Bubble Barista

What's in the box: Loose-leaf tea, flavored syrups, tapioca pearls, boba straws, and two recipes with detailed instructions, enough for about 20 servings.

Bubble Barista is a US monthly subscription for people who want to make bubble tea at home instead of buying it at a shop. Each box is meant to make 20 servings. It includes loose-leaf tea, syrups, tapioca pearls, wide boba straws and two new recipes each month, one sweet and one lighter option, along with step-by-step instructions. The plan costs $29.97 per month, which the company says works out to about $2 per drink. After your first box, which ships within 2 to 6 days of signing up, boxes go out on the 7th of each month. You can cancel at any time. The company also advertises free returns and round-the-clock customer support. The idea suits beginners and families looking for a hands-on kitchen project. When we checked, though, the subscription was marked sold out, so you may not be able to sign up right away. The site does not say which tea varieties or flavors you will get, where the ingredients come from, or how long the pearls keep. You will also need to cook the pearls and brew the tea yourself, so this takes more effort than a ready-to-drink option.