Boba vs Popping Boba. This article discusses the difference.
I am sure you are familiar with boba, the chewy tapioca pearls often found in bubble tea. But have you heard of popping boba? Popping boba is a newer addition to the boba family, quickly becoming a must-have topping.
While both types of boba are similar in texture, popping boba has a unique twist. Instead of being a chewy sphere, popping boba is filled with a burst of fruity flavor. This adds a fun and exciting element to any drink or dessert.
Keep reading to learn more about each boba type and which one fits your preferences better.
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Boba vs Popping Boba: What is Boba?
If you’re a fan of bubble tea, you’re probably familiar with boba. Boba, or tapioca pearls, is a chewy topping often added to drinks and desserts. It’s made from tapioca starch, which comes from the cassava root.
Boba has a distinct texture that’s similar to gummy candy or jelly. It’s slightly sweet and has a neutral flavor, making it a versatile topping paired with various drinks and desserts. Boba can come in different flavors, like strawberry, mango, and honeydew.
Boba is often added to bubble teas, sweet, milky drinks originating in Taiwan. The drink is made by blending tea, milk, and sugar and adding boba and ice. When you drink bubble tea, you can chew on the boba as you sip the drink, adding fun to the experience.
Boba has become increasingly popular in recent years, and you can now find it in many different types of drinks and desserts. Some popular variations include brown sugar boba, frozen boba drinks, and boba desserts like shaved ice and pudding. Boba has become a staple in the bubble tea market and is enjoyed by many worldwide.
Boba vs Popping Boba: What is Popping Boba?
Popping boba is a type of topping that is becoming increasingly popular in the boba world. They are small, edible balls filled with fruit juice or flavored fillings that burst into your mouth when you bite into them.
Popping boba comes in various flavors, including strawberry, mango, kiwi, passion fruit, blueberry, and others. They are made with a seaweed extract coating and are filled with a sweet, fruity juice that adds a burst of flavor to your drink.
One of the great things about popping boba is that they are a fun and unique way to add flavor and texture to your drink. They are perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. Popping boba can be added to milk or fruit tea, frozen drinks, smoothies, and more.
Popping boba is also an excellent topping for those who want to add sweetness to their drink without too much sugar. They are typically made with natural fruit juice and are lower in sugar than other toppings like honey or jelly.
Read More: What are popping boba pearls?
Boba vs Popping Boba
We have described what boba is and what popping boba is. I am sure you have started to notice differences between these two toppings. Let’s point out the differences below.
Origin
- Boba was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. It is believed to have been created by Chun Shui Tang, a tea shop in Taichung, Taiwan.
- Popping boba, also known as juice balls or bursting boba, was invented in the early 2000s. The origin of popping boba is not widely documented, but it is believed to have originated in Taiwan or China.
Preparation Methods
- Tapioca Boba is made from cassava starch extracted from the roots of the cassava plant. The starch is mixed with water to form a dough, then rolled into small balls. The balls are boiled in hot water until they become soft and chewy. They are then rinsed in cold water and coated with a sweetener to add flavor.
- On the other hand, Popping Boba is made using molecular gastronomy techniques. The process involves mixing fruit juice with sodium alginate and calcium chloride to create small spheres. The spheres are then rinsed in cold water and coated with a sweetener to add flavor.
Appearance
- Regular boba are small, round, and opaque. They typically have a dark brown or black color and a glossy texture.
- Popping boba, on the other hand, is smaller in size and appears like colorful, translucent spheres. These boba pearls come in various vibrant colors, such as red, green, yellow, or orange.
Texture
- When cooked, regular boba pearls become chewy and slightly gummy in texture. They maintain their shape and provide a satisfying bite when consumed.
- Popping boba, as the name suggests, has a unique characteristic. When you bite into them, they release a burst of flavored juice or syrup, creating a delightful popping sensation. The outer layer is soft and jelly-like, making them a fun and interactive addition to beverages or desserts.
Flavor
- The flavor of regular boba is subtle and neutral, primarily absorbing the taste of the liquid or beverage it is added to. It adds a slightly sweet and starchy element to drinks like milk tea.
- Popping boba is bursting with flavor. Each tiny pearl is filled with a flavored syrup or juice, released when bitten. They come in many flavors, such as strawberry, mango, lychee, passion fruit, and more, offering a burst of sweetness and fruity taste.
Usage
- Tapioca pearls are commonly used in bubble tea or boba tea, a popular Asian beverage. They can also be incorporated into other desserts like puddings or shaved ice.
- Popping boba is frequently used as a topping for drinks like bubble tea, smoothies, or frozen yogurts. Their colorful appearance and bursting flavor make them visually appealing and exciting.
Nutritional Value
- Tapioca boba contains more calories and carbohydrates than popping boba.
Popularity
- Regarding market popularity, regular boba is still the most widely used topping for bubble teas and other sweet drinks.
- However, popping boba is gaining popularity due to its unique texture and flavor.
Regardless of your choice, both boba and popping boba can add a fun and delicious touch to your favorite drinks and desserts.
Buying Recommendations
If you enjoy preparing your drinks at home, here are our top boba recommendations.
WuFuYuan – Tapioca Pearl Black
Fusion Select Tapioca Pearl – Brown Sugar Flavor Quick Cook Tapioca
Buy on Amazon now (these are a quick cook option; they are already flavored/sweetened)
Bubble Blends Lychee Popping Boba
Mayde Bursting Popping Boba Pearls
Both boba and popping boba are delicious and can be enjoyed in various flavors. Whether you prefer the chewy texture of regular boba or the burst of flavor from popping boba, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Boba vs popping boba, which one is your favorite?