The Difference Between Tapioca Pearls & Popping Fruit Boba

A lot of people still confuse popping boba and tapioca pearls when it comes to bubble tea ingredients. The Inspire Food Company is Europe’s leading importer of both ingredients and would like to educate customers about the differences and characteristics.

Tapioca Pearls

Tapioca boba pearls are small balls made of tapioca starch (cassava root) which is cooked with sugar or honey for color and flavor. They are usually dark brown or black in color and chewy in texture. Similar to gummy bears.

These tapioca pearls are commonly and mostly found in milk based bubble teas and other dessert creations such as ice cream or pancake topping.

The Inspire Food Company offers Tapioca pearls in 1kg and 3kg size.

Popping Boba Pearls

Popping fruit boba are little spheres made of sodium alginate and provide a different culinary experience in the mouth.

These bursting bobas are created by a process known as spherification. The thin skin holds fruit juice inside and by bursting the skin the mouth, the inside liquid is released. Just like a tiny flavor explosion, a truly unique experience.

Popping boba is very popular for fruity bubble tea, ice cream toppings and frozen yoghurt.

The Inspire Food Company has popping boba available in sizes starting at 100g cups up to 3.2kg commercial size buckets.

Our custom recipe does not contain sucralose and is 100% vegan and gluten free.