What Are the Boba Balls Made of?
We all know how lovely it is to sip on and enjoy our favorite combination of flavors and textures, but what are boba balls made of? If you haven't found that out yet, most boba balls are made of tapioca starch, which comes from the tapioca plant. Their method of preparation, however, can greatly influence the end result, creating awesome and fun varieties that alter the drinking experience. Combined with the numerous toppings, tea flavors, and other ingredients you can change to your liking, boba balls (or pearls, if you like) bring a wealth of different beverages. If you're seeking inspiration or simply want to know what boba balls are, read on below!
What Are Boba Balls?
Before they start putting the bubbles in bubble tea, the worldwide sensation of the boba pearls begins its life as the humble cassava plant, a species native to South American regions. This tough and nutty tuber eventually gets processed into tapioca starch, and from there, through various processes and preparation methods, boba balls are eventually shaped. Then, after cooking them down to soften their texture, they become the chewy balls of perfection that we all know and love!
Exploring the World of Different Types of Boba
Such a wonderful thing like boba could not come in just one shape! Over the years, many new kinds of the fun topping have surfaced, all with one overarching goal: to bring boba pearl lovers more enjoyable ways of experiencing bubble tea! Take a look at this list of different tapioca pearls to see what they're all about:
Traditional Boba: The OG of the bunch! These chewy, dark spheres are what started it all. Made from tapioca starch and often sweetened with brown sugar, they're the classic choice for a reason.
Crystal Boba: If you're ready to shake things up, crystal boba is here! The see-through cousin of the original adds a touch of elegance to your lovely drink.
Popping Boba: Although these are obtained as part of a different process, you'll love them either way! They're like tiny juice-filled pockets that burst in your mouth to make the drinking experience even more fun!
Mini Pearls: These are smaller than classic boba pearls but just as chewy. Good things come in small packages!
Best Drinks to Use Boba Pearls as a Topping
What are the most popular ways to have your boba? Undoubtedly, the classic milk tea with boba is so renowned for a reason. The creaminess of the tea plays super nicely with the signature boba chew.
Leaning more toward crystal boba as your topping? Try it with a fruit tea of your choice! The colorful drink with a translucent topping looks visually appealing, and the tastiness is just the cherry on top.
Speaking of cherries (or fruity notes in general), one other thing to try is popping boba in a fruit smoothie or some other fruit concoction! We recommend choosing two contrasting fruit flavors to enjoy a kaleidoscope of tangy and naturally sweet expressions coalescing in your mouth in these tiny, satisfying bursts!
The Takeaway
What are boba balls made of? All it takes is tapioca starch obtained from the cassava plant. With a little bit of magic, chemistry, and a whole lotta love, you eventually get boba pearls as the end product. Come enjoy classic boba pearls and a variety of other toppings for your drinks at Sharetea, and explore the infinite flavor possibilities of our menu!
You may also read: Does Boba Tea Have Dairy?
