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This brown sugar milk boba tea is an incredibly simple and easy-to-make boba drink for whenever the craving hits. It's full of caramelized brown sugar flavour and chewy tapioca pearls. You only need a few ingredients so it's the perfect recipe to make at any time!

Jump to:
- What is brown sugar milk boba?
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to make brown sugar milk boba
- Storage
- Frequently asked questions
- More bubble tea recipes to try
- Recipe
This brown sugar milk boba is one of the easiest bubble tea drinks you can make. This iconic drink can be made at home with just a few ingredients. The brown sugar in this drink tastes warming and nutty when caramelized into a syrup and the milk makes the perfect, creamy base to let the brown sugar flavour shine on its own. Don't forget to add your favourite chewy tapioca pearls!
What is brown sugar milk boba?
Brown sugar milk boba is a drink that originates from Taiwan, most notably from the Tiger Sugar bubble tea chain. Despite sometimes being called brown sugar milk tea, it doesn't actually contain any tea. Instead, it's a type of bubble tea that is made by cooking tapioca pearls in brown sugar and then simply adding milk.
Brown sugar milk boba is most recognizable by the brown sugar syrup smeared around the walls of the cup which is meant to be mixed with the rest of the drink before enjoying. This drink is also known as brown sugar milk, brown sugar milk tea, brown sugar bubble tea, and many other variations.
Why you'll love this recipe
- This recipe is so easy to make! You only need 3 ingredients (and water and ice!).
- It's simple but delicious and full of caramelized brown sugar flavour.
- The recipe is easily scalable to make drinks for more people or just for yourself.
Ingredients
- Tapioca pearls - You'll need uncooked tapioca pearls or boba pearls. You can usually find them in Asian grocery stores in vacuum-sealed packaging.
- Brown sugar - This is what gives this bubble tea all its sweetness and warming brown sugar flavour.
- Water - The amount of water used to cook the tapioca pearls doesn't really matter but the amount of water used to make the brown sugar syrup should be measured according to the recipe.
- Milk - Fresh dairy milk is the classic way to make this brown sugar milk boba and it's what will taste the best. You can definitely use another non-dairy milk but just know that it will taste a little different.
- Ice - Use as much or as little ice as you prefer!
How to make brown sugar milk boba
Cook tapioca pearls - In a small pot, bring about 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately. Boil for 15 minutes uncovered. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let sit for another 15 minutes.
Make brown sugar syrup - Drain the water away and add brown sugar and fresh water. Bring this to a boil again on med-high heat and boil for 5-7 minutes until the brown sugar syrup becomes thick and sticky.
Assemble drink - Divide the pearls with the brown sugar syrup into two glasses. Use a spoon to smear the syrup around the walls of the glass. Fill glasses with ice and top with milk. Stir together well before enjoying!
Storage
Bubble tea should be enjoyed right away and does not store well. The boba pearls are best consumed while they're still warm and they will change texture if kept for too long. If you must store it, it can be kept in the fridge for up to a few hours but keep in mind that it will not taste as good as freshly made.

Tips & tricks
- Experiment with different tapioca pearl brands. The boba pearls can really make or break a bubble tea. Some brands are better than others. Your pearls should be soft with a perfect amount of chewiness. If you don't already have a favourite brand, try out a few different ones that you can get your hands on or you could even make your own.
- Cook the brown sugar syrup until moderately thick. It should still be viscous enough to drizzle like caramel sauce and will continue to thicken as it cools. If overcooked, it will be too thick and dry to coat the sides of the glass and the pearls will become hard.
- Enjoy while the pearls are still hot. There's nothing like fresh and warm pearls when you buy boba at a store. Assemble your drink right after cooking the pearls and the brown sugar syrup.
- Mix thoroughly before drinking. While the brown sugar looks nice on the walls of the glass, you really should be mixing it all into the drink before sipping. This drink gets all its flavour from the brown sugar otherwise, it will just taste like milk!
- Don't forget to use a bubble tea straw. This is obvious but you'd be surprised how often this is forgotten (I've done it before and had to drink my boba with a spoon). You'll need a straw with a large opening that will allow the tapioca pearls to pass through.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown sugar boba sweet?
