FAQ
Bubble Tea FAQ
Everything you want to know about Bubble Tea and TEA99 – clearly answered.
About TEA99
All About TEA99
What is TEA99?
+
TEA99 is a bubble tea brand from Germany that focuses on real tea leaves, fresh ingredients, and handmade toppings. We offer a unique taste experience in a stylish atmosphere.
Where can I find TEA99 stores?
+
Currently you can find us in Hanau, Darmstadt, and Frankfurt. More locations are in planning – follow us on Instagram for updates!
What makes TEA99 special?
+
At TEA99, we exclusively use real tea leaves instead of powder, prepare our boba pearls fresh daily, and use sustainable packaging like bamboo straws.
Has TEA99 received any awards?
+
Yes! TEA99 was recognized at the Lieferando Award as the most innovative restaurant, among other accolades.
Can I order TEA99 online?
+
Yes, you can order through our online shop or via Lieferando – for pickup or delivery.
Does TEA99 offer catering?
+
Yes, we offer catering for events, corporate parties, and private celebrations. Contact us for a customized quote.
Basics
Bubble Tea Basics
What is Bubble Tea?
+
Bubble tea is a tea drink originating from Taiwan, served with various toppings like tapioca pearls (boba), jellies, or popping boba. It comes in countless flavors.
What are tapioca pearls (boba)?
+
Tapioca pearls are made from tapioca starch derived from the cassava root. They have a soft, chewy texture and are cooked in sugar syrup.
What is the difference between boba and popping boba?
+
Classic boba are chewy tapioca pearls, while popping boba are small spheres that burst when bitten, releasing a fruity juice.
What tea bases are available?
+
At TEA99, we offer various tea bases: black tea, green tea, oolong, jasmine, and fruit tea. Each base can be individually combined.
What is taro?
+
Taro is a starchy tuber from Asia with a slightly nutty-sweet flavor. In bubble tea, taro creates a creamy, purple color and a unique taste.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
+
Yes! At TEA99, you can individually choose your sweetness level: 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. That way you get exactly the taste that suits you.
Can I adjust the ice level?
+
Of course! You can choose between less ice, regular ice, or extra ice. Some drinks are also available warm.
What is Brown Sugar Milk Tea?
+
Brown Sugar Milk Tea is a creamy milk tea drink with caramelized brown sugar and tapioca pearls. The sugar syrup pattern on the glass wall is its signature look.
Are there drinks without tea?
+
Yes, we also offer tea-free options such as fruity smoothies, milkshakes, and special fruit-based creations.
What are jelly toppings?
+
Jellies are soft, gel-like toppings in various flavors like lychee, mango, or coconut. They offer a refreshing alternative to boba pearls.
Flavors
Flavors & Ingredients
Which flavors are the most popular?
+
Our bestsellers are Taro Milk Tea, Brown Sugar Boba, Matcha Latte, and Mango Green Tea. Our seasonal specials are also very popular!
Are there seasonal flavors?
+
Yes! We regularly rotate our selection with seasonal creations. In summer, for example, we have refreshing fruit teas, and in winter, warm specialties.
Does bubble tea taste very sweet?
+
That depends entirely on your choice! You can individually adjust the sweetness level. We recommend 50% or 70% for a balanced taste experience.
What fruit teas are available?
+
We offer various fruit teas including mango, passion fruit, peach, strawberry, and lychee. All are prepared with real fruit puree.
What is Matcha Bubble Tea?
+
Our Matcha Bubble Tea is made with premium Japanese matcha powder and combined with milk or a plant-based alternative. A creamy, slightly bitter delight!
Are there savory or bitter options?
+
Yes, for fans of less sweet drinks, we recommend our Oolong Tea or classic Green Tea with 0% sweetness – perfect for purists.
Can I combine different toppings?
+
Absolutely! You can combine multiple toppings, e.g., boba pearls with jelly or popping boba. Each additional topping is charged separately.
What do you recommend for beginners?
+
For beginners, we recommend the classic Taro Milk Tea or the Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea with 70% sweetness – both are mild and delicious.
Are there warm bubble teas?
+
Yes! Many of our drinks are also available warm. Warm milk teas with boba pearls are especially popular in winter.
How do the Power Teas taste?
+
Our Power Teas are fruity-refreshing drinks with natural superfoods. They are less sweet and perfect for anyone looking for a healthy energy boost.
Preparation
Preparation & Recipes
How are the boba pearls prepared at TEA99?
+
Our boba pearls are freshly prepared by hand every day. We cook them in small batches to ensure they always have the perfect consistency.
Do you use real tea?
+
Yes, at TEA99 we exclusively use real tea leaves – no powder, no artificial flavors. You can taste the difference in every sip.
Where do your ingredients come from?
+
We source our tea leaves directly from selected tea gardens. Fruits and other ingredients come from regional suppliers whenever possible.
How long does preparation take?
+
Typically, preparing your bubble tea takes 3–5 minutes. During busy times, it may take a little longer.
Can I customize my drink?
+
Yes! You choose the tea type, milk or fruit variant, sweetness level, ice level, and toppings – all tailored to your taste.
What does freshly brewed mean?
+
We brew our tea fresh daily and do not use pre-made concentrates. This guarantees an authentic tea flavor.
Are the toppings freshly made?
+
Yes, all our toppings – from boba pearls to jellies – are prepared fresh daily and are not industrially pre-made.
Can I order my bubble tea to go?
+
Of course! All our drinks are available to go. Even better: use our ReBoGlas reusable cup system for a sustainable alternative.
How is the tea sweetened?
+
We use premium cane sugar and for certain drinks, caramelized brown sugar. The sweetness level is individually adjustable.
