Bubble Food & Beverages Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Fruit Snacks, Desserts, Fruit Beverages, Bubble Tea, Others), By Source (Tapioca-based, Bursting Bubble), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 4.99 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.96%
Fastest Growing Segment	Bursting Bubble
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.35 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market will grow from USD 4.99 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.35 Billion by 2031 at a 8.96% CAGR. Bubble food and beverages are culinary products defined by the inclusion of chewy tapioca pearls, popping boba, or similar starch-based spheres, primarily served in tea-based drinks, desserts, and bakery items. The market is fundamentally driven by the expanding global adoption of Asian tea culture and a rising consumer preference for texture-centric sensory experiences in confectionery. This growth is further supported by cross-border innovations where traditional toppings are adapted into diverse formats such as ice cream and pancakes, thereby broadening the sector's appeal beyond specialized tea shops.

However, the industry faces significant challenges regarding supply chain volatility, particularly the heavy reliance on specific agricultural raw materials like cassava roots for starch production. Fluctuations in crop yields due to environmental factors can severely disrupt global availability and pricing stability. According to the Thai Tapioca Trade Association, from January to November 2024, the export value of tapioca starch, a critical component for bubble production, reached 36.7 billion Thai Baht. Such dependence on concentrated sourcing regions poses a substantial risk to continuous market expansion and operational consistency.

Key Market Drivers

Strategic market penetration in North American and European regions is reshaping the global landscape as brands aggressively establish direct franchising models to capture Western consumer interest. Companies are moving beyond traditional Asian strongholds, leveraging localized marketing and streamlined supply chains to secure a foothold in these high-value territories. This expansion is evidenced by significant financial milestones that validate the scalability of bubble tea franchises in non-traditional markets. For instance, according to QSR Media Asia, April 2025, in the 'Gong cha reports record $600m system sales in 2024' article, the brand recorded system-wide sales exceeding $600 million for the fiscal year, fueled by robust growth in the United States and strategic new market entries.

Surging consumption among Gen Z and Millennial demographics continues to propel market volume, driven by the beverage's status as an affordable, customizable lifestyle accessory. This demographic's preference for on-the-go indulgence has led to unprecedented sales figures for mass-market players, confirming the sector's reliance on high-frequency purchasing behaviors. According to Mixue Group, February 2025, in the 'Global Offering' prospectus, the company sold approximately 7.1 billion cups of beverages across its network during the first nine months of 2024 alone. While mass-market volume is critical, the sector also sustains substantial value in the premium tier; according to Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial Co., Ltd., in 2025, the company reported an annual revenue of RMB 4.92 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, underscoring the diverse economic potential across different consumer segments.

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Key Market Challenges

The heavy reliance on specific agricultural raw materials, particularly cassava roots for starch production, creates a significant barrier to the stability and growth of the Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market. Since the core components of bubble tea and related desserts depend entirely on this crop, the industry is inherently vulnerable to supply chain volatility caused by environmental factors. When adverse weather or crop diseases impact yields in primary sourcing regions, manufacturers face immediate shortages and escalating input costs. This unpredictability disrupts production schedules and forces brands to absorb higher expenses, which can stifle the development of new product lines and limit entry into emerging geographical markets.

The severity of this supply constraint is highlighted by recent agricultural data. According to the Thai Tapioca Trade Association, in 2024, the total output of fresh cassava roots declined by approximately 20 percent compared to the previous crop year due to prolonged drought conditions and plant disease. A contraction of this magnitude in the raw material supply directly restricts the availability of tapioca starch, compelling market players to focus on inventory management rather than expansion. Consequently, the inability to secure a consistent flow of ingredients undermines long-term operational planning and slows the overall momentum of the sector.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of Sustainable and Biodegradable Packaging Solutions is fundamentally altering the operational standards of the Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market as major players align with stricter environmental regulations and consumer values. Brands are increasingly moving away from single-use plastics, implementing comprehensive waste reduction strategies that include the use of PLA (polylactic acid) materials and incentivizing eco-friendly consumer behaviors. This transition is not merely regulatory compliance but a core component of modern brand identity, with companies actively reporting on their plastic footprint reduction to build community trust. According to Mixue Group, April 2025, in the '2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report', the company's initiatives to promote green consumption resulted in the number of orders where customers opted for "no packaging bags" reaching 186 million by the end of 2024, highlighting the massive scale of consumer participation in sustainability programs.

