How To Choose The Right Tapioca Pearls

Types Of Tapioca Pearls 

Tapioca pearls come in different flavours, sizes, textures, and cooking methods. Read below to see the different types and their cooking instructions.

1) Black Tapioca Pearls

Perfect for any original or classic milk tea variation.

• Come in 2 sizes: 8mm – 9.5mm and 8.5mm – 9.5mm.
• Available in 1kg – single unit, 1kg – box of 12, 3kg single unit or 3kg – boxes of 6.
• These are available in firm textures

Cooking instructions for black pearls

• Boil for 20 minutes on medium heat.
• Let rest for another 20 minutes (make sure the heat is turned off).

Cooking regular black bobas takes approx. 40 to 60 minutes, depending on how long you cook, rest and clean them.

2) Brown Sugar Tapioca Pearls

For a sweeter and caramel-like flavour, we suggest brown sugar ones.

• Available in 8mm – 9mm and 9mm – 10mm sizes.
• These are available in different packaging options: 1kg vs. 3kg, and in single unit or in boxes of 12 or 6.
• These are available in medium and soft textures
• We also offer a quick-cook brown sugar bobas. These are available in firm textures in 9mm – 10mm in a 1kg single unit or in a box of 12.

Cooking instructions for regular brown sugar pearls

• Boil for 20 minutes on medium heat.
• Let rest for another 20 minutes (make sure the heat is turned off).

Just like regular black pearls, brown sugar bobas takes approx. 40 to 60 minutes, depending on how long you cook, rest and clean them.

Cooking instructions for quick-cook brown sugar pearls

• Boil for 5 minutes on medium heat.
• Let rest for another 5 minutes (make sure the heat is turned off).

Quick-cook brown sugar bobas takes approx. 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how long you cook, rest and clean them.

3. White Tapioca Pearls

For a more neutral look and flavour, white tapioca pearls are a good choice.

• Available in regular cook (not in quick cook), and pair wonderfully with classic milk teas.
• Sold in 3kg single units or boxes of 6.
• These are available in soft textures

Cooking instructions for white pearls

• Boil for 20 minutes on medium heat.
• Let rest for another 20 minutes (make sure the heat is turned off).

White pearls also take approx. 40 to 60 minutes, depending on how long you cook, rest and clean them.

4. Instant Tapioca Pearls

The quickest pearls we have are instant pearls. They require literally 1 or 2min on a hot stove or in the microwave. These come in 50x50g single units.

Summary

Choosing the right tapioca pearls depends on what matters most to you. If speed and convenience are your priority, quick-cook or instant pearls work best. For the best quality and texture, regular cook pearls are the ideal choice. When it comes to flavour and appearance, black and white bobas provide a classic option suitable for any bubble tea, while brown sugar pearls add a rich, caramelised sweetness. To offer variety, consider keeping two or more types of pearls on hand, allowing you to give customers more choices or experiment with different combinations yourself.