Health
Health & Ingredients
How many calories does a bubble tea have?
+
The calorie count varies depending on the drink and sweetness level. A classic milk tea with boba has approximately 300–400 kcal. You can reduce calories with less sugar and plant-based milk.
Is bubble tea vegan?
+
Many of our drinks can be prepared vegan – simply choose plant-based milk. Our boba pearls and fruit teas are naturally vegan.
Does bubble tea contain caffeine?
+
Yes, drinks based on black, green, or oolong tea contain caffeine. Fruit teas and caffeine-free options are also available.
Is bubble tea suitable for children?
+
Generally yes, but we recommend caution with boba pearls for small children (choking hazard). We also offer child-friendly options without boba.
Does bubble tea contain gluten?
+
Our tapioca pearls are naturally gluten-free as they are made from cassava starch. For detailed allergen information, please ask our team.
Is bubble tea available lactose-free?
+
Yes! You can order any drink with plant-based milk (oat, soy, coconut) and enjoy it lactose-free.
How much sugar does a bubble tea contain?
+
That depends on the chosen sweetness level. At 100%, it is approximately 30–40g of sugar. We recommend 50% for a good balance between taste and health.
Are the toppings safe for consumption?
+
Yes, all our toppings are made from food-grade tested ingredients and prepared fresh daily. We do not use artificial colorings.
Are there sugar-free options?
+
You can order any drink with 0% sugar. Please note that the toppings themselves may contain some sugar.
Does TEA99 use artificial colorings?
+
No! The colors of our drinks come exclusively from natural ingredients. The purple color of Taro Milk Tea, for example, comes directly from the taro root.
Storage
Storage & Shelf Life
How long does a bubble tea last?
+
We recommend enjoying your bubble tea within 2 hours. The boba pearls lose their optimal consistency over time.
Can I store bubble tea in the refrigerator?
+
You can refrigerate the tea itself, but the boba pearls become hard in the fridge. It is best to drink your bubble tea fresh.
Can I reheat boba pearls?
+
Yes, you can briefly warm up hardened boba pearls in hot water or in the microwave to soften them again.
What is the best way to transport bubble tea?
+
Keep it upright and as cool as possible during transport. Avoid vigorous shaking so the toppings and tea do not mix too much.
Can I freeze bubble tea?
+
We do not recommend it. The consistency of the toppings and tea changes significantly when frozen, and the taste experience suffers.
How long do unopened bottled products last?
+
Our bottled products have a best-before date on the packaging. Unopened, they keep for several months.
Do I need to open the cup immediately?
+
No, the sealed cup keeps your drink fresh. But for the best taste, we recommend enjoying it promptly.
Does the taste change when the ice melts?
+
Yes, melted ice dilutes the tea slightly. If you want to avoid this, order less ice or drink your beverage promptly.
Can I store the toppings separately?
+
Boba pearls are best consumed on the same day. Jellies and popping boba keep slightly longer in the refrigerator.
Any tips for the best enjoyment?
+
It is best to enjoy your bubble tea within 30 minutes of preparation. Give it a quick stir so all the flavors can blend together.
Allergies
Allergies & Intolerances
Does bubble tea contain common allergens?
+
Some of our drinks contain milk, soy, or nuts. Please inform our team about your allergies so we can advise you.
Is bubble tea nut-free?
+
Not all drinks are nut-free. Some varieties may contain traces of nuts. Please ask in-store for exact ingredients.
Are there lactose-free milk alternatives?
+
Yes, in addition to soy milk, we also offer oat milk and coconut milk as alternatives.
Are your products halal?
+
Our drinks do not contain animal gelatin products. The boba pearls are based on plant-based tapioca starch.
Does taro contain allergens?
+
Our taro powder may contain milk components. Please ask our team if you have milk allergies.
Is there an allergen list?
+
Yes, a detailed allergen list is available in every store. You can also ask our team about ingredients at any time.
Can I drink bubble tea with lactose intolerance?
+
Yes! Simply choose a plant-based milk alternative or a fruit tea without milk. That way you can enjoy bubble tea without any problems.
Are popping boba low in allergens?
+
Popping boba are mainly made from fruit juice and alginate (from seaweed). They are generally free from common allergens.
Can I drink bubble tea with fructose intolerance?
+
For fructose intolerance, we recommend drinks with low sugar and without fruit puree. Our team is happy to advise you on-site.
Stores & Events
Our Stores
Where can I find the nearest TEA99 store?
+
Visit our locations page for all current addresses, opening hours, and directions.
When are TEA99 stores open?
+
Opening hours vary by location and season. You can find current hours on Google Maps or our locations page.
Can I pay with cash in-store?
+
In most stores, we only accept card payment (debit, credit, contactless). Please check in advance for your location.
Is there WiFi in the stores?
+
Selected stores offer free WiFi. Just ask our team on-site.
Can I rent a TEA99 store for events?
+
Yes, for certain events, renting is possible. Contact us through our contact form for more information.
Are there seats in the stores?
+
Yes, all our stores have comfortable seating. The number of seats varies by location.
Is the store wheelchair accessible?
+
We strive for accessibility in all stores. Conditions may vary by location – contact us with any questions.
Can I pre-order online and pick up in-store?
+
Yes! Through our online shop, you can pre-order and have your drink ready for pickup in-store.
Is there a loyalty card?
+
Yes! With our digital loyalty card, you collect points with every purchase and can redeem them for great rewards.
How can I become a TEA99 franchise partner?
+
All information about our franchise program can be found on our franchise page. We look forward to your application!
Still Have Questions?
Feel free to reach out – we are happy to help!
Get in Touch