What Are Bubble Tea Pearls Made Of?
Dimitra Bika | November 07, 2025
fruit pearls
Bubble Tea has gained worldwide popularity for its creative flavor combinations and fun textures. But have you ever wondered what the famous Bubble Tea pearls are actually made of?
In this article, we’ll look at the ingredients behind tapioca and fruit pearls – the elements that make Bubble Tea so unique.
What Are Tapioca Pearls Made Of?
The classic choice for Bubble Tea is black tapioca pearls. These are made from cassava root starch. To obtain tapioca starch, the cassava root is shredded and centrifuged to extract the starch, which is then dried.
In addition to the starch, brown sugar is added to give the pearls their characteristic color and mild sweetness. After boiling, the pearls develop a chewy, elastic texture. Tapioca pearls themselves have a neutral flavor, allowing them to absorb the taste of the drink they’re served in.
What’s Inside Bubble Tea Fruit Pearls (Popping Boba)?
Fruit pearls, also known as Popping Boba, have a core of real fruit juice surrounded by a thin alginate-based coating. This coating is created through a process called spherification.
In this process, sodium alginate is combined with a calcium chloride solution. The alginate and calcium ions react, forming a gel-like membrane that encapsulates the liquid juice inside. When you bite into a fruit pearl, the outer shell bursts, releasing a flavorful splash of juice.
At The Inspire Food Company, we offer Popping Boba in a wide range of flavors — from classics like strawberry, blueberry, and peach to tropical varieties such as mango, lychee, and passion fruit. Our fruit pearls are GFSI certified, ensuring that every batch meets the highest international food safety and quality standards.
Bubble Tea Pearls Made from Natural Ingredients
So, what are Bubble Tea pearls made of? At The Inspire Food Company, the answer is simple: high-quality, natural, and authentic ingredients.
Besides the pearls themselves, the choice of base also plays a major role in creating the perfect Bubble Tea flavor. Whether aromatic syrups or traditional tea powders, our ingredients are made without artificial colorings and are full of authentic taste.
With our professional equipment and accessories, you can easily prepare Bubble Tea in larger quantities — and create your own unique combinations!
Are Bubble Tea Pearls Vegan?
Both classic tapioca pearls and fruit pearls (Popping Boba) are typically vegan, as they’re made entirely from plant-based ingredients like tapioca starch, sugar, fruit juice, and alginate.
So if you follow a vegan lifestyle, you can enjoy Bubble Tea without worry.
Just make sure your base ingredients and syrups also contain no animal-derived products.