Tapioca pearls have found their way into many people’s hearts, whether at the bottom of a cold drink or on top of a dessert.
They have a chewy texture that makes you want to eat them all the time. And the flavor! Not overpowering, just light yet perfect!
I’m quite sure you’re wanting them right now, huh? Worst case scenario, you don’t have them in your kitchen to enjoy!
If that is the case, then Hakuna Matata!
Getting the best tapioca pearls for bubble tea is simple. You only need to browse through the alternatives we’ve provided here.
How to Choose Tapioca Pearls (Boba) To Make Amazing Bubble Tea?
Table of Contents
Tapioca Balls in Clear
The first are the obvious ones. They are transparent because tapioca starch cleats after gelatinization without the addition of tastes or colors.
As a result, most transparent tapioca pearls lack flavor because they contain mainly starch and water.
Few of them, however, may contain white sugar syrup to make them sweet. It was either added during the production process or the bubbles were held in the syrup to absorb the sweetness.
Boba Pearls in Black
The rich brown or black hue originates from the caramel or brown sugar that is added to the pearls during the manufacturing process. Some of them may have a modest sweetness, while others may have a regular sweetness that flavors the pearls in every case.
Many tea/coffee establishments include black tapioca pearls in their drinks since it is the most delicious combination.
Tapioca Pearls with Flavors
Manufacturers have developed flavored tapioca pearls that have enhanced their versatility after much experimenting.
The pearls are usually boiled or covered with fruit juices or flavored syrup to give them a distinct flavor. Although the options are limitless, you may try mango, strawberry, honey, watermelon, tea, and orange.
Boba Pearls that Pop
Popping pearls are not the same as tapioca pearls. They are created using a process known as spherification. A reaction between sodium alginate (seaweed extraction) and calcium lactate or calcium chloride is used in this approach.
These bubbles contain sweet fruit juice, which bursts into your tongue when you bite them. You may even notice that they have a distinct texture than normal pearls.
Ingredients
It is important to note that the best tapioca pearls for bubble tea should be made with natural and nutritional components. They are usually produced using tapioca starch taken from cassava roots, boiling water, and brown sugar.
Other ingredients may be added to enhance the flavor or color. However, avoid those that include preservatives or chemicals. Fortunately, all of the items listed below are free of these nefarious ingredients.
The exploding pearls are not like the typical ones. They mostly comprise seaweed extract, which creates the outside shell and contains fruit juices and other liquids inside.
Time to Prepare
Tapioca pearls require varied amounts of time to prepare.
The quickest will be ready in 20 to 25 seconds. To prepare the packet, microwave it for 30 seconds. These pearls are ideal for fast cocktails.
Cooking time for most pearls ranges between 5 and 10 minutes. They cannot be microwaved but must be boiled. These bubbles are suitable for both sweets and beverages.
There are many goods that require more time to be ready for usage. These pearls are ideal for garnishing the dish. Although they do not require cooking, they must be soaked in milk or water for 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the items. They swell after absorbing the liquid, indicating that they are “ready” to be put to the pudding.
Some tapioca pearls are already cooked. These are sometimes referred to as bursting pearls. You may put them directly in your drink or dessert.
Packaging
Make sure the pearls arrive in airtight packing; otherwise, they can easily shatter. Packaging is an important consideration since it keeps the pearls fresh.
It would be ideal if the package, like the one from Hoosier Hill, is resealable, or if the container has a tight top, like the one from See Smell Taste.
However, if you think the packing is inadequate, you can keep them in a better container.
Top 7 Best Tapioca Pearls for Bubble Tea Reviews
1. WuFu Yuan Tapioca Pearl Black Sugar Flavor
Boil for 2 minutes, then reduce to a simmer for the remaining 3 minutes. That is how long it takes to prepare WuFuYuan’s Black sugar tapioca pearls. Even at home, you may quickly fulfill your craving for bubble tea. That’s not the end of it.
The package weights around 8.8 ounces, so there will be plenty of bubbles in it.
Because of their moderate flavor, they will mostly appeal to those who like their bubble drink to be less sweet. If you have a sweet craving, you may add a touch of honey or syrup to the drink to make it more tasty.
They have a gel-like viscosity that makes these delectable delights great for any tea enthusiast. Their chewiness is quite addicting.
