tea over the ice cubes, leaving some room at the top.
- Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the glass. Pour the sweetened milk over the top.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Use a wide straw to sip the bubble tea and enjoy!
Notes
- Achieving the right texture for tapioca pearls is crucial. Ensure they are soft and chewy but not overly mushy. Follow the recommended boiling time and rinse them with cold water promptly to stop the cooking process.
- The sweetness level is subjective. Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your liking.
- Use a wide straw to accommodate the tapioca pearls. It helps you get a bit of everything with each sip, making the bubble tea experience more enjoyable.
- Freezing: Freezing bubble tea is not recommended, as the texture of the tapioca pearls and the overall quality of the tea can be compromised. It's best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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