How Long Does Milk Tea Last? (Fridge, Room Temperature, Freezer & Boba Shelf Life)

Milk tea is delicious, refreshing, and extremely popular worldwide. However, because it contains milk and brewed tea, it is also a perishable drink. Whether you make milk tea at home, buy bubble tea from a café, or store leftovers in the fridge, one question always comes up:

How long does milk tea last?

The shelf life of milk tea depends on several factors, including temperature, ingredients, storage method, and toppings like tapioca pearls. This complete guide explains exactly how long milk tea lasts, how to store it safely, and how to tell when it has gone bad.

• How Long Does Bubble Tea Last in the Fridge? Shelf Life & Storage Tips
  
• Bubble Tea vs Milk Tea: What’s the Difference?
  
• Is Bubble Tea Healthy? The Truth About Its Nutrition and Health Impact
  

Quick Answer: How Long Does Milk Tea Last?

• At room temperature: 1–2 hours

• In the fridge: 24–48 hours (without boba)

• In the fridge with boba: 12–24 hours

• In the freezer: Up to 1 month (quality decreases)

• Boba pearls alone: 4–6 hours at room temperature

For the best flavor and safety, milk tea should be consumed on the same day it is made.

Request Free Packaging Samples

What Counts as Milk Tea?

Milk tea refers to any tea-based drink that contains milk or a milk alternative. Shelf life varies depending on the type.

Common Types of Milk Tea

• Classic milk tea (black tea with milk)

• Bubble tea or boba milk tea

• Thai milk tea

• Matcha milk tea

• Chai milk tea

• Brown sugar milk tea

• Taro milk tea

Storage Differences

• Freshly made milk tea spoils fastest

• Bottled or pasteurized milk tea lasts longer unopened

• Powdered milk tea mixes last months when dry, but spoil quickly once prepared

What Affects How Long Milk Tea Lasts?

Milk Type

• Dairy milk spoils the fastest

• Non-dairy milk tea (oat milk, soy milk, almond milk) usually lasts slightly longer

• Condensed milk and powdered creamers can extend shelf life slightly

Temperature

• Heat accelerates bacterial growth

• Milk tea left out warms quickly and spoils faster

Sugar Content

• Sugar slows bacterial growth but does not make milk tea shelf-stable

Toppings

• Tapioca pearls significantly shorten shelf life

• Cheese foam, whipped cream, and pudding spoil quickly

Storage Container

• Airtight containers extend freshness

• Cups with inserted straws introduce bacteria

How Long Does Milk Tea Last at Room Temperature?

Milk tea should not be kept at room temperature for long.

• Safe for up to 2 hours below 90°F (32°C)

• Safe for only 1 hour above 90°F

Milk tea left out overnight is unsafe to drink and should be discarded.

Signs of spoilage include sour smell, curdling, bitterness, or separation.

How Long Does Milk Tea Last in the Fridge?

Refrigerated Milk Tea Shelf Life

• Without boba: 24–48 hours

• With boba: 12–24 hours (texture degrades quickly)

Best Refrigeration Practices

• Refrigerate within 1 hour of preparation

• Use airtight glass containers or bottles

• Avoid storing in the refrigerator door

• Shake before drinking to recombine separated layers

Milk tea made with non-dairy milk often lasts closer to 48 hours.

How Long Does Milk Tea Last in the Freezer?

Milk tea can be frozen, but texture and flavor may change.

Freezer Storage Timeline

• Safe for up to 1 month

• Best quality within 2 weeks

Freezing Limitations

• Dairy milk separates when frozen

• Tea flavor may become bitter

• Tapioca pearls become hard and rubbery

For best results, freeze only the tea base and add milk and toppings after thawing.

How Long Does Boba (Tapioca Pearls) Last?

Tapioca pearls have a very short shelf life once cooked.

Cooked Boba Pearls

• Room temperature: 4–6 hours

• Stored in sugar syrup: up to 8 hours

• Refrigeration: not recommended (pearls harden)

Uncooked Boba Pearls

• Shelf life: 6–12 months when sealed

• Store in a cool, dry place

Boba hardens in the fridge due to starch retrogradation, making it unsuitable for next-day use.

Shelf Life of Popular Milk Tea Toppings

Storing toppings separately helps extend freshness.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Milk Tea

Homemade Milk Tea

• No preservatives

• Best consumed within 24 hours

Café Bubble Tea

• Ice dilution reduces quality quickly

• Straw exposure increases contamination risk

Bottled Milk Tea

• Unopened: weeks to months (check label)

• Opened: 2–3 days refrigerated

How to Tell If Milk Tea Has Gone Bad

Discard milk tea if you notice:

• Sour or rancid smell

• Curdling or clumps

• Thick film on the surface

• Bitter, tangy, or fizzy taste

If you are unsure, it is safer to throw it away.

How to Store Milk Tea So It Lasts Longer

• Cool milk tea before sealing

• Use airtight glass containers

• Store tea, milk, and toppings separately

• Label with preparation date and time

• Avoid repeated warming and chilling

Can You Reheat Milk Tea?

Milk tea can be reheated gently.

Best method:

• Use low heat on the stovetop

• Stir continuously

• Do not boil

High microwave heat often causes curdling and separation.

Food Safety Notes for Milk Tea

Milk tea enters the food safety danger zone (40–140°F) quickly. It is not suitable for long travel or extended room-temperature storage. Extra caution is advised for children, pregnant individuals, and people with sensitive stomachs.

FAQs: How Long Does Milk Tea Last?

How long does milk tea last in the fridge?

Milk tea lasts 24–48 hours without boba and 12–24 hours with boba when refrigerated properly.

Can you drink milk tea the next day?

Yes, if stored in the fridge promptly and it shows no signs of spoilage.

Can you freeze milk tea?

Yes, but quality decreases. Freezing only the tea base produces better results.

How long does bubble tea last?

Bubble tea lasts up to 24 hours in the fridge, but boba texture deteriorates quickly.

How do you know if milk tea is bad?

Sour smell, curdling, separation, or an unpleasant taste indicate spoilage.