One minor difficulty is that the instructions are in Chinese. As a result, it may perplex persons who do not grasp the language. If you are one of them, we recommend watching the necessary English videos. It’s actually rather simple to prepare. Check out the most essential Review for Disposable Piping Bags.
Highlighted features include:
- Cooking time is about 5 minutes.
- They have a very mild taste.
- Amazing gel-like texture.
- 8 ounces comes in a hefty bundle.
2. E-Fa Premium Grade Black Tapioca Pearls
The majority of coffee shops that serve Boba beverages utilize E-Fa black tapioca pearls. Because of its superior quality, the brand received the National Best Taste Award in the United States from 2002 to 2004.
The pearls arrive in a vacuum-sealed box weighing 105.6 ounces. It aids in their preservation. Because the package is so large, it will go a long distance.
You won’t have any problems frying the pearls because the instructions are readily written in both Chinese and English. Speaking of which, one minor drawback is that they take longer to prepare than the prior one.
You must boil the bubbles for 5 minutes, then let them remain for another 5 minutes before straining them.
When it comes to flavor, it’s the moderate yet pleasant flavor that distinguishes them as the greatest tapioca pearls. You may, however, add honey to make it more tasty if desired. Make sure you also check our guide for Pancake Maple Syrup.
Highlighted features include:
- Tapioca peal brand winner
- Cooking time is 10 minutes.
- The flavor is subtle and delicious.
- Comes in a vacuum-sealed 105.6-ounce box.
- The instructions are simple to understand in both Chinese and English.
3. Brexonic Popping Boba Pearls
We like their Mango bursting pearls over the other varieties. The 2-pound bottle contains transparent bubbles filled with delectable fruity liquid. They will burst in your mouth, providing you with a wonderfully tasty sensation.
The best aspect is that it contains healthful nutrients. It is made up of 64% water and 14.5% actual fruit juice, which will offer you with calcium. Furthermore, the quantity of sodium and calories is low, making it highly healthful.
The popping pearls are already cooked, so there is no need to boil them separately. They can last up to a year, and I’m confident you won’t take that long to complete the full jar.
The pearls are fantastic since you can utilize them in places other than your drink. They would enhance the flavor of the drinks and desserts with ice cream, waffles, yogurt, or cake. Not only that, but their vibrant orange hue may enhance and make even the most basic cuisine attractive.
The quality is undeniably high. Its chewy-like texture is highly addicting.
A minor disadvantage is that the lid does not fit snugly on the container. As a result, you may wish to complete everything fast or place it in a new container.
Highlighted features include:
- It’s already cooked and sweetened.
- It is a healthy drink since it contains 64% water and 14.5% actual fruit juice.
- Can be used in beverages as well as desserts.
- It comes in a 2 oz. jar that can last up to a year.
4. J Way Instant Boba Bubble Pearl
Do you want some iced Boba milk tea right now? Then grab these fast and delectable instant tea-flavored tapioca pearls from J Way. Because the pearls may be microwaved, they will be “ready” in 20 to 25 seconds in the oven.
The bubbles have a café-like feel since they are created from actual tapioca. The pearls are covered with a little layer of syrup, which provides the necessary sweetness.
They are not only excellent with brown sugar, but they are also addicting due to their chewy-like texture.
Tapioca pearls are free of artificial preservatives, which can be hazardous to your health. Instead, they have been maintained by the use of high-pressure sterilization, which helps to increase food freshness and safety. As a result, you may appreciate the pearls both in terms of taste and health.
In terms of packing, the 16 oz. package contains six microwave-safe packets. Although one serving may feed a few people, several customers complained that it was insufficient for a standard cup. In that scenario, combine two packets to make the drink.
Highlighted features include:
- Cooking time in the microwave is 20-25 seconds.
- Six packets are contained in a 16 oz. package.
- Brown sugar-flavored milk tea
- There are no artificial preservatives in this product.
5. Bolle Premium Black Boba Pearls
Another excellent tapioca pearl that tastes just like the ones seen at tea and coffee places. Their almost entirely natural components make them both safe and delectable.
To begin, the pearls are mostly infused with pure maple syrup and caramel, which gives them a rich flavor. Second, they do not include any dangerous gums or preservatives that might hurt your health.
One advantage is that the tapioca pearls are gluten-free. So, if you have a limited diet or allergies, this is an excellent thing to have.
The disadvantage here is that, unlike other branded pearls, they take a long time to boil. You must boil them for at least 30 minutes to ensure that they are properly cooked and have that chewiness. The tastes, on the other hand, are worth the wait.
