Does Boba Tea Have Caffeine?
Boba tea, bubble tea, milk tea—whatever you call it, you’ve probably seen it everywhere by now. From hole-in-the-wall shops in Taipei to sprawling chains in Los Angeles, the drink has gone from a local Taiwanese invention to a worldwide craving. Walk into any city mall and there’s usually at least one boba counter, complete with the sound of shaking cups and the unmistakable tap-tap of pearls sliding up a fat straw.
But with that popularity comes a question more and more people are asking: Does boba tea have caffeine? For some, a little caffeine is a good thing. It’s the afternoon boost that makes meetings bearable. For others, caffeine is something they need to cut back on, whether it’s because of sleep, health, or just plain preference. Parents even find themselves Googling this when their kids beg for a cup of brown sugar milk tea.
That’s what we’ll dive into here. We’ll break down which types of boba do contain caffeine, what makes the levels different from one shop to another, and what you can order if you’d prefer something caffeine-free but still fun.
Understanding Caffeine Content in Boba Tea
Does Boba Tea Have Caffeine?
In most cases, yes. Classic boba drinks are tea-based, and tea naturally contains caffeine. That’s part of what gives milk tea its familiar depth and slight bitterness under all the cream and sugar. Without tea, many of the most popular boba drinks wouldn’t taste the same.
The three most common teas used as bases are (for caffeine content calculation, the serving size is based on 16–24 oz / 500–700 ml per cup):
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Black tea - The go-to for traditional milk tea and Latte. It’s bold, a little malty, and often brewed strong to hold up against milk and toppings. A cup can contain around 101 to 200 mg of caffeine, but the teas selected for latte usually have a higher caffeine content.
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Green tea – A lighter option with a more grassy profile. Jasmine green tea is especially popular in boba shops. Depending on how it’s made, a cup can contain around 50 to 200 mg of caffeine. That’s still noticeable, but less than black tea. And It’s often chosen for fruit teas because of its floral and toasty flavor.
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Oolong tea – Oolong tea can be categorized into light roast and medium roast, so its caffeine content varies across a wider range. Golden Oolong is a lighter roast with a more delicate and fragrant flavor, a cup can contain around 50–200 mg of caffeine. In contrast, Tieguanyin Oolong is a heavier roast with a stronger tea flavor, a cup can contain around 101–200 mg of caffeine.
What Affects the Caffeine Levels in Boba?
Not all boba is brewed equally, which is why one shop’s black milk tea might leave you buzzing while another’s barely registers. Several factors affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup:
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How strong the shop brews their tea – Some shops double-brew or use concentrated tea bases to keep flavors from getting watered down by milk and ice. That makes the caffeine level higher, too.
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Steeping time – The longer tea leaves sit in hot water, the more caffeine is extracted. Some shops pre-brew large batches and let them sit, which can also affect strength.
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Milk or cream ratio – Milk, oat milk, cream, or non-dairy bases dilute the caffeine content. A “light on milk” or “extra strong” version will naturally have more kick than one loaded with dairy.
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Extra ingredients – Add-ons can sneak in more caffeine than you’d expect. Coffee-infused boba or cocoa powder toppings can layer on even more.
Sweetness plays a role in how caffeine feels. A super-sugary milk tea may mask the bitterness of caffeine, making it easier to drink quickly. That’s why you might feel a sudden energy rush, because it’s not just the caffeine, but also the sugar.
All of this explains why you can order the “same” drink at two different boba shops and have completely different experiences. One cup might feel like an afternoon pick-me-up, while another could keep you tossing and turning well past midnight.
Best Caffeine-Free Boba Tea Options
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up boba if you’re avoiding caffeine. Plenty of shops now offer tea-free bases, fruity mixes, or dessert-like drinks that let you enjoy the chewy pearls without the jitters.
Tea-Free or Herbal Base Drinks
Some naturally caffeine-free picks include:
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Barley - It's a grain-based tea, caffeine free and contains dietary fiber.
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Fruit infusions – Mango, lychee, or passionfruit—light and refreshing.
Popular Caffeine-Free Milk or Fruit Drinks
If you’re in the mood for something creamier (or kid-friendly), try:
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Brown sugar boba milk – The best-selling beverage.
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Smoothie– Blends of mango, strawberry, taro, or grape.
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Flavored milk drinks – Vanilla, honey, or cookies-and-cream paired with pearls.
The point is, you can still enjoy the “boba experience”—the texture, the sweetness, the photo-worthy cups—without worrying about caffeine.
Choosing the Right Boba Based on Your Lifestyle
Who Should Avoid Caffeine in Boba Tea?
Caffeine isn’t a problem for most people in moderate amounts, but there are groups who may want to limit it:
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Kids
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Pregnant women
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People with heart conditions or sleep issues
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Anyone who’s sensitive to stimulants
How to Order a Caffeine-Free Boba Drink at a Shop
If you fall into one of these categories—or you just don’t want caffeine—here’s what helps:
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Look closely at the menu – Many shops now label caffeine-free drinks.
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Ask the staff – A quick “Do you have caffeine-free options?” goes a long way.
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Customize your drink – Swap tea for fruit or milk bases when possible.
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Think about timing – If caffeine affects your sleep, enjoy tea-based bobas earlier in the day.
Finding the Right Boba Tea for Your Lifestyle
So, back to the big question: does boba tea have caffeine? Most of the time, yes. But that doesn’t mean your choices are limited. With herbal bases, smoothies, and creative flavors popping up everywhere, there’s a version of boba for everyone.
Part of the fun of boba has always been the freedom to customize—sweetness levels, toppings, ice, size. Now you can add caffeine (or skip it) to that list. Whether you’re powering through an afternoon or winding down at night, there’s a boba drink that fits your mood.
Not sure which boba fits your vibe today? Caffeinated or not, we’ve got the perfect pick for you.
