What are the bubbles in bubble tea?
Written by a few bubble tea addicts, on Jun 26, 2022
TL/DR: The bubbles in bubble tea are Tapioca Pearls. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava plant. Tapioca bubbles (a.k.a pearls) found in bubble tea are thick and chewy. They also take on the flavor of the syrup they are in.
Looking to learn more about the bubbles in bubble tea? Those magical, mysterious, black bubbles that seem to be showing up in so many drinks on the bubble tea menu? We wrote up this guide to help you learn everything about them. P.s. they taste delicious, don't be afraid to order them!.
What are the bubbles in bubble tea?
The black bubbles you see so often in bubble tea are Tapioca balls. They come in a variety of different flavors, sizes, and levels of chewiness. If you haven't drank bubble tea before, ask for 'Tapioca' or 'Boba' as your topping. Your barista will serve you the classic tapioca balls that everyone knows and loves.
What are the bubbles called in bubble tea?
There are quite a few names for the bubbles in bubble tea. Depending on where you live, they're called Tapioca, Tapioca Pearls, Pearls, Boba, Boba Pearls, or Boba Balls. For example, in California Boba Pearls or Boba is more common, whereas in New York you would ask for Tapioca.
Don't worry about getting the naming right. When you visit a boba shop you'll see the toppings called out. Most baristas are also familiar with all the different names. They'll understand you either way!
What are the bubbles in bubble tea made of?
The bubbles in bubble tea (called Tapioca) are made from Tapioca starch. Tapioca starch looks like a white powder and is extracted from the cassava root plant. The cassava root originated from Brazil, though it is grown in many Latin American countries today.
Outside of making bubbles for bubble tea, Tapioca starch is a popular ingredient for many other dishes, mostly in South America. The starch gets used to make doughs, crepes, puddings, and much more!
What do the bubbles taste like?
The bubbles in bubble tea are chewy and mild in flavor. They are usually soaked in syrup to give them flavor, or take on the flavor of the drink they're in. So why eat bubbles if they have a mild flavor? Because of the texture!
Most people enjoy the bubbles in their bubble tea because they add a unique, chewy texture to their drink. They are soft, chewy, and complement most milk tea drinks well! If you want to learn more about what bubble tea tastes like, check out our guide here.
Photo Credits: Insta @kawaiibobahouse
What are the popping bubbles in bubble tea?
Popping bubbles are little balls filled with fruit juice. When you chew on the bubble, it bursts in your mouth and releases the fruit juice. Note - popping bubbles are very different from regular bubbles (Tapioca Pearls) in bubble tea.
Popping bubbles come in a lot of different flavors, such as Mango, Strawberry, and Lychee. They can be a great complement to a fruit tea because of their fruity filling!
What are the bubbles in bubble green tea?
The bubbles in bubble green tea are Tapioca Pearls. Depending on where you live, these are also called Boba or Boba Pearls. They are soft, chewy mild-tasting toppings and complement bubble tea well! If you'd like to learn more about them, scroll up in this post to read about them!
Photo Credits: Foxy Folksy
How are the bubbles (tapioca pearls) made?
The bubbles in bubble tea are made using tapioca starch from the cassava root. Tapioca starch is a white powdery ingredient. When you mix the powder with hot water and black food coloring, it produces a dough for Tapioca Pearls!
What is Cassava root in bubble tea?
Cassava root is a popular plant in South America originating from Brazil. It is an ingredient in a variety of meals in South America, ranging from doughs to pancakes to puddings! More recently, it has become a very popular ingredient in Bubble Tea!
How can I make the bubbles in bubble tea?
Preparing the bubbles in bubble tea at home is easy! You’ll need tapioca starch, food-coloring, and hot water. Don't have access to the ingredients? Don't worry! You can buy instant tapioca pearls that can be ready in minutes! To learn more about making the bubbles in bubble tea at home, check out our guide here.