It's definitely a sweet drink which some people love while others may think it's too sweet for their preference. It's made with lots of brown sugar for flavour and sweetness otherwise it would just taste like plain milk.
Why does my boba get hard?
Boba pearls will naturally become harder after cooling down or when ice is added to the drink. You'll want to be sure to keep your boba pearls warm until you're ready to use them and enjoy your drink right away while the pearls are still soft.
More bubble tea recipes to try
- Earl Grey Bubble Tea
- Sweet Potato Bubble Tea
- Taro Milk Bubble Tea
- Bubble Tea Crème Brûlée
- Avocado Boba
- Boba Milk Tea Popsicles
Recipe
Brown Sugar Milk Boba
Author: Gail Ng
Brown sugar milk boba tea that's full of caramelized brown sugar flavour and chewy tapioca pearls. It's super simple to make with only a few ingredients!
5 from 61 votes
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Yield 2 glasses
Category Drinks
Cuisine Taiwanese
Ingredients
- 100 g tapioca pearls
- 100 g brown sugar
- 100 g water
- 600 g milk
- ice
Instructions
In a small pot, bring about 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately. Boil for 15 minutes uncovered. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let sit for another 15 minutes.
Drain the water away and add brown sugar and fresh water. Bring this to a boil again on med-high heat and boil for 5-7 minutes until the brown sugar syrup becomes thick and sticky.
Divide the pearls with the brown sugar syrup into two glasses. Use a spoon to smear the syrup around the walls of the glass.
Fill glasses with ice and top with milk. Stir together well before enjoying!
Nutrition
Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 107g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 522mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 486IU | Calcium: 422mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords brown sugar boba, brown sugar bubble tea, brown sugar milk, brown sugar milk boba, brown sugar milk tea
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FAQs
What is the answer to sugar milk tea? ›
Try not to overthink the percentages. 100% means full sugar, 75% means less sugar, 50% means half sugar, 25% means some sugar, and 0% means no sugar. Another way you can order the sugar level in your boba is by saying 'full sugar' or 'little sugar'. Luckily you don't need to memorize any of the information you read.
What does the brown sugar milk tea boba taste like? ›Brown sugar bubble tea is a cool and creamy drink, with a sweet caramel flavor and chewy boba pearls in every sip. The brown sugar syrup is so satisfyingly sweet, you don't need additional sweetener!
Is brown sugar milk tea the unhealthiest bubble tea? ›A comparison showing the sugar level in seven types of bubble tea orders revealed that the unhealthiest option was brown sugar milk tea with pearls as it contained 18.5 teaspoons of sugar. Winter melon tea comes in at a close second with 16 teaspoons of sugar.
Is brown sugar Boba the same as milk tea? ›Brown Sugar Bubble Tea
Also known as brown sugar milk tea, this tasty treat substitutes the black tea and milk infusion of classic milk tea and replaces it with milk, dark brown sugar syrup and brown sugar-infused tapioca pearls.
Switch to ordering half portions of boba, or get a lower calorie topping like popping boba instead! Sugar also plays a role in your boba's caloric value. The calories listed are at 100% sugar so if you are looking to decrease the calories in your boba, ask for less sugar (0, 25, or 50%).
Do you take ___ sugar in your tea? ›The correct answer is A)in.
Why is brown sugar boba so popular? ›Also known as Mudflip or tiger milk tea, this brown sugar boba drink and its variations are a cult favourite. It is one of the most ordered drinks along with taro fresh milk and the original flavour. Fans love this drink for its sweet caramel taste, silky texture, and aesthetically pleasing colours.
Is brown sugar milk tea too sweet? ›As its ingredients are milk, brown sugar, and brown sugar soaked tapioca pearls, this drink is very sweet. Out of all the bubble tea drinks out there, brown sugar milk is definitely the least healthy for you in terms of sugar level.
Is brown sugar Boba better hot or cold? ›Add tapioca balls into the cup when they're still warm and assemble the drink right away. Warm boba has the best texture.
