I would like to try using bubble tea straws, but I have looked in several different asian supermarkets in the area and haven't found any. I've seen the milkshake straws in Bed, Bath, and Beyond and didn't know if there is a difference. Does anyone in the area know where I might find some?

You can use the Milkshake Straws from BB&B. I just used them and they worked very well.

Elaine

i buy them on ebay they are really cheap.

Do you know where Pho 79 is off of Va. Beach Blvd and Kellam? If so, the oriental grocery store behind it sells them. I bought packs from them some weeks ago. I still haven't used them, so if you can't find any I could spare a pack.

Panera Bread uses them in their fruit smoothies. If you have one, see if they would sell you some.

Try party supply stores, I actually found them cheaper there than at the asian market for more per package!
If you can't find them Id be happy to mail you some!
C

Thanks everyone! Y'all are so generous!

PistachioCherry - I do know where that is! I was just out that way today, but didn't know there was grocery store back there. I'll have to venture out tomorrow.

What do you use the bubble tea straws for???

Use them for stacking cakes. Easier to cut than dowels. A lot cheaper, too!

Homemade Goodies - I've seen so many people talking about using bubble tea straws as dowels. I don't like using the wood dowels at all and the plastic tubes by Wilton can get expensive and are awfully big for a 6", which I typically use them for. So I'm going to try the straws. I've resisted for a while because I wasn't sure a straw would offer enough stability, but when I thought about it, I realized that they'll work like the tubes, filling with cake offering more stability. I'm going to use them for a cake next week so I'll let you know how it goes.

I've used them quite often, they work great, and come in great colours too-you can almost match icing colours every time!

quick question...are milk shake straws the same as the bubble tea straws?

No, Bubble tea straws are about the diametre of a dime or 10 cent pc.
They have to be large to let the jumbo tapioca pearls to slide up in bubble tea. (Ottawa Canada has the best bubble tea!)