In Oakland, Calif. we’re noticing an old craze bubbling back up to the surface of youth culture.
And it’s Bubble tea! Otherwise known as Boba tea, or Pearl Milk tea, this sweet drink full of small tapioca balls has been around since the 1980’s.
But within a mile of Youth Radio’s office building, there are 24 different locations where you can satisfy your Boba craving.
Photo courtesy of Maya Escobar.
But what’s so special about it?
Our intern Maya Escobar said she thinks the tapioca balls are cute. “I tried to look up how to make my own, but my dad said no.” Our intern Sophie Varon, will sometimes have a Boba tea for lunch.
So is it good for you?
On average, Boba tea has fewer calories than a grande Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks, and more than twice as many as an Arizona Tea. And while Coca Cola is more sugary than Boba tea, it has half the calories.
Our Production Assistant Joi Morgan hit the streets to find out who’s drinking Boba tea in downtown Oakland. Pictures from her excursion are below.
Is Boba exploding in your neighborhood too? Send us a map, or a picture and tell us where you’re from!
Tia, 14, enjoys a mango leche boba tea. Photo Credit: Joi Morgan
Enjoying boba tea, in three flavors. Photo Credit: Joi Morgan
Photo Credit: Jenny Bolario
Photo Credit: Jenny Bolario
Photo Credit: Jenny Bolario