What is the Jelly in Bubble Tea?

If you drink bubble tea often, you've probably noticed a range of toppings besides just tapioca pearls or popping balls. One of the most versatile options is bubble tea jelly. These jellies come in different textures and flavours and give the drink just a different experience. Some are sweet and fruity, others are silky and smooth with a more balanced flavour.

Jellies work especially well in fruit teas but can also be added to milk teas if you want a bit more texture. In this blog, we’ll break down the main types of jellies, including coconut jelly, herbal jelly and caramel pudding, plus how they taste and how to use them in your drinks.

Introduction to Bubble Tea Jelly

Jelly in bubble tea is all about texture. It adds a soft, chewy or silky bite to balance out the drink. It’s not starchy like tapioca pearls, and it doesn’t pop suddenly like popping balls. In Taiwan, jellies have been part of iced drinks and desserts for decades. When bubble tea became popular, jellies naturally found their place among other toppings like pearls and popping balls.

While they don't usually dominate the drink, jellies add complexity to the overall flavour and give you a bit of something extra with every sip.

Coconut Jelly: Vegan and Flavourful

Coconut jelly is probably the most common jelly topping you’ll find. Made with fruit juice or syrup, it has a soft, chewy texture that holds up well in cold drinks. It’s also vegan, which makes it a popular option for those avoiding dairy or gelatin.

At Taipec, we stock a wide selection of coconut jelly, a type of fruit jelly that comes pre-cut in thin strips and is ready to use. It works well in most fruit teas and is perfect if you want a chewy, juicy texture with a fruity hit. We currently offer around 11 flavours, from lychee and mango to passionfruit and peach, and we’re always looking to expand the range.

Some of our jellies also come in star shapes, which look great in clear cups and are popular for themed drinks or seasonal menus. These small touches can help drinks stand out visually as well as taste-wise.

Herbal Jelly: A Balanced Topping with a Tea-Like Taste

Herbal jelly is a dark, soft jelly that’s quite different from coconut jelly. It has a mild, slightly bitter, tea-like taste that makes it one of the more balanced toppings in bubble tea. It’s not overly sweet, which helps to cut through sugary teas or syrups, but also works perfectly in milk teas.

We supply herbal jelly mix powder at Taipec, which is easy to prepare. Just mix 50g of powder with 300ml of hot water, stir until dissolved, then place it in the fridge for 2 hours. Once it sets, you can cut it into cubes or strips and add it straight into your drink. 

If your customers are looking for a topping that’s lighter and more traditional, herbal jelly is a great choice.

Caramel Pudding: A Custard-Like Add-On for Something Light

Caramel pudding is another soft topping that’s sweet, but lighter than coconut jelly or popping balls. It has a soft, custard-like texture and a subtle caramel flavour. It’s ideal for people who want something creamy without going overboard on sweetness.

Like herbal jelly, it’s easy to prepare using our caramel pudding powder. Mix 30g of powder with 360ml of hot water, stir well and refrigerate for 2 hours. Once set, cut into pieces and use it in milk teas or as a topping for desserts.

Caramel pudding works well in drinks like brown sugar milk tea, Thai tea, or even fruit teas for contrast. It also adds variety to dessert menus if you’re serving bubble tea alongside small bites or puddings.

Health Benefits of Different Bubble Tea Jellies

Each type of jelly brings something different to the table in terms of nutrition and balance.

Coconut jelly is lower in fat and contains small amounts of fibre, depending on how it’s made. It’s a good option for customers who want a sweet, chewy texture without going for full-on popping balls or tapioca pearls.

Herbal jelly is a smart choice for people who want a more neutral or tea-like topping. It’s often used in traditional Asian drinks and has a reputation for being cooling and gentle on the stomach. It’s also lower in sugar, making it a more balanced topping overall.

Caramel pudding brings a creamy texture and a light sweetness without being too heavy. It offers a dessert-like feel without being overly rich or cloying, especially when compared to heavier toppings like whipped cream or condensed milk.

If you're running a café or shop, offering a range of these toppings gives your customers the flexibility to personalise their drinks and try new textures.

Try Taipec’s Full Range of Bubble Tea Jellies

At Taipec, we supply a complete range of bubble tea toppings, including coconut jelly, herbal jelly mix and caramel pudding mix. All our products are made to be easy to use, with consistent quality and flavour.

Whether you’re looking for vegan-friendly coconut jelly, a light and silky herbal option or something sweet and custard-like, we’ve got you covered. Our products are ideal for bubble tea shops, cafés or even home use. Just mix, chill and serve.

Want to know more about any of our jelly options or place an order? Get in touch with the Taipec team and we’ll help you choose the right toppings for your drinks menu.