UK Bubble Tea Boom: A Rapid Rise in Popularity
Bubble tea, originating from Taiwan in the 1980s, has swiftly become a popular beverage in the UK. Known for its blend of sweet milky or fruity tea with chewy tapioca pearls, bubble tea has found favor among consumers from Cardiff to Glasgow. On a typical sunny afternoon, shops like Covent Garden's Gong cha experience high demand with customers ordering various flavors like taro, passion fruit, and brown sugar.
The UK has seen a significant increase in bubble tea outlets, from small towns like Wisbech to cities like Canterbury and Glasgow, where American brand CoCo recently drew large crowds. Mainstream brands such as Costa Coffee have also ventured into this niche market by introducing bubble tea options to their menus.
Founded in Taiwan, bubble tea includes variations like fruit-flavored jellies and popping boba, catering to diverse palates. The appeal is particularly strong among young people, especially teenage girls, influenced by K-pop stars and social media trends.
Popular UK brands such as Bubbleology and Gong cha report rapid growth. Bubbleology's menu caters to local tastes with options like fruit tapioca and popping boba. Despite concerns over sugar content and environmental impacts from packaging, the customizable nature of bubble tea continues to attract customers.
Plans for expansion are robust, with new branches opening and make-at-home kits now available in major UK supermarkets. The bubble tea market, while still small compared to coffee, is projected to grow significantly, suggesting an enduring fascination with this unique beverage.