Bubble tea is a phenomenon that has rapidly spread all over the world. People can’t get enough of this delicious drink, which is known for its chewy tapioca topping. But what exactly is the tapioca in boba tea made from?
The tapioca balls — also known as ‘pearls’ or ‘boba’— in bubble tea are made of starch extracted from the cassava root. The starch is mixed with hot water to form a thick paste, which is cooled, rolled into pearls, and boiled until translucent. The pearls are soaked in syrup to give them sweetness.
Tapioca pearls were first introduced in China, where they were and are still used as topping for ice cream and other desserts. However, it was in the late 80s, when a Taiwanese tea house added these tasty pearls to their iced tea drinks that the bubble tea we know and love was created. Let’s dig deeper into tapioca, find out whether it’s safe, and take a look at how you can make tapioca pearls at home.
What Are the Balls in Boba Tea Made From?

The chewy balls that make boba tea so unique are made from tapioca powder, a starch extracted from cassava root. It’s gluten-free and almost 100% carbohydrate.
Tapioca flour (example on Amazon) is mixed with brown sugar, hot water, and food coloring to make a dough. The dough is kneaded, rolled into bite-sized balls, and then boiled to create distinctive tapioca pearls.
Tapioca balls are the traditional topping for bubble tea, but now there are many other variations of the boba balls. There are popping boba, made from seaweed extract; crystal pearls, made from sweet potato or yam starch; and taro balls, made from taro root.
What Is Tapioca Made From?
Tapioca is a starchy powder made from the root of the cassava plant, also known as manioc or yuca.
It’s native to South America but is now grown in many Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and of course, Taiwan, where bubble tea originated.
Cassava root is high in carbohydrates and is part of the staple diet in many countries. To make tapioca powder, the root is peeled, grated, and dried until it can be milled into flour.
Is Tapioca Safe to Eat?
Tapioca is almost 100% carbohydrate, so it’s generally a safe and good energy source. And unlike other gelatinous foods, tapioca is completely vegan and animal product-free.
Tapioca is also completely gluten-free, which makes it a great option for people with celiac or gluten allergies. Plus, there are almost no allergies reported from tapioca, which is great news for those with food sensitivities.
However, it’s important to note that there is a very slight risk of poisoning from consuming unprocessed cassava root. Raw bitter cassava contains a compound called linamarin, which can release small amounts of cyanide during digestion.
But you don’t have to worry because commercial tapioca is produced after intensive cassava root processing — it’s completely safe and free from any traces of cyanide.
Another important consideration is for people with latex allergies. Cassava plants have some shared compounds with rubber trees, so there could be a cross-reactivity for people allergic to latex. If you’re allergic to latex, you should get a sensitivity test before trying tapioca.
Can You Make Tapioca Boba at Home?
Yes, absolutely! Making boba at home is actually pretty easy and a great way to enjoy this delicious treat any time you want. Just be prepared to spend some time and energy creating the perfect bubble tea, as it can take a bit if you start from scratch.
Here’s a step-by-step guide if you’re looking to make tapioca boba at home:
- Heat three cups of water in a large pot over medium heat.
- While it’s heating up, add 1/4 cup or 12 teaspoons of tapioca starch (on Amazon) to a bowl.
- Gradually add 4-5 teaspoons of the hot water to the bowl, constantly stirring until the mixture becomes a sticky paste. Then leave the dough to cool down.
- You can also add brown sugar, green tea, honey, or lychee extract (on Amazon) to the mix for extra flavor.
- Add one cup of brown sugar to the pot of water and keep on low heat.
- Slowly stir the mixture until it thickens and becomes syrupy. You can leave it on low heat or set it aside until your tapioca balls are ready.
- Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it with your hand. Add more hot water if needed to create a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the dough into long cylinders, around one and a half centimeters thick.
- Cut the cylinders into small pieces and roll them between your hands to form balls.
- Bring the sugar syrup to a boil and carefully drop the tapioca pearls into it.
- Boil the boba for around 20 minutes, and keep checking the texture until the balls become chewy and soft.
- Once the boba is cooked, turn off the heat and scoop the balls out of the pot.
- Transfer them to a tray and let them cool before adding them to your bubble tea.
Variations of Boba Toppings

Tapioca pearls are the classic topping for milk tea, but you can also try lots of other creative variations. Below are some of our favorite boba toppings to make your bubble tea even more special.
Popping Boba
Popping boba are made by encapsulating fruit juice in a thin sheet of seaweed extract through a complex spherification process. They are smaller than tapioca pearls and burst when you bite into them, releasing a sweet and fruity syrup.
Popping boba come in a range of colors and flavors, so they suit many exotic variations of bubble tea.
Fruit Jelly
Jellies are a popular topping for bubble tea and come in various shapes and sizes with lots of fun flavors too. They are made with agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin also used to make vegan jelly and jello desserts.
Some popular jelly flavors include mango, strawberry, and lychee.
Grass Jelly
A different type of plant-based gelatin is made with the leaves of the Mesona Chinensis plant. It has a unique texture that is slightly crunchy and jelly-like at the same time.
Grass jelly (on Amazon) is usually black and has an earthy, herbal flavor that many people enjoy. It’s also naturally low in sugar, making it a great healthy alternative as well.
Taro Balls
Taro balls (on Amazon) are made from taro starch, a root vegetable similar to sweet potatoes. They have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
Taro balls melt in your mouth, adding a luxurious touch to bubble tea. Taro paste is also used to make taro-flavored tea bases for bubble tea.
Egg Pudding
Unlike American pudding, the egg pudding used in bubble tea has a gelatinous, flan-like texture and is made with a combination of sugar, milk, and eggs.
It’s often infused with tea flavors and makes a perfect pairing with jasmine or green tea bubble teas.
Egg pudding is a popular topping in Malaysia and Taiwan, where it’s referred to as “custard.”
Beans
While beans may not be the most glamorous topping, they are very popular in Asian cultures. Adzuki beans, or sweet red beans, are the most commonly used in bubble tea.
They have a subtly sweet flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Another healthy option is mung beans, which have a nutty, earthy taste.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds (on Amazon) are a great topping for those looking to add some nutritional value to their bubble tea. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids, they provide a unique texture and flavor to the beverage.
Chia seeds are often soaked in honey or sugar syrups to make a sweet, jelly-like topping.
Aloe Vera
A unique and refreshing topping, aloe vera (on Amazon), is a great way to make your bubble tea even more exciting. It’s made from natural aloe gel, processed to create a slimy, jelly-like topping that is usually paired with fruit-flavored teas.
It also makes a very light drink, so you can add more toppings without making it too sweet.