How Long Does Boba Last in the Fridge?
Ever wondered how long boba lasts? Maybe you bought yourself a packet of precooked pearls and want to know how long they're going to last you in the fridge? Freshly cooked tapioca pearls should be consumed within 24 hours, otherwise, they might spoil rather quickly. However, if what you've got at home are uncooked tapioca pearls, then these last much longer, even up to an entire year. We discuss exactly how long boba lasts in the fridge in the rest of the article!
How Long Is Boba Good For – What You Need to Know
It's generally said that boba pearls are quite delicate by nature—and not just because of their soft chew! The lifespan of boba pearls can vary dramatically, depending on a number of crucial factors, the primary of which concerns the method of preparation and storage.
Freshly cooked boba pearls are rather time-sensitive, to put it mildly. If you brew yourself a batch of tea and want to add some boba to spice things up, you'd better be precise in your measurements! That's because any leftover pearls that you don't use start degrading in quality after just 24 hours. After this, they will gradually lose their chew and bounce and might even go bad. Foodborne illness is no joke, so it's always better to be safe than sorry!
All of this happens chiefly because of the main ingredient in boba—the tapioca starch molecules. Over time, these begin to lose moisture, which you can only slow down (and not stop) with refrigeration.
However, when it comes to uncooked boba, things look entirely differently. In a cool and dry place, sealed in their original packaging, boba pearls can last up to a year, without the need for refrigeration or freezing.
How Long Does Bubble Tea Last in the Fridge?
We've talked about the pearls, but what about boba, the drink? Generally speaking, the same 24-hour rule applies, especially if you're drinking a milk or dairy-based tea. In some cases, like a fruit tea, that time may stretch up to 48 hours since fruit teas can last a bit longer. However, the quality of the pearls themselves will still degrade, so it's better to enjoy your drink fresh.
How to Know if My Boba Has Spoiled?
Storing boba for too long can lead to unpleasant surprises. Here's how to tell if your treat is no longer safe for consumption:
Texture Change: Pearls that are overly hard, mushy, or sticky have likely gone bad.
Off Smell: A sour or fermented odor means it's time to toss them.
Mold or Discoloration: Visible signs of spoilage indicate the pearls are no longer safe to eat.
The Takeaway
So, how long is boba good for? In its uncooked form, you're good to store it for 6 to 12 months. Cooked pearls and teas, however, should be ideally consumed within 24 hours, as waiting any longer than that can cause spoilage due to the starches in the tapioca pearls or other ingredients slowly degrading, losing flavor, and maybe even spoiling.
