When Is National Bubble Tea Day?
National Bubble Tea Day 2026: Wednesday, April 30th
The celebration occurs annually on April 30th, chosen to coincide with spring—the perfect season for refreshing, iced bubble tea drinks.
Upcoming Dates:
- 2026: Wednesday, April 30th
- 2027: Friday, April 30th
- 2028: Sunday, April 30th
History
Origins of Bubble Tea: Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s, though the exact origin is debated between two establishments:
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Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung claims their product development manager, Lin Hsiu Hui, created it in 1988 by adding tapioca balls to her iced tea.
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Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan claims their founder, Tu Tsong-he, invented it in 1986 after being inspired by white tapioca balls he saw at a local market.
Regardless of who invented it first, bubble tea quickly became a phenomenon, spreading throughout Asia in the 1990s and reaching global popularity in the 2000s.
The National Day: National Bubble Tea Day was established to celebrate this cultural phenomenon and the joy it brings to millions worldwide. The day encourages people to:
- Try new boba flavors
- Support local bubble tea shops
- Share the bubble tea experience with newcomers
- Celebrate Asian food culture
How to Celebrate
Here are the best ways to make the most of National Bubble Tea Day:
1. Visit Your Favorite Boba Shop Support local businesses by ordering your go-to drink—or try something new! Many shops offer special flavors or promotions just for this day.
2. Try a New Flavor Step outside your comfort zone! If you always order brown sugar milk tea, try taro. If you love fruit teas, experiment with a creamy oolong.
3. Bring a Friend Introduce someone to the world of bubble tea! National Bubble Tea Day is the perfect occasion to share this experience with a curious newcomer.
4. Make Boba at Home Try your hand at homemade bubble tea. It’s easier than you think, and you can customize everything to your preference.
5. Host a Boba Party Gather friends for a boba tasting party! Order from different shops or make various flavors at home and vote on favorites.
6. Share on Social Media Post your boba photos with hashtags like:
- #NationalBubbleTeaDay
- #BobaDay
- #BubbleTeaDay
- #BubbleTea2026
7. Learn Something New Read about bubble tea history, watch how tapioca pearls are made, or explore the science behind the perfect brew.
Deals and Promotions
Many bubble tea chains and local shops offer special promotions on National Bubble Tea Day. Here’s what to look for:
Common Promotions:
- Buy one, get one free (BOGO)
- Percentage discounts (20-50% off)
- Free boba toppings
- Limited edition flavors
- Loyalty point multipliers
- Free drink with app download
Major Chains to Watch:
- Kung Fu Tea
- Gong Cha
- Tiger Sugar
- The Alley
- CoCo
- Sharetea
- Happy Lemon
- Quickly
Tips for Scoring Deals:
- Follow your favorite shops on social media for announcements
- Sign up for email newsletters and loyalty programs
- Download boba shop apps—many exclusive deals are app-only
- Check deal aggregator websites closer to April 30th
- Call ahead—some shops have limited quantities for special offers
Bubble Tea Facts
Celebrate the day by impressing your friends with these boba facts:
By the Numbers:
- The global bubble tea market is worth over $4 billion
- Taiwan has over 25,000 bubble tea shops
- The average boba drinker in the US consumes 3-5 cups per month
- A typical cup contains 50-90 tapioca pearls
Fun Facts:
- The “bubbles” in bubble tea originally referred to the frothy bubbles from shaking, not the tapioca pearls
- Tapioca pearls are made from cassava root, a starchy tuber
- The largest bubble tea was 1,500 liters, created in Taiwan in 2019
- In Taiwan, boba is called “zhenzhu” (珍珠) meaning “pearl”
- The chewy texture of boba is called “QQ” in Taiwanese slang
Most Popular Flavors Worldwide:
- Classic Milk Tea
- Taro
- Brown Sugar Milk Tea
- Matcha
- Thai Tea
DIY Celebration Ideas
Make National Bubble Tea Day special at home:
Simple Brown Sugar Milk Tea:
- Brew strong black tea
- Add brown sugar syrup
- Mix with milk of choice
- Top with cooked tapioca pearls
- Drizzle extra brown sugar syrup
Boba Taste Test:
- Order from 3-4 different shops
- Rate each on: sweetness, tea flavor, boba texture, presentation
- Crown your neighborhood champion
Bubble Tea Mocktail Bar:
- Set up different tea bases, syrups, milk options, and toppings
- Let guests create their own custom drinks
- Provide wide straws and clear cups for the full experience
Why Bubble Tea Matters
Beyond being delicious, bubble tea represents:
Cultural Connection: For many Asian Americans and bubble tea enthusiasts worldwide, boba represents a connection to Asian culture and heritage.
Community Gathering: Boba shops have become important social spaces, especially for younger generations.
Innovation: The bubble tea industry continues to innovate with new flavors, healthier options, and sustainable practices.
Joy: Sometimes, it’s simply about the happiness a well-made cup of boba can bring!
The Bottom Line
National Bubble Tea Day 2026 on April 30th is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved drinks. Whether you’re treating yourself to your favorite order, trying something new, or introducing a friend to the magic of boba, make the most of this special day.
Keep an eye out for deals from your favorite shops, share your boba love on social media, and remember to savor every chewy, refreshing sip. Here’s to celebrating the drink that brings joy to millions—happy National Bubble Tea Day!
🧋 See you on April 30th, 2026!
