This grapefruit green tea boba is packed with flavor. It is tangy, citrusy, sweet, and refreshing. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and highly customizable. Follow this guide to see how easy making homemade bubble tea can be.
This recipe uses grapefruit juice, but you can use grapefruit syrup if necessary. Buy fresh grapefruit in your area when it is in season, and make this bubble tea recipe in under 30 minutes. You could substitute another tart fruit like lemon, lime, or passionfruit if necessary.
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Grapefruit Green Tea Boba
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
Grapefruits are hydrating and full of nutrients. This recipe is low in caffeine, making it great for an afternoon or evening boba drink.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 jasmine green tea bag
- 1/2 cup of sugar, or to taste
- 1 cup of grapefruit juice, either freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 2 large handfuls of ice cubes
- 1 cup tapioca pearls
- 2–4 fresh grapefruit slices (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from the heat and add the sugar and tea bag. Stir until the sugar is dissolved completely.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard the tea bag.
- Let the tea come to room temperature.
- Prepare the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions.
- Add the grapefruit juice to the sweetened tea.
- Spoon 1/2 of the tapioca pearls into the bottom of each serving glass.
- Add a large handful of ice cubes to each glass and 1-2 grapefruit slices (if using).
- Pour the tea mixture over the ice.
- Serve with a boba straw.
Notes
For an extra grapefruit zing, soak the tapioca pearls in grapefruit syrup after cooking.
Make the tea the day before serving this recipe and thoroughly chill the tea in the fridge.
Use any sweetener you prefer- brown sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, fructose, honey, etc.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
What Does Grapefruit Green Tea Taste Like?
Grapefruit green tea tastes both sweet and sour. Citrusy grapefruit tastes tangy, and the jasmine green tea gives this boba tea a floral taste. Tapioca pearls add more sweetness and a chewy texture. Overall, grapefruit green tea is light and refreshing, with a sweet citrus flavor.
Does Grapefruit Green Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, grapefruit green tea has caffeine. Each serving of this boba tea has between 7 and 30mg of caffeine, depending on how long the tea steeps. The longer the tea steeps, the more caffeine will release from the tea leaves. If you prefer, you can use decaf or fruit tea to eliminate the caffeine.
6 Health Benefits of Grapefruit Green Tea
Both grapefruit and green tea provide many health benefits. Green tea and grapefruit are high in antioxidants which improve body function and help your organs stay healthy.
Grapefruit is also:
- Low in calories
- High in Vitamin C, which helps cells stay healthy and helps iron absorption
- A good source of potassium, which helps heart health
- A good source of B Vitamins, which help with oxygen absorption in the body
- Helpful in preventing insulin resistance
- Hydrating—grapefruit contains lots of water, which can help keep you hydrated
Adding sugar and tapioca pearls to grapefruit green tea will lessen the health benefits. Enjoy grapefruit green tea as part of a balanced diet.
Is Grapefruit Green Tea Good for Weight Loss?
Grapefruit and green tea may aid in weight loss while providing essential nutrients for the body. However, grapefruit green tea boba is not as helpful for weight loss since it is high in sugar and carbohydrates.
A half cup of tapioca pearls contributes about 272 calories to each grapefruit green tea boba serving. Each serving of grapefruit green tea with tapioca pearls provides approximately 320 calories, 200 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of sugar (plus more if you soak the tapioca pearls in grapefruit syrup).
Foods high in sugar and carbs can lead to weight gain and a risk for diabetes.
What Can You Use Besides Tapioca Pearls in This Grapefruit Green Tea Recipe?
Instead of tapioca pearls, try these additions in this grapefruit boba recipe:
- Coconut jelly
- Fresh fruit—raspberries or orange slices
- Fruit jelly
- Green tea boba pearls
- Popping boba—coconut, pomegranate, lychee, or passionfruit work well with grapefruit
- Rainbow jelly
- Nata de coco