What is the healthiest boba option? ›- Ask for less or no sugar (including less flavoured syrup and sweetened fruit purees).
- Ask for fresh milk (preferably, low-fat or skimmed) as a substitute for non-dairy creamers.
- Ask for plain bubble tea without the chewy tapioca pearls or the milk to reduce the calories.
What is the healthiest boba? ›
While many bubble teas often lack nutritional value, BUBLUV boasts no added sugar, no artificial ingredients and contains less than 50 calories per bottle. This has far fewer calories and sugar content than regular tapioca pearls in bubble tea, which can contain 200 or more calories per quarter cup serving.
What is the most unhealthy boba tea? ›It also displayed the different sugar levels in seven types of bubble tea orders, all 500 ml. Brown sugar milk tea with boba pearls ranked the highest at 18.5 teaspoons of sugar. The drink with the lowest amount of sugar was the avocado tea with boba pearls with 7.5 teaspoons of sugar.
What is boba slang? ›The tea became known as boba because the term is slang for breasts in Chinese (a reference the spherical shape of the tapioca balls).
Is brown sugar Boba healthier? ›No, brown sugar boba is most likely not a healthy option. Even though it provides some carbohydrates and energy, the amount of added sugar is typically very high. Many boba teas or drinks have a lot of syrup added to them which can add up to 20 or more teaspoons of sugar per serving.
What percent sugar should I get in my boba? ›Sweet as sugar
Many bubble tea connoisseurs swear by either 75 percent or 50 percent, but hey, nobody's going to stop you requesting zero percent, even if you do get a raised brow or two.
“White pearls would definitely be a lower-sugar option …
What sugar level should I get in boba? ›Sugar Content in Boba or Bubble Tea
A good rule of thumb is to assume that each boba flavor will have 1.5-3 tablespoons of sugar. The best part is that many boba cafes understand that a lot of people don't actually like their boba too sweet.
When you put milk into infusing tea you lower the temperature of the water so a proper infusion can't take place. To get the best of your brew in a mug, always make the tea first to your taste and strength and the milk after.”
How much milk and sugar do you put in tea? ›As a general rule, 1% fat milk is 5% sugar. Given that the average amount of milk added to a cup of tea is 5ml, that means you're adding 0.25g of sugar when you add milk. That's far less than a teaspoon of sugar (5.69g), but your sugar intake will add up over several cups of tea throughout the day.
Is it normal to put milk and sugar in tea? ›Some tea is enhanced with a splash of milk (not cream as it masks the taste of the unique brew) or a dash of sugar. Stronger teas, such as black tea, can handle milk while green tea, a more delicate brew, is best served with sugar. When it comes to southern sweet iced tea, you would not think of adding milk!
Does brown sugar milk tea taste like tea? ›
Did you know that brown sugar milk tea has no tea in it? That's right! No tea, just brown sugar syrup, fresh milk, and tapioca pearls (QQ balls). But no need to worry, because this drink does not hold back on its flavors like the original boba tea mix.
Is boba too sugary? ›Unfortunately, boba itself provides very few health benefits, though its calories and carbohydrates can provide you with a boost in energy. In most cases, boba tea contains high levels of sugar, which is linked to long-term health conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Does brown sugar taste better than white sugar? ›Brown sugar has a deep, caramel or toffee-like flavor due to the added molasses. For this reason, it works well in chocolate cakes and cookies, as well as rich fruit cakes. On the other hand, white sugar is sweeter, so you can use less of it to attain your desired taste.
What does Taro taste like in boba? ›Taro milk tea has a sweet, nutty flavour with a subtle but creamy vanilla finish. It has been described as having a buttered popcorn taste in the past. Taro Bubble Tea is made with fresh ground paste will tend to have a thicker, milkshake-like consistency with a more granular texture.
Why do Southerners like sweet tea so much? ›When Prohibition took effect in the South, tea drinking became more popular. In fact, tea was often served with alcohol before the great dry-out. All those beautiful crystal glasses formerly filled with stiff drinks couldn't go to waste, so sweet tea soothed the South through to the end.
Is there caffeine in brown sugar milk tea? ›Caffeine-free. A premium crafted drink made with organic whole milk and brown sugar syrup. Available with boba pearls.
