COVID-19 pandemic, shipping backlog creates boba shortage

Fans of bubble tea might have to go without the tapioca pearls for at least a few weeks, possibly even months.

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Friday, April 16, 2021
Boba shortage caused by pandemic, shipping backlog
Boba lovers, brace yourself. There is a boba shortage in our midst.

Boba lovers, brace yourself. There is a boba crisis in our midst.

Due to the pandemic and a backlog in shipping from overseas, there is now a shortage of boba and the tapioca starch used to make it.

That means fans of bubble tea might have to go without the tapioca pearls for at least a few weeks, possibly even months.

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The Boba Guys, who have several locations across Southern California, commented on the shortage in an Instagram post saying, "This is an industry-wide shortage. Some boba shops are already out. Others will run out in the next few weeks. 99% of boba comes from overseas."

Some shops are already out of boba, while others are expected to run out in the next few weeks. It is unknown when the shortage might end.