This AIP Matcha Bubble Tea (boba) recipe is the same boba that you’d get in stores but with clean ingredients. It’s made from tapioca pearls combined with a matcha latte for a refreshing drink for the whole family.

large glass with straw of AIP Matchs Bubble Tea with small bowl of boba

What’s the difference between bubble tea and boba?

Bubble tea and boba are the same thing. The names differ depending upon where you are located. The Chinese word for tapioca pearl is boba but other call it bubble tea because the pearls look like little bubbles.

What does matcha bubble tea taste like?

It mostly tastes like a matcha latte but with tapioca pearls. If you’ve ever had tapioca pudding, then you already know what boba tastes like. It has a neutral flavor on its own and tastes on the flavor of whatever is immersed in. In this case, it’s the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte.

What kind of tapioca is used in bubble tea?

The boba I used was made from cassava and water. However, I’ve seen others made from just tapioca. Either of these can be used in this recipe. I used a brand called Tropics but I can’t seem to find them for sale online. I found them in my local Asian grocery store.

How to make AIP Matcha Bubble Tea

1. To make the Honey Simple Syrup, add the honey and water to a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the honey and water are combined. Remove from the heat and set aside until cooled.

2. To make the tapioca pearls, boil 4 cups of water on the stovetop then add tapioca balls. In a couple of minutes, they'll start floating to the surface. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

3. Rinse the tapioca balls with cold water. Then cover the tapioca balls with water and place in the fridge overnight or for at least 12 hours.

4. Place the saucepan on the stovetop and bring to a boil and let cook for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water to cool them.

5. Strain the water from the pearls and then add the Honey Simple Syrup. Stir to combine and set them aside in the fridge in an airtight container.

close up of spoonful of boba in honey simple syrup for AIP Matcha Bubble Tea

6. When ready to serve, place a few spoonful’s of tapioca pearls in the bottom of a large glass, fill the glass with ice and then top with the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte.

Tips on making the best AIP Matcha Bubble Tea

The boba pearls last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. After that they seem to lose their chewiness and disintegrate.
You can find the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte recipe here.
Make sure to check the ingredients of the boba you purchase. Not all are as clean as this one.
Don’t try and take a shortcut by buying cooked and jarred boba as it’s normally stored in corn syrup with chemicals which isn’t AIP or even very clean.
Black boba usually contains food dye and other chemicals so avoid that as well.
I used Tropics Tapioca Pearls or Sago. The only ingredients are cassava and water. However, they also make them with just tapioca flour which would work for this recipe as well.
When you are about to begin cooking the boba, make sure the water is boiling. If not, the pearls will just begin to disintegrate, and you’ll end up with a big mess. It’s not salvageable at that point.
The amount of AIP Coconut Matcha Latte you need will depend upon the amount of ice and size of your glass.
You may notice the picture shows a 3 layered drink. To get this look, when making the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte separate the coconut milk from the coconut cream. Pour the coconut milk into the matcha but set the cream aside. When assembling the drink, layer the boba, ice, matcha mixture and then the coconut cream.
I used a glass boba straw which you can find here.
I also used a large high ball glass. You can find something similar here.

If you like this AIP Matcha Bubble Tea then you’ll love these other AIP drinks.

Love seeing my delicious recipes? You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m up to.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

AIP Matcha Bubble Tea (Boba)

If you miss boba, check out this AIP friendly Matcha Bubble Tea recipe. You can make matcha boba at home with clean ingredients. It’s a refreshing and fun recipe that your whole family will love.

Prep Time2

Assemble5

Total Time2 5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Japanese

Servings: servings

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Beth Chen

Equipment

▢
Boba Straw
▢
Large High Ball Glass

Ingredients

Honey Simple Syrup

▢ 1/4 cup Honey
▢ 1/4 cup Water

Large Tapioca Pearls/Boba

▢ 4 cups Water
▢ 1 cup Tapioca Pearls

▢ AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte chilled

Instructions

To make the Honey Simple Syrup, add the honey and water to a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the honey and water are combined. Remove from the heat and set aside until cooled.
To make the tapioca pearls, boil 4 cups of water on the stovetop then add tapioca balls. In a couple of minutes, they'll start floating to the surface. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Rinse the tapioca balls with cold water. Then cover the tapioca balls with water and place in the fridge overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Place the saucepan on the stovetop and bring to a boil and let cook for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water to cool them.
Strain the water from the pearls and then add the Honey Simple Syrup. Stir to combine and set them aside in the fridge in an airtight container.
When ready to serve, place a few spoonful’s of tapioca pearls in the bottom of a large glass, fill the glass with ice and then top with the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte.

Notes

The boba pearls last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. After that they seem to lose their chewiness and disintegrate.
You can find the AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte recipe here.
Make sure to check the ingredients of the boba you purchase. Not all are as clean as this one.
Don’t try and take a shortcut by buying cooked and jarred boba as it’s normally stored in corn syrup with chemicals which isn’t AIP or even very clean.
Black boba usually contains food dye and other chemicals so avoid that as well.
I used Tropics Tapioca Pearls or Sago. The only ingredients are cassava and water. However, they also make them with just tapioca flour which would work for this recipe as well.
When you are about to begin cooking the boba, make sure the water is boiling. If not, the pearls will just begin to disintegrate, and you’ll end up with a big mess. It’s not salvageable at that point.
The amount of AIP Coconut Matcha Latte you need will depend upon the amount of ice and size of your glass.
You may notice the picture show a 3 layered drink. To get this look, separate the coconut milk from the coconut cream. Pour the coconut milk into the matcha but set the cream aside. When assembling the drink, layer the boba, ice, matcha mixture and then the coconut cream.
I used a glass boba straw which you can find here.
I also used a large high ball glass. You can find something similar here.

Nutrition

Helpful Info for All Recipes

I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.

Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.