The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

New York-based start-up, Bubluv, has launched the "first" ready-to-drink, better-for-you boba alternative into the retail market. The release is available in three variants: Black Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls, Matcha Soy Latte with Tapioca Pearls and Passionfruit Oolong Guava with Tapioca Pearls. Each flavour is brewed with loose leaf tea and is sweetened with all-natural sweeteners, including monk fruit and erythritol, "resulting in a lightly sweet and refreshing taste". The ready-to-drink bubble tea has no added sugar or artificial ingredients, contains less than 50 calories per bottle and provides antioxidants – as well as being keto-friendly and gluten-free. Diana Ark Chen, CEO and founder of Bubluv, commented: "After learning how unhealthy boba tea could be, I decided to create Bubluv Bubble Tea so I could enjoy one of my favourite drinks without worrying about how much sugar I was consuming. The incredible pre-launch demand has been a clear indicator that I was not alone in my sentiment. Consumers deserve to experience bubble tea in a simple and better-for-you way and we're excited to bring this first-of-its-kind beverage to market." The drinks are available exclusively on the brand's website.