Vegan bubble tea is a fun, creamy drink with chewy tapioca pearls—but many people don’t know it’s often made with dairy. That’s why I made the switch. Vegan bubble tea swaps dairy for plant-based milk, like oat, almond, or soy, which is easier on the stomach and better for the planet. According to the World Resources Institute, dairy production creates 3x more greenhouse gas than plant milk. Going vegan doesn’t mean missing out on the flavors you love. Whether it’s brown sugar, matcha, or taro, every sip still feels like a treat. And let’s be honest—finding indulgent and ethical drinks? That’s a win. If you’re curious about healthier, eco-friendly choices that still taste amazing, this post is for you. Let’s dive into what makes vegan bubble tea so satisfying and how to enjoy it the right way.
What Is Vegan Bubble Tea?
Let me break it down for you. Traditional bubble tea usually uses whole milk or non-vegan creamers. Vegan bubble tea, on the other hand, uses plant-based milks like oat, soy, almond, coconut, or even rice milk. That small change makes a big difference—especially if you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just looking for a more ethical option.
The pearls (also called boba) are typically vegan because they’re made from tapioca starch, but always double-check. Some flavored pearls or toppings may contain gelatin or honey. When I started going vegan, I realized how much hidden dairy there was in drinks I loved. It felt like bubble tea had betrayed me! But then I discovered places that made fully plant-based versions.
Why I Made the Switch
A few reasons pushed me toward vegan bubble tea:
- Health: I noticed dairy made me bloated and tired. Switching to oat or almond milk left me feeling way better after sipping.
- Environment: Producing one glass of dairy milk uses over 100L of water. That’s insane when compared to oat milk.
- Ethics: The dairy industry’s impact on animal welfare is hard to ignore.
Plus, let’s be real—plant milks taste amazing in tea. Oat milk brings a creamy texture, soy adds body, and coconut gives tropical vibes. It’s a flavor party.
What to Look For When Ordering
Here’s my checklist when I order vegan bubble tea:
- Choose plant milk: Oat is my go-to, but soy or almond work great too.
- Watch the sweetener: Ask if they use honey; opt for brown sugar syrup or agave.
- Ask about toppings: Stick to vegan-friendly ones like grass jelly (some versions), popping boba, or fruit jellies.
- Skip dairy powders: Some places add milk powder to flavorings.
I usually say, “Can I have that made with oat milk and no dairy powder?” Simple!
Making Vegan Bubble Tea at Home
It’s easier than you think. Here’s how I do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed black tea (cooled)
- 1/2 cup plant milk
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener (brown sugar or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup cooked tapioca pearls
- Ice
Steps:
- Brew the tea and let it chill.
- Cook your tapioca pearls as per package instructions.
- In a shaker or jar, mix tea, milk, sweetener, and ice.
- Add pearls to a glass, pour your tea mix on top, and enjoy!
Trust me—once you make it at home, you’ll become obsessed.
The Future Is Plant-Based
Bubble tea shops around the world are catching on. Brands like Boba Guys, Kung Fu Tea, and local cafes now offer oat or almond milk as standard. Some even have fully vegan menus!
The cool part? You don’t have to compromise. Vegan bubble tea can be just as creamy, rich, and fun as the original—without the dairy baggage.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan bubble tea uses plant-based milks instead of dairy.
- It’s better for your health, the planet, and animal welfare.
- Always check ingredients—some toppings or sweeteners may not be vegan.
- Making it at home is easy and super fun.
- The bubble tea scene is going more vegan every day.
FAQ
Is boba (tapioca pearls) vegan?
Most of the time, yes! They’re made from tapioca starch. Just watch out for pearls with honey or added gelatin.
What’s the best plant milk for bubble tea?
Oat milk is my favorite—it’s creamy and doesn’t overpower the tea. Soy and almond are solid too.
Can I find vegan bubble tea in stores?
Yes! Many shops now offer vegan options. Always ask about the milk, sweetener, and toppings.
Is vegan bubble tea healthier?
It can be! You avoid saturated fats from dairy and control your sugar levels better at home.
Do I have to be vegan to enjoy vegan bubble tea?
Not at all. Anyone can enjoy it—it’s just a tastier, lighter alternative.
