National Bubble Tea Day, celebrated annually on April 30, offers consumers across the United States and Canada opportunities to access free items, discounted drinks, and exclusive merchandise from major bubble tea chains and local independent shops. The holiday, which coincides with the founding date of the Kung Fu Tea chain, has evolved into a month-long celebration featuring various promotions designed to attract both loyal customers and new patrons. While the primary focus is on beverage discounts, several brands have structured their offers to include app credits, free accessories, and entry into larger sweepstakes.
Key Brand Promotions and Offers
Several national chains have announced specific deals for National Bubble Tea Day 2025. These offers vary by location, eligibility requirements, and redemption method.
Kung Fu Tea
As the founder of the holiday, Kung Fu Tea structures its celebration as a month-long event rather than a single-day promotion. The company offers multiple ways for customers to participate:
- App Credit Incentive: On National Bubble Tea Day, customers who purchase any drink using the Kung Fu Tea mobile app receive $6 worth of app credit. This credit is valid for redemption starting the following week.
- Merchandise Giveaway: Customers who purchase two "Princess Peach’s Tea Party" drinks on National Bubble Tea Day receive a free Princess Peach tote bag, available while supplies last.
- Social Media Sweepstakes: The brand hosts a giveaway for 25 winners to receive free bubble tea for a year. To enter, participants must follow the brand on Instagram (@KungFuTeaUSA) and engage with specific posts.
- Happy Hour Program: Kung Fu Tea has launched a happy hour program offering "fan favorite Punches" for $4. This deal is available Monday through Friday before 3:00 p.m. local time at participating locations.
Chatime
Chatime offers distinct promotions for its Canadian and U.S. locations.
- Canada Deal: In Canada, Chatime extends the celebration to "Bubble Tea Month," running from April 30 to May 12. The offer includes two regular drinks for $8 or one regular drink for $5. Eligible drinks for this promotion are Matcha Milk Tea, QQ Lychee, Mango Grapefruit, Honeydew Slush, Jasmine Green, and Honey Green Milk Tea. Upgrading to a larger size incurs a 70-cent upcharge.
- U.S. Deal: For U.S. locations, Chatime offers a deal on specific iced drinks: Matcha Milk Tea, QQ Lychee, Mango Grapefruit, Honeydew Slush, Jasmine Green, and Honey Green Milk Tea. The offer includes a 70-cent upcharge for larger sizes. This deal is valid only at participating locations.
Gong Cha
Gong Cha’s promotion focuses on exclusive merchandise rather than beverage discounts.
- Limited-Edition Pins: With any purchase on National Bubble Tea Day, customers receive a limited-edition boba pin. These items are available at participating locations only and are distributed while supplies last.
Xing Fu Tang
Xing Fu Tang’s offer is geographically restricted.
- Free Mini Boba Milk Tea: The chain is giving away a free mini boba milk tea with any purchase. This offer is valid exclusively for New York residents.
Happy Lemon (Athens, GA)
While specific to the Athens, Georgia location, Happy Lemon offers a points-based incentive.
- Double Points: Rewards members receive double points on every purchase made on National Bubble Tea Day.
BobaMania (Athens, GA)
BobaMania offers a standard "buy one, get one" promotion.
- BOGO Deal: Customers can buy one drink and get a second drink free on National Bubble Tea Day.
Context on National Iced Tea Day
It is important for consumers to distinguish between National Bubble Tea Day (April 30) and National Iced Tea Day (June 10). While the source material primarily focuses on bubble tea, some overlapping tea-centric promotions occur on National Iced Tea Day.
- McAlister's Deli: On June 10, the first 30 guests at participating locations receive a "Tea Pass," valid for one Big Tea per day for 30 consecutive days. Redemption requires McAlister's Rewards membership. The brand also runs a social media giveaway for a Tea Pass.
- Lipton Hard Iced Tea: This brand runs a sweepstakes for a trip to Palm Springs. Entry requires following @liptonhardtea on Instagram, liking the National Iced Tea Day post, and tagging a friend with the hashtag #dontretiretheparty.
- Tsaocaa Tea: This chain offers a buy-one-get-one-50%-off deal on iced tea on June 10 and 11 at their Chicago location.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Consumers should be aware of specific rules governing these promotions:
- Geographic Restrictions: Several offers are limited to specific regions. For example, Xing Fu Tang’s free mini boba offer is only for New York residents. Chatime’s $8/2-drink deal is specific to Canada.
- Participating Locations: Most chain-wide deals, including those from Kung Fu Tea, Chatime, and Gong Cha, are valid only at participating locations. Consumers are advised to verify with their local store before visiting.
- Purchase Requirements: Many freebies require a purchase. Xing Fu Tang requires any purchase to receive the free mini boba. Gong Cha requires any purchase to receive the free pin.
- App Requirements: Kung Fu Tea’s $6 credit requires the use of their mobile app for the initial purchase.
- Membership Requirements: McAlister's Deli requires Rewards membership to redeem the Tea Pass.
- Supply Limits: Merchandise offers, such as Gong Cha’s pins and Kung Fu Tea’s tote bags, are available only while supplies last.
Finding Local Deals
The source material suggests that beyond the major chains, many local independent boba shops also participate in National Bubble Tea Day. Consumers are encouraged to check with their local tea shops for specific deals not listed in national press releases.
Conclusion
National Bubble Tea Day 2025 provides a variety of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, ranging from free merchandise and app credits to discounted beverages. The most extensive celebrations are hosted by Kung Fu Tea, which offers app credits, merchandise, and a year-long tea giveaway. However, regional chains like Chatime and Xing Fu Tang offer significant value to customers within their specific service areas. Consumers should verify participation status and supply availability at their local stores and distinguish between National Bubble Tea Day (April 30) and National Iced Tea Day (June 10) to maximize relevant offers.