Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and has since spread to other countries where there is a large East Asian diaspora population. It is a traditionally cold-served beverage that has a tea base, a milk or fruit flavor, and edible pearls. The pearls, also known as boba, are made of starch and are commonly referred to as "pearls" or "balls". Boba tea is available in both hot and cold versions and is typically served in a wide-mouth plastic cup and sealed shut with a clear plastic wrap.

Boba tea is usually a combination of milk, water, tea, and sugar, but it has a lot of variations. Some shops offer milk or cheese foam on top of the drink, giving the drink a consistency similar to that of whipped cream and a saltier flavor profile. Popping boba, or spheres that have fruit juices or syrups inside them, are another popular bubble tea topping. Flavors include mango, strawberry, coconut, kiwi, and honey melon.

Boba tea is enjoyed by people of all ages and is commonly known under its colloquial term "boba" within the Asian American community. It has become so popular that boba lovers have invented various bubble tea flavored-foods, including ice cream, pizza, toast, sushi, and ramen.

While tea is generally considered a healthy beverage option, boba tea is not necessarily healthy due to its high sugar content. However, the benefits of traditional tea, such as improved brain function, cancer protection, fat loss, and a lowered risk of heart disease, still apply depending on the grade of tea used.

In summary, boba tea is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and has since spread to other countries. It typically contains milk, water, tea, sugar, and edible pearls made of starch. Boba tea is available in both hot and cold versions and has many variations in flavor and toppings.