Boba Smoothie (3 Flavors)

Try a boba smoothie to switch up your morning breakfast game! With three flavors to choose from, you’ll never get bored. Try tropical mango and pineapple, fresh green apple and spinach, or summery strawberry and peach. Perfectly paired with chewy tapioca pearls, these sweet smoothies are a must-try!

Why you'll love this recipe

• Perfect mix of textures: Each sip is filled with a unique blend of creamy smoothie and chewy tapioca pearls. It’s highly addicting!
• Pick your flavor: With three flavors to choose from, everyone can have what they want!
• Healthy: This boba smoothie recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, making it a healthier option than sugary boba drinks from the store.

What is a boba smoothie?

Taking inspiration from my other favorite boba recipes, like mango boba tea and lychee bubble tea, this boba smoothie recipe is a refreshing and healthy way to start your day. It starts off with a mango pineapple, green apple spinach, or strawberry peach smoothie base, depending on what flavor you prefer.

Once everything is blended, freshly cooked tapioca pearls are added for a fun textural surprise. Each sip of this smoothie offers a thick and creamy consistency with bursts of chewy boba. Plus, maple syrup adds a naturally sweet element without being overpowering.

This boba smoothie recipe couldn’t be quicker and easier to throw together, especially on busy mornings! Enjoy it ice-cold with a wide-mouthed straw to slurp up all the goods.

Are boba smoothies vegan?

If you’re at a bubble tea shop, there’s a chance that the frozen boba drinks will not be vegan as-is, so you will likely need to ask for plant-based milk. However, this boba smoothie recipe is 100% vegan!

The use of coconut milk (or another plant milk) offers a dairy-free, creamy alternative to cow’s milk. And maple syrup serves as the perfect vegan sweetener in place of honey!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mango pineapple

• Frozen mango chunks: Add tropical sweetness and a creamy consistency. If you can’t find mangoes, try using papaya or extra pineapple instead.
• Pineapple: Provides a juicy, tangy, and fresh element. I prefer using fresh pineapple here, but you can also use frozen pineapple chunks as an alternative.
• Coconut milk: Creates a rich and creamy base that complements the tropical essence of mango and pineapple. Almond, cashew, or soy milk can be used instead.
• Maple syrup: Used as my natural sweetener of choice, but agave also works.

Green apple spinach

• Green apple: Adds a tart, juicy flavor. You can also use Granny Smith apples.
• Spinach: For added health benefits, a fresh flavor, and a pop of color. You can also use kale, chard, or any other leafy greens you prefer.
• Banana: Adds creaminess and sweetness to balance the spinach and apple. For a colder, thicker consistency, use a frozen banana instead of a fresh one.
• Plant milk: Coconut, cashew, soy, almond, or pea milk are all great!
• Lemon: For a boost of tangy flavor and antioxidants. Feel free to use lime.
• Peanut butter: For an extra creamy, luscious texture and healthy fats. You can also try cashew, almond, pumpkin seed, or sunflower seed butter.
• Maple syrup: Or, agave or coconut nectar.

Strawberry peach

• Strawberries: Use frozen strawberries for the best texture. Raspberries can work as well, but you will likely need more sweetener to balance their tart flavor.
• Peach: Frozen peaches add a sweet, juicy flavor. Nectarines will also work.
• Coconut milk: Again, any plant milk will work here.
• Orange zest: For a vibrant, zesty, and citrusy element that brightens this smoothie. You can also try lemon or lime zest.
• Orange juice: Make sure you use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best results.
• Maple syrup: Or, your sweetener of choice.

Boba

• Tapioca pearls (boba): You should be able to find tapioca pearls at any Asian food market or online. Use quick-cooking boba for the easiest and fastest preparation. You can also try popping boba as an alternative for a different texture.
• Maple syrup: To sweeten the boba. Brown sugar syrup will also work.

How to make a boba smoothie

• Step 1: Start by cooking the tapioca pearls in a pot of boiling water. Once they rise to the top, then cook for another 4-5 minutes. Next, transfer them to a bowl and toss them in maple syrup or brown sugar syrup. 

• Step 2: Take your chosen fruits and mix them in your blender until everything is silky smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk until it blends well. 

• Step 3: To assemble your boba shake, add the cooked and sweetened pearls to a tall glass. Then, pour over the smoothie mixture until it reaches the top. Stir and serve it immediately with a wide-mouthed boba straw!

What to serve with a boba smoothie

You can drink your boba smoothie by itself, but if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, try adding some of my favorite mix-ins and toppings like these:

• Oat milk whipped cream
• A sprinkle of chia seeds
• Toasted coconut shavings
• Fresh mint leaves
• A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
• Fruit slices for garnish

Storage

I recommend drinking your ice-cold boba smoothie right away for the best flavor. However, if you end up with leftovers, here’s what to do:

• Fridge: Store the boba shake for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Although it won’t be as creamy when you drink it later, it’ll still taste great!
• Freezer: Feel free to freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. Just keep them stored in the freezer until you need to use them to chill your next smoothie.

Variations

• Protein: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for a post-workout treat.
• Fruits: Use kiwi or blueberries for a different fruity take.
• Matcha: Incorporate a teaspoon of matcha for an earthy touch.
• Floral: Try adding rose or lavender syrup essence for a floral hint.
• Flaxseeds: Add a sprinkle of flaxseeds for a nutty undertone and a dose of healthy fats.

Top tips

• Frozen fruit: Use frozen fruits for a colder and thicker smoothie consistency.
• Blender: Use a high-speed blender to achieve the smoothest texture.
• Stir: Regularly stir tapioca pearls while cooking to avoid any sticking.
• Don’t overblend: Avoid overblending your smoothie to retain a thick consistency.

FAQ

More shake recipes

If you love quick and easy smoothies like this boba shake, check out some more of my favorite recipes like these:

• Coconut Shake: Creamy coconut milk, toasted coconut, and maple syrup. 
• Tropical Mango Smoothie: A fruity recipe topped with a swirl of vegan whipped cream and granola.
• Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake: An easy dairy-free shake for pumpkin pie lovers!
• Vegan Strawberry Protein Shake: Made with just 5 everyday plant-based ingredients.