Homemade Bubble Tea: Top Kits and Powders for Easy Drinks

We all love bubble tea! But between the rising cost and the long queues at shops, the craving can quickly fade. Fortunately, making your own homemade bubble tea has become an alternative that's as easy as it is cost-effective.

In this guide, we'll help you choose the best products to recreate this famous Taiwanese drink at home. Whether you're looking for the simplicity of a milk tea powder or the all-in-one experience of a bubble tea kit, we've put them all to the test for you.

How to Choose the Right Mix for Your Homemade Bubble Tea?

To find the perfect one (pun intended), here are a few criteria to keep in mind.

1. Complete Kit or Powdered Mix?

It all depends on what you're looking for.

• The bubble tea kit: This is the all-in-one solution. It usually contains the tea powder, tapioca pearls, and sometimes even the essential extra-wide straws. It's the perfect starting point for beginners or for a fun family activity, as it truly simplifies the preparation process.
• The milk tea powder: This option puts you in control. It allows you to customise the tea to your liking and add the tapioca pearls of your choice, or even enjoy it on its own as a simple milk tea. It's also the most cost-effective solution for regular drinkers.

2. The Ingredients: Classic, Vegan, or Specialised?

There are many milk tea recipes. The base is often a blend of black or green tea and a creaming agent.

• Classic formulas: Most use milk powder or a non-dairy creamer to achieve that signature creamy texture. Royal milk tea, for example, is a Japanese variation renowned for its richness, made with high-quality whole milk.
• Vegan milk tea options: Good news—plant-based alternatives are on the rise. These powders replace dairy with plant-based creamers (like coconut-based ones) and are designed to dissolve perfectly in either water or your favourite plant-based milk, with no animal-derived ingredients.

3. The Importance of Tapioca Pearls

The pearls are the heart and soul of bubble tea, so their quality is crucial for a great experience. Made from tapioca starch, they should have a texture that is both soft and chewy—that famous "QQ" texture so prized in Taiwan. Some kits include quick-cook pearls, while others require several minutes of cooking. Be sure to check the preparation time on the package to avoid any surprises!

Our Top Picks for a Perfect Homemade Bubble Tea

Here is our selection for making the perfect homemade bubble tea.

JENI Vegan Milk Tea Powder - 250g

Why we love it: This powder ticks all the boxes for anyone looking for a plant-based alternative. It lets you enjoy a creamy milk tea without any dairy, making it accessible to everyone. Its formula is designed for easy dissolving in both hot water and plant-based milk.

Key features:

• 100% vegan formula: Uses a plant-based creamer with no animal-derived ingredients.
• Easy to prepare: Dissolves quickly for a hot or iced drink.
• Authentic taste: Experience the rich, comforting flavour of traditional milk tea.
• Economical size: The 250g bag makes numerous drinks.

Who is it for? Ideal for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and anyone who prefers plant-based milks for their gourmet drinks.

Nittoh Instant Royal Milk Tea Black Tea - 112g

Why we love it: Nittoh is a benchmark brand in Japan, and it's easy to see why. This royal milk tea stands out for its premium ingredients, including 100% Hokkaidō whole milk powder, which is renowned for its quality and rich taste. The result is a drink with a deep, authentic flavour.

Key features:

• Quality ingredients: Japanese black tea leaves and whole milk from Hokkaidō.
• Authentic taste: A rich flavour worthy of a professionally brewed tea.
• On-the-go format: 8 individual sticks, perfect for the office or when travelling.
• Instant preparation: Just add hot water for an immediate result.

Who is it for? For purists seeking an authentic and refined taste without compromising on quality.

JENI PLAYB Bubble Tea Kit, Classic Milk Tea Flavour - 3 Kits

Why we love it: This bubble tea kit is the perfect gateway to get started. It contains everything you need to make three complete drinks: the milk tea powder and packets of tapioca pearls. It's the best introduction to the world of homemade bubble tea.

Key features:

• All-in-one solution: Contains both the tea powder and the tapioca pearls.
• Ready for 3 drinks: The pack is divided into three individual servings.
• Guided preparation: Simple instructions ensure a perfect drink every time.
• Perfect texture: The pearls deliver that signature chewy texture of bubble tea.

Who is it for? Perfect for beginners, families looking for a fun activity, or anyone who wants a complete bubble tea without the hassle.

Looking for Other Gourmet Drink Options?

Is milk tea your guilty pleasure? You'll love our range of ready-to-drink milk beverages. And to mix things up with café lattes or iced chocolates, take a look at our selection.

Discover our selection of Coffee Milk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How should I store tapioca pearls after cooking them? Tapioca pearls are at their best right after being cooked. Ideally, you should consume them within 4 hours. To store them a little longer, let them soak in a sugar or honey syrup to keep them from sticking together. Most importantly, do not refrigerate them: they will become hard!

2. Can I make bubble tea with plant-based milk? Of course! Most powders pair very well with soy, oat, or almond milk. For a perfect result, choose a powder specifically formulated as a vegan milk tea or simply check the creamer's ingredients.

3. What is the difference between bubble tea and classic milk tea? Milk tea is simply a mixture of tea and milk (or a creamy substitute). Bubble tea is a milk tea with added toppings, the most famous being the signature chewy black tapioca pearls. The name "bubble tea" actually comes from the foam bubbles that form on top when the drink is shaken vigorously.