Understanding The Ingredients of Tapioca Pearls

Cooked black tapioca pearls in a white bowl on a napkin

Bubble tea has become a cultural phenomenon as a result of the delicious and often whacky flavour combinations, as well as its visual appeal. On top of this, the unique texture of bubble tea is a huge point of attraction, as there is quite simply nothing else like it! Key to this interesting texture is the chewy, dreamy tapioca balls. Tapioca flour is the single most important ingredient in boba pearls! The flour creates the chewiness of tapioca pearls. Understanding the different types of flour used in bubble tea production is important, allowing store owners to understand their products and thus cater better to different dietary needs. As such, in this blog, we'll be exploring how flour is used in bubble tea!

Brown sugar bubble tea with tapioca pearls in tall cups

What Are Tapioca Pearls Made From?

Tapioca Flour

Tapioca flour is pretty much the only flour used in bubble tea. It is derived from the Cassava root, and is used to make a host of traditional Taiwanese desserts and puddings thanks to its thickening properties. Most importantly, it is used as the core ingredient for tapioca pearls, the iconic and classic bubble tea topping. Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free and is also vegan-friendly!

Note: Tapioca flour and tapioca starch are often used interchangeably.

Potato / Sweet Potato Flour

Though a far less common flour, some homemade and experimental boba recipes recently emerging have called for potato flours. This is very uncommon in actual boba stores. However, the starch from potatoes can be utilised in a similar way to make exciting and innovative boba creations! For the adventurous readers, maybe give these homemade recipes a try. Ultimately, the signature texture of boba does come from the tapioca flour, though, and some of these recipes even call for a combination of the two.

Wooden spoon with tapioca starch in a white ceramic bowl

How Are Boba Pearls Made?

The process of making boba pearls is simple, but requires precision to achieve the perfect consistency. Here is a brief rundown on what the process looks like. Business Insider made a great video of the process for all to enjoy.

  1. Mixing – Mix Tapioca flour with boiling water and sugar (optional) to create a sticky dough. Flavour like taro, strawberry can be added to produce colourful and flavourful boba.
  2. Kneading – Knead the doughuntil smooth with an even texture.
  3. Shaping – Roll the tapioca starch dough into small balls (+/- 8 to 10mm in diameter).
  4. Cooking – Boil the tapioca balls for 20 minutes and let them sit for another 20 minutes.
  5. Finalising – Soak the pearls in a brown sugar syrup to give them sweetness and to help maintain their chewiness.

Brown sugar tapioca pearls in a wooden bowl with spoon

Taipec's Tapioca

Now that you know all about how tapioca flour is used to produce boba pearls, you may be wondering where to get your hands on some!

For the most authentic, reliable and delicious tapioca pearls, store owners and bubble tea enthusiasts should look no further than Taipec. The great thing about our range is that we have options for everyone. From classic boba pearls, to quick cook variations (done in just 10 minutes!), to white boba pearls, we have you covered. Our commitment to quality means you can rest assured that you are receiving the highest quality ingredients and flavours available. For any questions, such as how to cook or which quantities to buy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

As a store owner, it is beneficial to be an expert in all things boba. Hopefully now you are one step closer!