ShareTea is a boba tea chain with locations across North America and Asia

ShareTea is a Taiwanese boba tea brand that operates hundreds of locations, mostly in Asia but with a growing presence in North America. You order at the counter or through a mobile app, choose your tea base, flavor, sweetness level, and toppings (usually tapioca pearls, but also jelly, pudding, or other options), and pay before you receive your drink. Most locations are franchised, so menu items, prices, and store hours vary by location.

The chain started in Taiwan in 2011 and expanded internationally. Unlike some boba shops that brew tea fresh to order, ShareTea typically uses pre-made tea concentrate mixed with water and ice, which means your drink is ready in a few minutes rather than ten. This speed comes with a trade-off: the tea flavor is more consistent across locations but less variable than shops that brew to order.

If you are new to boba or trying ShareTea for the first time, the main decision is what to order. The menu is large, but most people start with a milk tea (usually black or oolong tea with milk and sweetener) or a fruit tea (tea with fruit flavoring, usually without milk). The tapioca pearls are the signature topping, though you can skip them or choose alternatives.

Key Takeaways

  • ShareTea locations are franchised, so prices, menu items, and hours differ by store — check the specific location's hours before you go.
  • You can order at the counter or through the ShareTea mobile app, which sometimes offers discounts or loyalty rewards depending on your location.
  • Most drinks come with customizable sweetness levels (usually 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%), so you can control how much sugar is in your drink.
  • Tapioca pearls are the standard topping, but ShareTea locations usually offer jelly, pudding, or no topping as alternatives.
  • Prices typically range from $5 to $8 per drink, though this varies by location and whether you add premium toppings or upgrades.

How to order and customize your drink

When you arrive at a ShareTea location, you will see a menu board or printed menu with tea bases, flavors, and toppings listed separately. The process is: pick a tea base (black tea, oolong, green tea, or milk tea), pick a flavor (plain, or a fruit or seasonal option), pick your sweetness level, and pick your topping. You can also order without any topping if you prefer just the tea.

Sweetness levels are usually marked as percentages: 0% (no sugar added), 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% (full sugar as the recipe calls for). If you are unsure, 50% or 75% is a common starting point. You can also ask the staff what they recommend — they hear this question often and can tell you which drinks taste better at which sweetness levels.

If you order through the ShareTea app, you will see the same customization options. The app may show a loyalty program or points system for your location, though this varies by franchise. Some locations offer a discount on your first app order, but you will need to check your specific store's app page to see what is available.

Pricing and what affects the cost

A standard boba drink at ShareTea usually costs between $5 and $8, depending on your location and what you order. Milk teas tend to be on the lower end, while fruit teas and specialty seasonal drinks may be slightly higher. Adding a premium topping (such as pudding or jelly instead of standard tapioca) typically adds $0.50 to $1.00 to the price.

Prices are set by individual franchise owners, so a ShareTea in San Francisco will cost more than one in a smaller city. If you see a price online that seems different from what you are charged, it is likely because the website shows a different location's pricing. Always check the price at your specific store before ordering.

Some locations offer combo deals or discounts for ordering multiple drinks, though this is not standard across all ShareTea shops. Ask the staff at your location whether they have any current promotions or whether the app shows discounts you can use.

Understanding the menu: tea bases and flavors

ShareTea menus typically list several tea bases: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and milk tea (which is usually black tea with milk already added). Each base has a different flavor profile. Black tea is the strongest and most traditional boba flavor. Oolong is smoother and slightly sweet on its own. Green tea is lighter and more delicate. Milk tea is creamy and mild.

Flavors are added on top of the base. You might order "black tea with taro flavor" or "oolong with lychee flavor." Some flavors are permanent menu items (like taro, brown sugar, or classic fruit flavors), while others are seasonal and rotate throughout the year. If you see a flavor you like, ask whether it is permanent or seasonal — if it is seasonal, you may not see it again for several months.

If you are ordering for the first time and unsure what to pick, milk tea with tapioca is the most common order and a safe starting point. Taro milk tea is another popular choice if you want something slightly different. Fruit teas are lighter and work well if you do not want milk in your drink.

Toppings and what they taste like

Tapioca pearls (also called boba) are the signature topping and come standard with most orders unless you say otherwise. They are chewy, slightly sweet, and have a texture somewhere between gummy candy and cooked pasta. They sit at the bottom of the cup, so you drink the tea first and then use a wide straw to suck up the pearls as you drink.

Most ShareTea locations also offer jelly (usually coconut or grass jelly, which is softer and less chewy than tapioca) and pudding (which is smoother and creamier). Some locations have popping boba (small spheres that burst in your mouth) or other toppings, though these vary by location. You can also order your drink with no topping at all if you prefer just the tea.

If you have never had tapioca pearls before, they take some getting used to. Some people love them when ready; others find the texture odd at first. There is no wrong choice — if you do not like them after trying, you can order without them next time or try a different topping.

Finding a ShareTea location and checking hours

ShareTea has locations in most major North American cities and throughout Asia. You can find a location near you by visiting the ShareTea website and using their store locator, or by searching "ShareTea near me" in Google Maps. The store locator will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Hours vary significantly by location. Some ShareTea shops are in malls and follow mall hours. Others are in downtown areas and stay open late. A few close on Sundays or have limited weekend hours. Always check the hours for your specific location before you go, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend or evening.

If you cannot find a ShareTea location near you, other boba chains like Gong Cha, Tiger Sugar, or local independent boba shops may be available. The ordering process is similar across most boba shops, though the menu and prices will differ.

Common questions about ordering and allergies

Many ShareTea locations can make drinks without tapioca or other toppings if you have an allergy or preference. However, because locations are franchised and may have different equipment and preparation methods, you should always tell the staff about any allergies before ordering. Ask them directly what ingredients are in each topping and whether they can prepare your drink safely.

If you are vegan or have dietary restrictions, milk tea can be made with non-dairy milk at most locations, though you will need to ask. Not all locations stock alternative milks, so call ahead if you have specific dietary needs. The same applies if you are avoiding caffeine — ask the staff whether they have decaf tea options.

If your drink does not taste right or you received the wrong order, go back to the counter and tell the staff. Most locations will remake your drink or offer a refund. Keep your receipt in case you need to show proof of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ShareTea and other boba chains?

ShareTea uses pre-made tea concentrate, which makes drinks faster and more consistent but sometimes less flavorful than shops that brew tea fresh to order. ShareTea also tends to have more locations and a larger menu than many independent boba shops. The main difference you will notice is speed — your drink is usually ready in a few minutes.

Can I order ShareTea online or for delivery?

Some ShareTea locations accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, and some have their own mobile app. Not all locations use these services, so check whether your specific store does. Delivery usually adds $2 to $5 to your order plus a delivery fee.

What does tapioca taste like if I have never had it before?

Tapioca pearls are chewy and slightly sweet, with a texture similar to cooked pasta or gummy candy. They do not have a strong flavor on their own — they mostly add texture. If you do not like the texture, try jelly or pudding instead, or order without any topping.

Are boba drinks high in sugar?

A standard boba drink made with 100% sweetness can contain 30 to 50 grams of sugar, depending on the size and type. You can reduce this significantly by ordering at 50% or 75% sweetness, or by asking for no added sugar. The tapioca pearls themselves add a small amount of sugar as well.

Do I need to tip at ShareTea?

Tipping is not required at ShareTea, as it is a counter-service shop where you order and pay before receiving your drink. Some locations have a tip option on the payment screen, but it is optional. Tipping practices vary by location and region.