After having our fair share of bubble tea (100s of cups)… we’re positive we can share the best black tea for milk tea, bubble tea, or boba.
We promise, we’ve done the research so that you don’t have too. Let’s just say it was quite the journey for us.
Are you looking to find black tea for homemade boba but you’re not sure where to start? Or you just had a delicious cup of Thai milk tea at your favorite local boba shop. And you’re wondering what type of tea is used?
Well, stick around for only the best. We’ll suggest the best black tea (loose leaf) for you to try at home while you make boba.
Continue below and you’ll find our go-to list for the best loose leaf black tea for milk tea below. You’ll be able to find info for what types of black teas used in boba or milk tea, the best black tea blends, the best black tea brands and more.
Have a look at our favorites below!
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Positively Tea - Assam Black Tea
- High caffeine level.
- Certified USDA organic.
- Sweet and full of depth in flavor.
This Assam black tea blend from Positively Tea is highly rated. With over 300+ positive reviews, you can bet that you’ll taste some great tea with their product.
This loose leaf black tea blend originates from Assam, India (home of the most popular type of black tea blends). The unique environment and tea process brings out robust flavors and texture.
For many, this tea is by far one of the more smooth tasting black teas around. In fact, it’s one of our favorite tea blends to use in milk tea or bubble tea due to its strong natural flavor. The addition of dairy or creamer does not subdue the natural flavors as other black tea would.
If you didn’t know, Assam tea is popularly used in Taiwanese milk teas (Thai iced tea). Be sure to try it out if you’re curious!

VAHDAM - Assam Black Tea Leaves
- Steep for 3-5 minutes for perfect cup.
- Originated from Assam, India.
- Great tea blend for milk tea, kombucha, black tea lemonade and more.

VAHDAM - English Breakfast Tea Blend
- Bold.
- Ethically grown and traded.
- Steep 2 grams for 3-5 minutes for best flavors.


Wellness Naturals - English Breakfast
- Citrus and floral notes.
- Strong, rich and delicious.
- Perfect for your morning cup of milk tea.

Davidson's Tea - Assam Black Tea
- Most reviewed black tea.
- USDA certified.
- Malty premium taste.

Mana Organics - Organic Assam Tea
- Light, sweet and smooth.
- Beautiful aromatics and overall flavor profile.
- Great for a lighter black milk tea in the morning.

Tetley - Premium Black Loose Leaf Tea
- Number 1 selling tea brand.
- All natural loose leaf black tea.
- 160+ years of perfection.

Numi - Organic Loose Leaf Black Tea
- Premium quality full loose leaves.
- USDA certified.
- High caffeine level.
Why the Taste of Different Black Teas Matter
Try it for Yourself
1 thought on “Best Black Tea for Milk Tea and Bubble Tea”
Such a great guide if you want to try a DIY version of boba! Of course, it is important to remember that tea steeping times are quite important for the best tasting tea. Most loose leaf black tea should be steeped for between 3 to 5 minutes for the perfect cup.