Types of Tapioca Pearls

 

Original Black Tapioca Pearls 

Original black tapioca pearls are the most traditional and widely circulated type of tapioca pearls. With process improvements, some black tapioca pearls now contain modified starch. Modified starch is a starch that has undergone certain treatments to change its physical or chemical properties. Modified starch can make tapioca pearls more chewy and resilient, and can also add edible caramel color to enhance their appearance and aroma.

 


 

White Tapioca Pearls 

White tapioca pearls are another type of tapioca pearls commonly found in the market. Compared to traditional black tapioca pearls, white tapioca pearls have a higher content of cassava starch, resulting in a more pronounced starch aroma, a clean and translucent appearance, and a chewier texture. However, white tapioca pearls have no inherent taste and can only be sweetened when starch is broken down into glucose by enzymes in the mouth. Therefore, white tapioca pearls are more suitable for pairing with stronger-flavored beverages, as they can enhance the texture without overshadowing the taste.


 

 

Brown Sugar Tapioca Pearls 

Although both original black tapioca pearls and brown sugar tapioca pearls appear to be "black" in color, they differ in the type of sugar used, with brown sugar tapioca pearls containing brown sugar instead of red sugar. As brown sugar has a darker color than red sugar, brown sugar tapioca pearls are darker in color than original black tapioca pearls. Brown sugar tapioca pearls usually have a more distinct brown sugar aroma and natural sweetness, making them suitable for not only beverage production but also as toppings and decorations for desserts such as cakes and puddings.

 


 

Filled Tapioca Pearls 

Filled tapioca pearls have larger granules with a transparent outer layer and a color determined by the "filling" material. They provide a surprising sensation when eaten, but their applications are not as widespread as the aforementioned types of tapioca pearls. This is partly because they are more customized, such as using sesame or red bean fillings in winter hot drinks, fruit fillings in fruit teas, and flower fillings in refreshing or seasonal-themed tea drinks. Additionally, due to their more complex manufacturing process and use of more raw materials, filled tapioca pearls are priced higher, increasing the cost for tea shops.

Back to the top