How long does brown sugar Boba last? ›The process to store the cooked boba tapioca pearls is quite simple. They can be left at room temperature for 4 hours or placed in simple sugar syrup and after that be refrigerated for 72 hours.
Is it OK to have boba everyday? ›Boba are basically all carbs — they lack any minerals or vitamins and contain no fiber. One bubble tea can contain as much as 50 grams of sugar and close to 500 calories. While one bubble tea here and there is unlikely to have severe effects on your health, it should absolutely not be consumed on a daily basis.
Is boba good for your gut? ›So, the tapioca pearls in bubble tea are generally safe to drink. But there are a few reasons to enjoy this sweetened beverage in moderation. Drinking too much of it may increase your chances of developing diet-related diseases and leave you constipated.
Is boba healthier than Coke? ›That cup of fresh fruit juice could contain as much sugar as a soft drink. For instance, a 500ml cup of brown sugar boba milk can contain about 92g of sugar, about three times more than the amount of sugar in a 320ml can of Coca-Cola.
Is it better to chew boba? ›
Do You Chew Or Swallow Boba? You should always chew your boba pearls when drinking your bubble tea. Chewing your boba pearls is the best way to help your body digest them and unlock the delicious flavors of the boba pearls. Swallowing too many boba pearls whole may cause an upset stomach.
What boba should I get for the first time? ›You can't go wrong with a honeydew milk tea, taro milk green tea, chai tea, jasmine milk tea or matcha milk green tea. One thing to note, some boba shops have customizable menus that include soy, almond or whole milk. Otherwise, many boba shops carry a non-dairy creamer.
Why is boba so high in calories? ›A typical boba drink uses between 25 and 75 of these tapioca pearls, so that means that just the tapioca in your drink can easily add up to hundreds of calories. And that's without the tea blend! So, your boba drink will probably contain 400 - 1000 calories, depending on the size and the ingredients.
Is boba worse than soda? ›Brown sugar milk tea with boba has been found as the unhealthiest option with 18.5 teaspoons of sugar. For an easy reference, a can of regular coke contains 7 teaspoons of sugar; a cup of brown sugar milk tea with pearl is equivalent to 2.6 cans of coke.
Are boba balls edible? ›Tapioca pearls, also known as tapioca balls, are edible translucent spheres produced from tapioca, a starch made from the cassava root. They originated as a cheaper alternative to sago in Southeast Asian cuisine. When used as an ingredient in bubble tea, they are most commonly referred to as pearls or boba.
Can you digest boba? ›Bubble tea balls are easily digestible for most people
Since tapioca comes from the starch-based cassava root, it's mainly filled with carbohydrates, according to Healthline. Starches like cassava function similarly to fiber in the body, and healthy people can digest them with no problems, Dr. de Latour said.
The black milk tea flavor or selection of boba is the all time classic and some may say the father of bubble tea or boba. It all started with this flavor and shortly after many other flavors came about. Without a doubt, this is the most popular boba tea flavor.
What boba is best for kids? ›What's the best flavor of bubble tea for kids? Any fruit flavored boba teas are the best for kids. This includes strawberry boba tea, mango, peach and dragon fruit. If they're not into fruit, then brown sugar or salted caramel are also great boba tea flavors for children!
What is the most basic flavor of boba? ›The original bubble tea flavor is black tea, milk, sugar and tapioca pearls, and is a must-try and must-have on any boba cafe menu.
What does dirty mean in boba? ›What is “The Dirty Boba” Dirty Boba is a “signature drink created first when the boba are coated and cooked in brown sugar. The drink can be filled with a choice of milk or fresh teas. Finally, the dirty boba is topped with a milk cheese foam and a caramelized creme brulee topping.”
Why do Americans call it boba? ›
“When the drink emerged out of Taiwan, people started calling the drink 'boba' because of the large tapioca balls.
What is the boba Emoji? ›Emoji Meaning
Commonly served with tapioca pearls, also known as boba, in a plastic cup with a wide straw. Bubble Tea was approved as part of Unicode 13.0 in 2020 and added to Emoji 13.0 in 2020.
