When Will The Boba Tea Shortage End?

By Mark Brodie, Lauren Gilger, Kaely Monahan
Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - 12:31pm
Updated: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - 12:41pm

Audio icon Download mp3 (2.57 MB)

boba tea
Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ
A supply chain issue has lead to a shortage of boba in spring 2021.

The “bubbles” in the wildly popular bubble — or boba — teas are becoming harder to get.

What’s causing the shortage?

Much like computer chips and Heinz ketchup packets, it’s a supply chain issue that’s affecting the arrival of the tapioca from Taiwan. According to the U.S. Boba Co., 99% of boba comes from overseas.

Business Insider talked to Oliver Yoon, the vice president of sales and global marketing for Boba Direct, a Chicago-based supplier of bubble tea products. He said the shortage is likely to last through the rest of April.

It's unclear whether boba supplies will be restored by April 30 — National Bubble Tea Day.

More Stories From KJZZ

BusinessThe Show Food + Restaurants