The Proliferation of Functional and Wellness-Centric Ingredients is simultaneously reshaping product development, moving the category beyond indulgence toward health-conscious hydration. Manufacturers are aggressively reformulating menus to include fresh fruits, vegetable blends, and low-sugar options, positioning bubble tea as a viable component of a healthy lifestyle rather than just a treat. This strategic pivot allows brands to stabilize revenue streams by increasing purchase frequency among health-aware demographics who might otherwise limit their intake of sugary beverages. The economic viability of this health-forward approach is evident in recent financial disclosures; according to Nayuki Holdings Limited, August 2025, in the 'Interim Results Announcement for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025', the brand's self-operated stores achieved a 2.3 percent increase in same-store sales, a growth trajectory explicitly attributed to the successful implementation of its green and healthy strategy, including the launch of the "Daily Fruit & Vegetable Bottle" series.

Segmental Insights

The Bursting Bubble segment is currently positioned as the fastest-growing category within the Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by rising consumer demand for novel texture-based dining experiences, where juice-filled spheres burst upon consumption to release fresh fruit flavors. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing these versatile ingredients in applications beyond traditional tea, such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, and cocktails. Furthermore, the adoption of sodium alginate for encapsulation ensures product stability and compliance with food safety regulations established by authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These factors collectively broaden the segment's appeal across international retail and foodservice channels.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commands the Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market, primarily due to its status as the industry’s birthplace in Taiwan. This deep cultural heritage fosters widespread consumption across major economies, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The region benefits from a comprehensive supply chain where key ingredients like tapioca starch are locally sourced and processed, ensuring operational efficiency for manufacturers. Furthermore, a vast, young demographic with rising disposable income drives continuous demand for innovative tea-based products. These factors, combined with the aggressive expansion of homegrown franchise brands, sustain the region’s distinct competitive advantage.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Tealive, a leading lifestyle tea brand in Southeast Asia, announced its strategic entry into the fast-moving consumer goods market with the launch of an instant bubble tea product line. The company introduced a series of 3-in-1 sachets designed to allow customers to replicate its popular milk tea and coffee flavors in the comfort of their homes. This expansion was intended to meet the rising consumer demand for convenience and accessibility, effectively extending the brand's reach beyond its physical store network. The new retail products were distributed through supermarkets and online platforms to capitalize on the growing at-home consumption trend.
• In September 2024, Chatime Australia partnered with the iconic confectionery brand Allen's to introduce a unique range of lolly-flavored bubble tea beverages. This collaboration resulted in the creation of limited-edition drinks inspired by classic sweets, including pineapple, banana, and milk bottle candies. The new menu items incorporated specialized toppings and ingredients to replicate the distinct taste profiles of the confectionery, aiming to evoke nostalgia among local consumers. This product launch represented a strategic effort by the company to innovate within its menu offerings and leverage the strong brand equity of a household confectionery name to attract a wider audience.
• In July 2024, Gong Cha launched a significant collaboration with the acclaimed video game Final Fantasy XIV to offer an immersive experience for gaming enthusiasts. The partnership featured the release of three character-inspired tea beverages, including a brown sugar milk tea and a mango frozen tea, which were available at participating locations globally. Additionally, the campaign provided customers with opportunities to earn exclusive digital in-game rewards, such as a special mount, upon purchasing qualifying drinks. This initiative highlighted the company's focus on connecting with the gaming community and utilizing cross-industry collaborations to drive sales and foster customer loyalty among younger consumers.
• In March 2024, Kung Fu Tea, a prominent bubble tea chain in the United States, executed a strategic partnership with DreamWorks Animation to commemorate the theatrical release of the film Kung Fu Panda 4. This collaboration involved the introduction of a new beverage series specifically crafted to align with the movie's characters, offering customers a thematic flavor experience. The initiative was part of the company's broader marketing strategy to utilize high-profile entertainment partnerships to enhance brand engagement. By aligning its product offerings with a major cinematic event, the company sought to attract moviegoers and reinforce its position as a culturally relevant lifestyle brand.

Key Market Players

• Del Monte Foods Inc.
• Modoo Food Ltd.
• Bubble Tea Club Pty Ltd
• Zacely Limited
• Fokus Inc.
• Gong Cha Global Limited
• La Kaffa International Co. Ltd.
• Karat Packaging, Inc.
• Bubble Tea Supply
• Qbubble Troika J C Inc.

By Type	By Source	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Fruit Snacks Desserts Fruit Beverages Bubble Tea Others	Tapioca-based Bursting Bubble	Online Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Bubble Food & Beverages Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Bubble Food & Beverages Market, By Type:

• Fruit Snacks
• Desserts
• Fruit Beverages
• Bubble Tea
• Others

• Bubble Food & Beverages Market, By Source:

• Tapioca-based
• Bursting Bubble

• Bubble Food & Beverages Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

• Bubble Food & Beverages Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE