Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about making bubble tea, quantities, storage and orders.
Products and preparation
What is the difference between popping boba, jelly and tapioca?
Popping boba are liquid-filled pearls that burst in your mouth and are ready to use. Nata de coco jelly consists of chewy coconut jelly pieces that also need no cooking. Tapioca pearls need cooking and become soft and chewy when prepared.
How do I make one 500 ml bubble tea?
Put 60 g of drained pearls into a 500 ml cup, add ice and syrup, then fill the cup with cooled tea, water or sparkling water. Stir.
When using BOBAstore syrups in 2.5 kg packs, a 500 ml cup needs approximately 30 ml of syrup for a drink with ice or 40 ml for a drink without ice. Doses for other syrups may differ, so check the specific product description.
How many drinks does a 3.2 kg pack of popping boba make?
A 3.2 kg pack contains 2.3 kg of drained pearls. At 60 g per drink, it makes approximately 38 drinks. For example, 50 drinks require 2 packs.
How do I calculate quantities for a party or market?
On popping boba, jelly and tapioca product pages, open “How many packs will you need?” above the quantity selector. Enter your planned number of drinks. The calculator shows the number of full packs; pressing “Select” transfers it to the product quantity field.
The calculation covers only that product. Plan syrup, cups, lids and straws separately. If using several flavours, split your drink count between them.
How much jelly do I need per drink?
Allow approximately 80 g of drained jelly per drink. A 3.85 kg pack of nata de coco contains 2.8 kg of drained jelly, enough for approximately 35 drinks. It is ready to use and needs no cooking.
Does tapioca need cooking, and how much do I need?
Yes. Calculate quantities using the uncooked weight: approximately 50 g per drink. A 3 kg pack makes about 60 drinks; a 250 g pack makes about 5.
For the 3 kg tapioca, use a 1:10 pearl-to-water ratio, cook for 35 minutes and rest covered for 35 minutes. The quick-cooking 250 g Taro, Brown Sugar and Matcha pearls specify 2 minutes. Always follow the instructions on your pack.
Which accessories do I need?
For drinks with pearls, choose a wide straw, approximately 12 mm. A strainer scoop helps drain and portion the pearls. Cups and lids are useful for takeaway drinks; check that the lid diameter fits your cup.
Storage and ingredients
Can I add the liquid from the popping boba pack to a drink?
No. The liquid surrounding the pearls is for storage, not consumption. Drain only the portion you need. Leave the remaining pearls in their storage liquid and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
How should I store pearls and jelly after opening?
Keep our 3.2 kg popping boba and 3.85 kg nata de coco jelly refrigerated after opening. Their product descriptions recommend using them within 14 days. Use a clean utensil for each portion and close the pack.
For unopened products, follow the storage conditions and expiry date on the label. If your pack has different instructions, follow those.
Do all syrups need refrigeration after opening?
No, storage conditions differ. For example, the 350 ml raspberry and cherry syrups specify storage at 16–25 °C and use within 30 days of opening. Do not apply one syrup’s instructions to all others: check the specific label and product description.
Where can I check ingredients, allergens and vegan suitability?
Check the specific product label and description for ingredients and allergen information. These can vary by flavour and manufacturer. “Vegan” does not by itself mean gluten-free or free from other allergens.
If information is missing, send us the product name and the ingredient you want to check.
Delivery and collection
Which countries do you deliver to?
We currently deliver to Latvia and Estonia, by parcel locker and courier. Delivery to other countries is temporarily paused.
When will I receive my order?
We prepare orders within 1–2 working days after payment. Delivery then usually takes 1–2 working days in Latvia and 2–5 working days in Estonia. Preparation time is additional to delivery time.
Promotions and holidays may take longer. Once the order is handed to the carrier, you will receive shipment and collection information.
How much is delivery, and when is it free?
Parcel lockers in Latvia: Venipak €2.50; DPD and Omniva €3.50. In Estonia: Venipak €3.00; DPD and Omniva €3.50.
Parcel locker delivery is free for orders from €80 in Latvia and Estonia; we prioritise Venipak. Courier delivery is charged even from €80, with the price shown before order confirmation. Promotions may have different conditions; check the final delivery charge at checkout.
Where can I collect my order?
Warehouse: Nometņu iela 47, Riga, entrance from Lapu iela. Arrange collection in advance; the warehouse has no fixed opening hours.
BOBAstore café stand: Domina Shopping, Ieriķu iela 3, Riga, near entrance B, opposite Burger King. Open daily 10:00–21:00. Before travelling to collect an online order, make sure it is ready at your chosen location.
Can I buy at the warehouse without ordering online?
Yes, you can place an order on site. However, contact us before visiting to agree a time and check availability. Ordering online in advance helps us prepare your products.
What should I do if my parcel is damaged?
Photograph the damaged packaging before opening it. If products are also damaged, photograph them and email info@bobastore.eu. Include your order number, a short description and photos. We will review the situation and agree a solution.
Payments and orders
How can I pay for my order?
Pay through online banking via MakeCommerce or choose payment by invoice. When collecting your order in person, you can pay by card or cash.
ESTO 3 and ESTO Pay Later are currently available only to private individuals in Latvia as optional payment methods. Choosing ESTO is not required.
I chose ESTO. Is confirming the order enough?
No. On the confirmation page, first press the icon for your chosen ESTO service, then the black button bearing that service’s name. Complete the process on the ESTO website. We prepare the order after successful ESTO approval.
ESTO is available to private individuals in Latvia. If you closed the page or cannot finish, contact us with your order number.
How do I request a return?
To request a return, complete the withdrawal form or email info@bobastore.eu with your order number and product. Before sending it back, read the return conditions and exceptions applicable to the item.
If the item is damaged or incorrect, explain this in your message so we can assess the appropriate solution.
Can I order for a café or business?
Yes. Visit our business page or send us your business name, the products you need and planned quantities. We will provide information about cooperation and applicable terms.