If you are reading this review, it’s probably safe to say that you already know what Boba is. I will not be like other blogs that go into the deep history of Boba. We can probably all agree that Boba is delicious and somewhat addicting. I am from the Bay Area of California, and there is a Boba shop on every other block. I personally know people who drink Boba every other day. At $6 or $7 a pop, that is a decent amount of money spent on some chewy balls. But is the Trader Joe’s Instant Boba Kit any good?
Availability
I’ve been to many different Trader Joe’s and have ALWAYS seen this instant Boba kit available. Trader Joe’s used to have another Boba kit in another flavor, but that must not have been as popular as this brown sugar version because I’ve not seen it available for a few months.
Price
This instant Boba kit is $5.49 (plus tax) at my local Trader Joe’s. It comes in a four-pack, which comes out to about $1.37 (plus tax) per serving. In my opinion, not a bad deal cost-wise. Even with the cost of milk, you are getting a cup of boba for a fraction of what Boba Tea shops are charging.
How to Make the Instant Boba
Making the Boba is super simple. You cut a corner of the Boba package, put it in a cup or bowl to have it sit upright, and microwave it for 45 seconds. It’s very simple and fast. However, based on experience, the microwave “cooking” time could vary. I have found, at times, that 45 seconds is not enough. I’ve found some Boba balls that have not been cooked through, making it very hard. I like to play it safe and add an additional five seconds.
After the Boba is heated through and cooked, you pour it into a cup and add your beverage of choice. Milk or a milk substitute and ice are recommended.
Variations
Besides milk, you can fix up your Boba however you please. In addition to some grass-fed milk, I like to add coffee or black tea. Also, you can make this drink hot/warm and skip the ice.
How Does it Taste?
This Trader Joe’s Instant Boba kit makes a sweet and creamy Boba drink. The Boba is soft and chewy, and there is a good amount in every serving. It does not stick together and is very easy to drink. The brown sugar syrup turns the pale white milk into a light mocha color that is pleasing to the eye.
Is it Worth the Buy?
This Trader Joe’s instant Boba Kit is definitely worth the buy, in my opinion. Unless you are a Boba Tea connoisseur, I think you will find this Boba kit to be surprisingly good. Of course, a fresh Boba drink from a real Boba Tea shop will be better, but having the option of making your own decent Boba drink at home is always a plus. And it only takes a couple of minutes to make.
Rating
My overall Rating of the Trader Joe’s Instant Boba Kit: 8/10
Surprisingly, I like this instant Boba kit. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, customizable, and delicious.
Thank you for reading!
