1 · Pick a base
Milky, fruity or blended
Choose milk tea, fruit tea, tea latte, Yakult, fresh tea, smoothie, slush or another favorite.
New to boba? Start here.
A Beginner’s Guide to Bubble Tea
Learn what bubble tea is, how to build your cup and which drinks make a great first order.
Nearly 70 drinks, plus seasonal specials.
The simple answer
What is bubble tea?
Bubble tea—also called boba—began in Taiwan. It can be creamy or fruity, tea-based or blended, and finished with tapioca pearls or another topping.
There is no single “right” cup. Start with a drink style you already enjoy, then choose the sweetness, ice and texture that feel right for you.
2 · Set the balance
Sweetness and ice
Many drinks can be adjusted so your order tastes lighter, richer, colder or less sweet.
3 · Add texture
Pearls, pudding or jelly
Toppings add chew, bounce or softness. Some drinks already include toppings.
Four easy steps
Build a drink you’ll love.
You do not need to know boba vocabulary. Pick a starting point and our team can help with the rest.
Choose a drink
Go creamy, fruity, tea-forward, chocolatey or blended.
Choose sweetness
Select 0% to 100% when that recipe allows it.
Choose ice
Tell us whether you prefer regular, less or no ice when available.
Add a topping
Try tapioca, pudding, jelly, chia seeds or another texture.
Customization varies by recipe. Ask our team about ingredients, dairy, allergens, caffeine and available options before ordering.
Texture makes boba fun
What are tapioca pearls?
Tapioca pearls are soft, chewy spheres usually made from tapioca starch. They are the classic boba topping—but they are only one way to add texture to a drink.
Fresh offers chewy, silky and juicy options, so you can match the topping to the kind of sip you enjoy.
Tapioca pearlsPuddingGrass jellyCoconut jellyLychee jellyAloe veraRed beanCoffee jellyChia seedsStrawberry bobaPeach bobaCreamCrystal bubble
Topping availability varies. Tapioca and other chewy toppings may present a choking risk for young children.
Easy first sips
Four beginner-friendly favorites.
Choose the flavor direction that sounds most like you. You can still adjust sweetness, ice and toppings when the recipe allows it.
See the full menuClassic Milk Tea
A smooth, familiar first sip. Add tapioca pearls for the classic boba experience.
Find it on the menuTaro Milk Tea
Creamy, gently sweet and easy to enjoy if you like a dessert-style drink.
Find it on the menuMango Green Tea
Bright and fruity, with a lighter tea base for a refreshing first order.
Find it on the menuLava Pearl Latte
A rich brown sugar milk drink with tapioca for guests who love a bold, caramel-like flavor.
Find it on the menu
The Fresh way
Made fresh. Made your way.
Our menu is inspired by Taiwanese bubble tea traditions and developed for a wide range of tastes—from classic milk tea to fruit, Yakult and blended drinks.
Fresh welcomes students, staff and neighbors from the UVM community at our University Mall shop in South Burlington and from the SUNY Plattsburgh community at our Champlain Centre shop in Plattsburgh.
- Made to order. Your drink is prepared after you choose it.
- Easy to personalize. Many recipes allow sweetness, ice and topping choices.
- Local to both communities. Visit us in South Burlington, VT or Plattsburgh, NY.
Before your first sip
Quick answers.
If you still are not sure what to choose, tell our team what flavors and textures you already enjoy.
Can I order a drink with 0% sweetness?
Many drinks can be adjusted from 0% to 100% sweetness. Some bases, flavors and toppings are prepared with sugar, so 0% sweetness does not always mean the finished drink is sugar-free. Ask our team about the drink you have in mind.
What should I try if I am new to boba?
Classic Milk Tea with tapioca, Taro Milk Tea, Mango Green Tea and Lava Pearl Latte are four approachable places to start. Tell our team whether you prefer creamy, fruity, light or rich flavors and we can help narrow it down.
Can a drink be made without dairy?
Ingredients and preparation vary by drink. Please ask our team before ordering so we can explain the available options and help with questions about dairy, allergens or possible cross-contact.
Does every bubble tea contain caffeine?
No. Caffeine depends on the base and recipe. Tea-based drinks generally contain caffeine, while some lemonade, chocolate or blended choices may differ. Ask our team if you need help choosing.
Where can I find Fresh Bubble Tea & Juice?
Fresh has two shops: inside University Mall in South Burlington, Vermont, and inside Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh, New York.
Ready to try one?