The most talked-about drinks of 2016 among netizens – No. 1 is right here

▲50 Lan Matcha Latte. (Photo / from50 Lan Central Taiwan Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Originally, drinks were meant to quench the body’s “thirst,” but in recent years they’ve also acquired a “trendy” appeal. Do you still remember which drinks went viral this year? DailyView’s Internet Popularity Meter conducted a survey on various specialty bubble tea drinks using the “KEYPO Big Data Key Engine.” The drink that garnered the most online discussion in 2016 was 50 Lan’s Matcha Latte, followed by vending machine milk tea at No. 2, and Maru Tsuo Tea’s Caramel/Tapioca Pearl Fresh Milk at No. 3.

Top 10 Most Talked-About Drinks Among Netizens

No. 1: 50 Lan Matcha Latte
No. 2: Vending Machine Milk Tea
No. 3: Maru Tsuo Tea Caramel/Tapioca Pearl Fresh Milk
No. 4: FamilyMart Cool Bingsha
No. 5: Maru Tsuo Tea Uji Matcha Tapioca
No. 6: Bryan Red Tea Yuchi Red Jade Black Tea
No. 7: Tea Association Jade Lemon
No. 8: Guava Bar Orange-Scented Guava
No. 9: Diagonal Alley Potted Plant Milk Tea
No. 10: Rainbow Smoothie

How many of these top 10 have netizens managed to try? In late September, the chain beverage brand “50 Lan” launched a limited-edition matcha series at four branches across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, sparking a wave of long queues and rush purchases. In November, the series was expanded to most stores in central Taiwan, temporarily disappointing friends in the greater Taipei area—though by the end of November, it became available in northern, Taipei, and Keelung areas as well. Additionally, vending machine milk tea remained popular from early to mid-year. Though there was no specific vendor, anytime a new vending machine was set up, it would attract crowds lining up to buy.