In recent years, fruit tea has become a top choice for health-conscious customers, especially those following vegan and gluten-free diets. With the growing popularity of bubble tea around the world, people are seeking vegan and gluten-free options that don’t compromise on taste, variety, or aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, many major bubble tea chains have adapted their menus to meet these dietary needs.
Whether you’re allergic to gluten, avoiding animal products, or simply looking for a refreshing, plant-based drink, this guide will help you discover the best vegan and gluten-free fruit tea options available at popular bubble tea shops.
What Is Fruit Tea?
Fruit tea refers to a tea-based beverage made by infusing real fruit, fruit syrups, or fruit concentrates with tea (often green tea, oolong, or jasmine). Unlike milk tea, which often contains dairy or creamer, fruit tea is typically dairy-free and lighter in texture.
When paired with toppings like aloe vera, chia seeds, or fruit jellies (rather than milk-based foam or tapioca containing gluten), fruit tea becomes an ideal choice for those following vegan or gluten-free lifestyles.
Is Fruit Tea Vegan and Gluten-Free by Default?
Not always. While the base ingredients of fruit tea—tea, fruit, sweetener, and ice—can be vegan and gluten-free, it’s important to check for hidden animal-derived or gluten-containing ingredients. These can include:
Sweeteners: Some syrups may contain honey.
Jellies and pearls: Not all jellies or boba are gluten-free or vegan (some use gelatin or wheat-based starch).
Foam toppings: Cheese foam and cream foam typically contain dairy
So while fruit tea can be a safe option, always ask about ingredients or check allergen guides when ordering.
Common Vegan and Gluten-Free Fruit Tea Ingredients
When customizing your fruit tea, look for the following safe ingredients:
✅ Tea bases: Green tea, oolong, jasmine tea, black tea (unsweetened)
✅ Fresh fruit: Mango, passionfruit, peach, lemon, lychee, strawberry, etc.
✅ Fruit syrups and purees: Vegan if no honey or dairy is used
✅ Toppings: Aloe vera, chia seeds, popping boba made with seaweed extract, fruit jelly (non-gelatin)
✅ Sweeteners: Brown sugar, fructose, agave (check vegan status)
❌ Avoid: Cheese foam, creamer, honey syrup, or wheat-based toppings unless clearly labeled vegan/gluten-free.
Popular Vegan & Gluten-Free Fruit Tea Drinks at Bubble Tea Chains
1. Gong Cha
Gong Cha offers a variety of fruit tea options that can be customized to suit your diet.
Recommended vegan/gluten-free options:
Lemon Green Tea
Mango Green Tea
Passionfruit Green Tea
Customizations: Request no cheese foam, and choose aloe or white pearls for gluten-free toppings.
2. Chatime
Chatime’s fruit tea line includes both fresh fruit and juice-infused blends.
Best picks:
Peach Green Tea
Lychee Black Tea
Strawberry Fruit Tea
Tips: Chatime’s standard pearls may contain gluten; opt for aloe vera or coconut jelly.
3. Kung Fu Tea
Kung Fu Tea offers clear labeling for allergen information.
Vegan-friendly fruit teas:
Honeydew Green Tea (ask for vegan sweetener substitute)
Grapefruit Green Tea
Passionfruit Slush (without dairy foam)
Toppings: Choose gluten-free crystal boba or grass jelly.
4. Tiger Sugar
Known for milk teas, but they’ve added fruit tea series due to rising demand.
Try:
Citrus Fruit Tea with lemon and lime slices
Mango Green Tea with seaweed popping boba
Caution: Avoid brown sugar pearls; they may contain wheat-based starch.
5. Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea
Yi Fang emphasizes real fruit and tea bases with minimal artificial flavoring.
Signature vegan/gluten-free choices:
Yi Fang Fruit Tea (ask for no honey)
Pineapple Green Tea
Apple Black Tea
Note: Double-check toppings, as some may use gelatin.
Making Your Own Vegan & Gluten-Free Fruit Tea at Home
For full control over what goes into your drink, try making your own fruit tea at home. You can source quality tea bases and fruit syrups from trusted bubble tea suppliers like Bubble Tea Suppliers.
Ingredients:
Fresh fruit (mango, strawberry, lemon)
Brewed tea (jasmine, oolong, green)
Natural sweetener (agave, cane sugar)
Ice
Optional: chia seeds, aloe vera, seaweed-based popping boba
Instructions:
Brew your tea base and let it chill.
Blend or muddle your fruit.
Combine the tea, fruit, and sweetener in a shaker.
Add ice and shake well.
Serve with your favorite vegan/gluten-free topping
Tips for Ordering Vegan & Gluten-Free at Bubble Tea Shops
Here are some quick tips to help you safely order your next fruit tea:
✅ Always ask: “Is this topping vegan/gluten-free?”
✅ Say “No milk, no cheese foam” when ordering.
✅ Go for clear bases like green or black tea instead of slushes or smoothies.
✅ Choose toppings like aloe vera or fruit popping boba made from seaweed.
✅ Check the chain’s website for allergen statements and ingredient transparency.
Why Fruit Tea Is Perfect for a Healthy Lifestyle
Beyond just dietary restrictions, fruit tea has broader appeal for anyone trying to maintain a balanced, wellness-focused lifestyle.
Lower in calories than milk tea
Rich in vitamins from real fruit
Hydrating and antioxidant-rich due to tea base
Plant-based and refreshing on hot days
❌ No dairy, no gluten, and no bloating
It’s the perfect drink whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a work break, or relaxing at a cafe with friends.
Where to Find Quality Vegan and Gluten-Free Fruit Tea Ingredients
If you’re a bubble tea business owner or just want to make your own drinks at home, sourcing high-quality, allergen-free ingredients is key. Check out Bubble Tea Suppliers for a wide range of:
Tea leaves and powders
Vegan-friendly fruit syrups and concentrates
Gluten-free toppings and popping boba
Custom packaging for bubble tea shops
Their catalog supports global shipping and caters to both commercial and DIY bubble tea makers.
Final Thoughts
Vegan and gluten-free consumers no longer need to compromise when it comes to enjoying bubble tea. With a wide variety of fruit tea options available at major chains, plus the ability to customize drinks or make your own at home, it’s never been easier to sip worry-free.
As more people embrace clean eating and dietary inclusivity, fruit tea continues to stand out as one of the most vibrant and adaptable drinks on the menu. Whether you love citrusy bursts, sweet mango blends, or delicate floral teas, there’s a delicious and guilt-free fruit tea waiting for you.
Ready to start your vegan and gluten-free bubble tea journey? Explore the full ingredient range at Bubble Tea Suppliers and craft your perfect cup today!