Despite tea’s longstanding presence in the UK, bubble tea continues to capture the public’s attention with its unique appeal. Originally created in Taiwan and Korea during the 1980s, bubble tea offers an exciting twist on traditional tea. With a base of tea, milk, fruit, and chewy tapioca pearls, it brings a refreshing and fun experience that has become a social media sensation.
The UK market is buzzing with over 1,400 bubble tea shops, with younger demographics such as Gen Z and millennials leading the charge. Deepak Shukla, CEO of Bubble Tea Catering, explains that the trend has become more than just a drink, with its vibrant mix of flavour, texture, and visual appeal aligning perfectly with customers’ evolving preferences for customized and plant-based options.
A growing number of mainstream businesses, including Primark Cafés, Black Sheep Coffee, and TGI Fridays, have embraced bubble tea, adding it to their drink menus, thanks to innovations like Teajoy’s easy-to-use syrup mix. This move has helped bring bubble tea to a broader audience, making it accessible in non-specialist shops.
Teajoy is also keeping things fresh by offering seasonal specials such as their Chinese New Year-themed pineapple and lychee jasmine tea with strawberry popping boba, a drink inspired by traditional Asian flavours. This approach helps maintain the drink’s excitement and cultural connection.
With the European bubble tea market projected to grow by 8% annually until 2032, the drink’s popularity is set to soar, with new flavour innovations such as banana, lychee, and ginger, as well as more mainstream availability. The growing trend of bubble tea franchises further solidifies its position as a leading beverage choice, with brands like Mooboo, CoCo, and Teajoy offering low-cost entry and easy operation.
As bubble tea continues to evolve and expand, it’s clear that it’s not just a drink—it’s a lifestyle that appeals to all generations and offers something for everyone.
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