UK bubble tea Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Flavor, Base Ingredient, Component and End User : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

The UK bubble tea market size was valued at $167.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $243 million by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2033.

Bubble tea, popularly known as boba tea, is a Taiwanese drink invented in Tainan and Taichung in the 1980s. It is prepared with tea or milk as the base component. This tea is glazed with boba, which are soft, chewy, and gummy tapioca pearls extracted from cassava root. Other ingredients, such as jelly and fruit balls, are used to enhance the texture of the tea. Bubble tea is served in a hot or cold form, according to the preference of consumers and a fat straw is used through which the pearls can be easily eaten by consumers. The adoption of bubble tea has been quite high in developed regions such as the UK.

Market Dynamics

The UK bubble tea market is driven by rising popularity among millennials and Gen Z, surge in demand for non-alcoholic beverages and growing trend towards takeaway. The rising popularity of bubble tea among millennials and Gen Z in the UK is a major driver for the market’s growth. These younger demographics are drawn to bubble tea due to its novelty, customizable flavors, and visually appealing aesthetic, which resonates with their desire for unique and personalized experiences. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, have played a crucial role in promoting bubble tea as a trendy and shareable beverage, fueling demand. Additionally, millennials and Gen Z prioritize experiences that reflect global trends, and bubble tea's roots in Asian culture add to its appeal as a symbol of cultural exploration and fusion.

The surge in demand for non-alcoholic beverages is a key driver for the UK bubble tea market growth. As consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives to sugary sodas and alcoholic drinks, bubble tea offers a versatile and refreshing option that fits well within the non-alcoholic beverage trend. This shift is particularly evident among health-conscious individuals who prioritize unique flavors and customizable ingredients, such as fruit infusions, plant-based milk, and lower-sugar options, which bubble tea brands have incorporated into their offerings. The rise of wellness culture in the UK has also encouraged consumers to explore beverages that align with their lifestyle preferences, making bubble tea an attractive alternative. Additionally, the expanding market for functional and premium non-alcoholic drinks, driven by growing awareness of the negative effects of alcohol and excessive sugar consumption, has created more market opportunities to flourish as a popular, non-alcoholic choice.

In addition, the growing trend towards takeaway is a significant driver for the UK bubble tea market share, aligning perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers. As people increasingly prioritize convenience, bubble tea’s portability and quick service appeal to those looking for a refreshing, on-the-go beverage option. The rise of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms has further boosted the market, allowing customers to easily order bubble tea from their smartphones, whether they are at home, work, or commuting. This trend has been accelerated by the demand for takeaway services during the pandemic, which has reshaped consumer habits and established a strong preference for contactless, convenient dining experiences. Moreover, bubble tea shops have adapted to this takeaway culture by offering innovative packaging solutions and customizable options, catering to both health-conscious and indulgence-seeking consumers. This ease of access and flexibility has made bubble tea a popular choice, driving its growth in the takeaway and delivery sectors across the UK.

Segmental Overview

As per the UK bubble tea market analysis, the bubble tea market is segmented into flavor, base ingredient, component, and end user. By flavor, the market is classified into original flavor, coffee flavor, fruit flavor, chocolate flavor, milk flavor, and others. By base ingredient, the market is categorized into black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. By component, the market is divided into flavor, creamer, sweetener, liquid, toppings, and others. Topping subsegment is further classified into tapioca pearls, konjac jelly pearls, popping pearls, and coconut jelly. By end user, the market is divided into generation Z, millennials, generation X.

By Flavor

By flavor, the fruit flavor segment dominated the UK bubble tea market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Fruit-flavored varieties of bubble tea are in high demand in the UK market due to consumer preferences for bright, refreshing flavors. Well-liked fruit flavors like watermelon, mango, strawberry, and raspberries are frequently combined with unusual garnishes like jellies or blowing bubbles. UK customers particularly prefer tropical pairings like strawberry and kiwi and mango and passion fruit. These flavors are perfect for the expanding trend of personalized bubble tea drinks since they provide a harmony of sweetness and acidity.

By Base Ingredient

By base ingredient, the black tea segment dominated the UK bubble tea market in 2023. Black tea is the most popular base ingredient in the market, controlling both consumption and development potential. It is the most popular option for bubble tea consumers due to its strong, rich flavor and the rising demand for liquids high in antioxidants. Black tea is expected to continue to lead the market through 2033, and the category is expected to develop significantly. Black tea's reputation as a health-conscious beverage, its diversity in taste combinations, and the growing popularity of tea shops are the main drivers of this expansion. Additionally, the popularity of bubble tea made with black tea has increased because of the growing emphasis on healthy and natural components in beverages.

By Component

By component, the liquid segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the UK bubble tea market forecast period. The growing popularity of this trendy beverage has led to significant development in the market, especially in the liquid components. The market is greatly influenced by the need for a variety of base ingredients, including tea varieties including black, green, oolong, and white tea. Creamers, sweeteners, and flavoring agents are examples of liquid ingredients that are necessary to create a distinctive flavor that appeals to a wide range of consumers. Further propelling the market's growth is the emergence of social media and pop culture influences, as well as consumers' increasing desire for healthier, organic products.

By End User

By end user, the millennials segment dominated the UK bubble tea market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Millennials, who are driving the trend with their need for distinctive and personalized beverages, are making bubble tea more and more popular in the UK. Bubble tea cafes and brands that offer a variety of flavors, plant-based ingredients, and environmentally responsible packaging are on the rise because of this demographic's preference for novelty, health-conscious options, and social activities. Furthermore, the popularity of bubble tea as an aesthetically pleasing, Instagram-worthy beverage has increased due to the growth of social media. Millennials are crucial in determining the market's expansion and changing consumer tastes since they are looking for both conventional and creative forms of bubble tea.

Competition Analysis

The key players operating in the market include Cuppo Tee Company Limited, Boba Box Limited, Bubble CiTea, Lucky Bubble, Bubble Tea House Company, Chatime Global LLC, Mooboo Bubble Tea, Bubbleology, Gong cha Global Ltd, and CUPP Bubble Tea.

Recent Development In The Market

• In June 2023, Bubbleology partnered with Aimia Foods to launch its products in the grocery market.

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of current UK bubble tea market trends, estimations, and dynamics of the market from 2023 to 2033 to identify the prevailing UK bubble tea market opportunities.
• Porter’s Five Forces analysis highlights potency of the buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen the supplier–buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the UK bubble tea market size and segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to the revenue contribution to the UK bubble tea industry.
• The market player positioning segment facilitates benchmarking while providing a clear understanding of the present position of the key market players.
• The report includes analyses of the regional as well as UK bubble tea market, key players, market segments, application areas, and growth strategies.