Aids weight loss– Brown sugar has fewer calories than white sugar. The molasses in brown sugar is known to boost metabolism. It also has other micronutrients. So, you can say that brown sugar helps in losing weight.
Is brown sugar Boba chewy? ›Brown sugar bubble tea is a cool and creamy drink, with a sweet caramel flavor and chewy boba pearls in every sip. The brown sugar syrup is so satisfyingly sweet, you don't need additional sweetener!
Is it OK to drink milk tea while dieting? ›Milk tea is known to induce metabolism that helps with weight loss. Don't add extra sugar to your milk tea as it increases your beverage's calorie count. As aforementioned, milk tea contains antioxidants that fight off chronic diseases and their effects.
What is the meaning of sugar level in milk tea? ›The percentages are just a clear and handy tool to indicate sweetness levels. 100% is the “normal” level based on its recipe. 50% is half as sweet. 0% is no sugar. It's up to the individual to find their sweet spot.
What goes in first milk tea or sugar? ›When you put milk into infusing tea you lower the temperature of the water so a proper infusion can't take place. To get the best of your brew in a mug, always make the tea first to your taste and strength and the milk after.”
What do you call the sugar in milk? ›Lactose is the major disaccharide found in milk, and is catabolized into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase. Lactose is an important energy source and ssometimes it is referred to simply as milk sugar, as it is present in high percentages in dairy products.
What is flirty milk tea? ›Flirty Milk. Flirty milk is yet another odd component of the Quickly menu. This amusingly named drink is a little thicker in texture than the milk tea, as it is made with whole milk, and is quite sweet.
Can you ask for less sugar in boba tea? ›Adjust the sugar level - there are different sugar levels options to choose when ordering (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, none). If you are used to getting full sugar, try reducing it to 75% and gradually reducing it to 50% and eventually to none!
Should I count the sugar in milk? ›
Sugar found naturally in milk, fruit and vegetables does not count as free sugars. We do not need to cut down on these sugars, but remember that they are included in the "total sugar" figure found on food labels.
Why is my milk tea so watery? ›In order to make a cup of rich milk tea, you want to make stronger tea before adding milk, otherwise it will taste very bland and watery. Boiling the tea for too long creates an unpleasant bitter taste, therefore, we make stronger tea by increasing the amount of tea leaves/bags.
Why do English put milk in tea first? ›The answer is that in the 17th and 18th centuries the china cups tea was served in were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking. This is why, even today, many English people add milk to their cups BEFORE adding the tea!
What is it called when you mix tea and milk? ›Tea latte –Tea (can be any type of tea) with steamed or frothed milk added. It can be sweetened or unsweetened. Boba Tea – Or bubble tea, a milk tea from Taiwan with added tapioca pearls popular around the world.
Why does milk taste like sugar? ›One cup of white milk (250 ml) contains 12 grams of naturally-occurring sugar called lactose. It gives milk a slightly sweet taste. The body breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose (most of which is later converted to glucose).
What milk has no sugar? ›Plain milk has no added sugar and are therefore lower in total sugar compared with flavoured milks. It's important to remember that when you read the label of a plain milk carton and see “sugars” that this is referring to the naturally occurring lactose sugar in milk.
Is sugar an addiction? ›“The study demonstrates that the effects of sugar addiction, withdrawal and relapse are similar to those of drugs of abuse.” It's not all bad news, however. If you've struggled with weight gain or avoiding junk foods in the past, stomping that sugar addiction may have been the missing piece to your weight-loss puzzle.
What is dirty pearl milk tea? ›Dirty Boba is a “signature drink created first when the boba are coated and cooked in brown sugar. The drink can be filled with a choice of milk or fresh teas. Finally, the dirty boba is topped with a milk cheese foam and a caramelized creme brulee topping.”
What flavour is dirty milk tea? ›Our dirty milk tea is a classic drink, the cup lined with a coating of brown sugar, our signature blend of black tea, and topped with fresh milk.
Why is milk tea so addictive? ›Some types of tea contain caffeine, a psychoactive compound that many people consider addictive.