If you’re not familiar with Mixue yet, you soon might be. The Chinese boba powerhouse has started opening US locations, signaling the start of a major expansion.
After all, Mixue is no stranger to rapid growth. The chain now has more locations globally than McDonald’s. Around 40,000 of its stores are in China, but it also operates in South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines.
Its first US locations have opened in Los Angeles and New York City, with more on the horizon. The chain is currently accepting franchise applications across California and New York.
“We are actively advancing our global strategy,” Zhang Hongfu, Global CEO of Mixue, said in a statement. “The company will steadily expand its store footprint, allowing more local consumers to enjoy high-quality, affordable drinks.”
Mixue
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The key to Mixue’s popularity is its low prices—comparable to budget fast-food chains and even IKEA—but also its wide-ranging menu. In addition to boba, the chain (whose name translates to “sweet snow palace”) specializes in soft serve and fruity beverages.
But is anything on the menu vegan?
What is vegan at Mixue?
At the moment, there is not a dairy-free version of Mixue’s signature soft serve. However, plant-based customers can rely on the chain’s fruit-forward drinks. “Mixue offers [a] variety of fruit teas which are vegan friendly,” the chain states.
Mixue is especially known for its fresh lemonade—it claims to sell more than one billion cups each year. While the menu varies by country, other fruit-based options typically include drinks like Kiwi Jasmine Tea and Lemon Black Tea.
The chain also offers milk teas and coffee, although these contain dairy. An Americano is a reliable dairy-free coffee choice at the Mixue.
Mixue Melbourne
Where to find vegan boba in Los Angeles
Mixue chose Los Angeles for its first US location for several reasons. Spokesperson Xu Ping told the Los Angeles Times that Hollywood was appealing due to its mix of local residents and international tourists. California is also a major boba hub, with more boba shops than any other US state. Los Angeles, in particular, has a rapidly growing boba-loving consumer base.
“Boba culture is even stronger in Los Angeles than Taiwan,” journalist Clarissa Wei wrote for LA Weekly in 2017.
While most boba drinks are traditionally made with milk tea—like those at Mixue—it’s usually possible to order vegan versions. Spots like Boba Zzing in East Hollywood and Ume Tea on Palms Boulevard are known for offering quality dairy-free options.
In fact, many Los Angeles boba shops can accommodate vegan orders—just ask for a classic tea base with dairy-free milk. For now, Mixue’s dairy-based drinks cannot be ordered vegan.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
