The Different Types of Tapioca Pearls: Which One is Right for You?
There are different types of tapioca pearls and everyone has his or her own boba preferences. However, he or she might not know, what are the bubbles in bubble tea? We don’t usually dwell on these kinds of nuances, but it may make us miss on some delicious boba options. Thus, in this article, we want to share our expertise with you and discuss all the types of tapioca pearls – from chewy boba to soft boba. Have we sparked your interest? Then don’t hesitate – read on!
What are the different boba textures?
Before we explore the various types of pearl toppings, we should explain the key difference between them – the texture. While you may stumble across flavored boba, their main quality is whether they are soft, chewy or popping.
The different boba textures are quite important, since they are what makes bubble tea so special. Without the different toppings, the beverage would not be so unique when compared to other drinks. Some people prefer chewy tapioca pearls, which take a few bites to get through; others would rather have soft bobas which are quite similar to jellies; popping bobas are a great hit as well since it’s usually flavored, especially among children. Thus, our classification of tapioca pearls’ types will always begin by defining the texture.
The types of tapioca pearls and the ingredients
Let’s get to the main topic of our article – different kinds of pearls. The name “pearl” might be misleading, since only the original pearls on our list are indeed made of tapioca, while others use different plants. So, what are the most popular types of boba pearls?
Tapioca Pearl – This is a chewy boba made with tapioca, brown sugar and water. As a classic, it is one of the most common bubble tea toppings. It works great with any drink flavor, and its texture makes it ideal for people who prefer something more gummy and chewy. We should also mention that Pearl Boba is vegetarian.
Crystal Boba – A soft boba. Unlike traditional tapioca pearls, it is made with konjac plant – a tropical flower found in Southeast Asia. Its texture could be described as jelly-like. Similarly to Pearl Boba, it is vegetarian.
Popping Boba – A popping variation isn’t made of tapioca nor konjac. Instead, fruit juice is used, which then undergoes the process of spherification. As a result, you get popping balls which pop when bitten. In most cases, it’s best to ask your bubble tea barista whether it’s vegetarian…
Mini Pearls – These are smaller versions of the chewy Pearl Boba. Due to their size, the overall feeling of drinking your bubble tea might change, so if you like traditional tapioca pearls, you should also give their smaller versions a try.
What do different tapioca pearl types taste like?
Tapioca pearls are added mainly to achieve different textures in drinks. Thus, in most cases they simply give sweet flavors. The only exception is the popping bobas, the flavor of which depends on the kind of fruit juice the bobas consist of. By adding pearl topping, it gives bubble tea a more in depth layer of taste.
The takeaway
You now know all about the different types of tapioca pearls. All that is left is to choose the one that suits your boba preferences. Do you prefer a more chewy texture, or maybe something more jelly-like? Whichever it is – pick the right kind of bubbles and enjoy your delicious drink!
Are you fascinated with the bubbles in bubble tea? Then take a look at our other article on boba pearls!