The packaging may be improved because the Boba breaks easily, however it gets full scores for quality. If you don’t want them to get damaged, put them in an airtight container.
Highlighted features include:
- Almost all natural ingredients, including maple syrup and caramel.
- Cooking time is 30 minutes.
- Gluten and preservatives are not present.
- Packet size is 96 oz.
6. WuFu Yuan Color Pearls for Bubble Tea
This version of WuFuYuan Tapioca Pearls will provide you with a brilliant surprise. The cooking instructions are nearly identical to the first product on the list. It will only take 5 minutes to complete.
Because the pearls are vibrant, you will like adding them to many sweets and drinks.
This is especially useful for special events and birthday celebrations if you want to surprise your guests with a unique treat.
Their flavor is undeniably delicious, especially with the chewiness. Even though the tapioca pearls are sweetened with caramel, they are mild and pleasant. If you like extra sweetness, you can sweeten the drink with maple syrup.
The directions are provided in English in the packaging, which is a plus. If you are new to the procedure, this will assist you.
The Boba pearls come in an 8.8 oz. package, which provides at least 4 to 5 servings. This is plenty for two to three days.
The only problem we discovered was with the packing. Because it is not resealable, you should keep the dried pearls in a container with a tight-fitting cover.
Highlighted features include:
- Cooking time is 5 minutes.
- Colorful with a little caramel taste.
- Packet size: 8.8 oz.
- The instructions are in English and are simple to follow.
7. TEA ZONE Mango Popping Pearls
With Tea Zone’s tapioca pearl Boba, you may enjoy the most succulent treat. These bubbles have a diameter of around 3/8-inch and are large enough to appreciate.
As you bite them, they will explode and flood your tongue with the mango-flavored juice. You may add them to your drink as well as your dessert.
The pearls would be incredibly healthy because they are made of mango syrup, seaweed extract, calcium lactate, fructose, and water. Even if you are health-conscious, you may enjoy them to a large extent.
The fact that it has a year’s shelf life is a benefit. So there’s no need to be concerned about completing the container quickly. Speaking of which, the pearls come in a large 24-ounce jar that will last a long time. You may keep them in another container with a better cover because the lid is not robust.
These are not your typical Boba pearls since they contain seaweed extract, which has a texture similar to agar-based pearls. If you enjoy the regular, you may experiment with the others on the list.
Highlighted features include:
- The pearls are fairly large, measuring 3/8-inch in diameter.
- Mango flavor enhances the taste.
- It comes in a 24 oz. jar that can last up to a year.
- Can be used in beverages as well as desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Boba Pearls Product Is the Best?
Many consider E-Fa Premium Grade Tapioca Pearls to be the best of the best. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare them and add them to your drink.
Coming in a large, vacuum-sealed box helps keep them fresh. Because it is not resealable, keep it in an airtight container. When it comes to texture, it is undeniably premium. People also enjoy its mild flavor.
Hoosier Hill’s desserts are our favorites. They have a soft texture and a delicious Boba taste. They not only make the pudding appear good, but they also make it taste good. They are made of all-natural materials and are completely safe to use.
2. Is it safe to eat tapioca pearls every day?
Not at all.
Tapioca pearls are usually created from natural components, making them harmless. They are gluten-free, preservative-free, caffeine-free, and chemical-free to help protect you from all of the hazards. The only potentially hazardous element is the high sugar concentration.
As a result, consuming them on a daily basis will have an effect on your health. You can consume them in moderation and no more than three times each week.
3. How Do I Know If My Tapioca Pearls Are Bad?
Tapioca pearls do expire, although the length of time varies on the type of pearl and the producer. Non-instant pearls can survive up to 12 months after being opened, but instant pearls perish within a few hours.
To determine whether the pearls have spoilt, check for mould in white places. You may also smell them; if they have an odor, they have gone rotten.
4. Where Can I Get Boba Pearls?
Boba pearls may be purchased at any local food shop. They should be beside the puddings and mixes in the baking section. If you don’t want to go out, you may get them online. Amazon can get them to you swiftly and safely.
Last Words
Tapioca pearls have the ability to enhance any dessert or drink. You may eat them alone or at a small gathering; they are suitable for any occasion.
We understand how difficult it is to locate ones that are of high quality. That is why we have chosen some of the best tapioca pearls for bubble tea on the market for you to take home.