What Is Crystal Boba? How Does It Taste Like?

Nov 24, 2022

Last Updated on: Feb 6, 2025

Travel Blog

Bubble tea stores both in the UK and the US are trendy nowadays. Be it a creative drink or crystal boba tea; fans are ready to try out different flavors and tastes every day. They are always trying to find different recipes to try out. 

Every new recipe is like a new experience. However, they are not the same as tapioca pearls. On top of that, this delicious boba topping is very easy and simple to make at home.

You can go and try them out at some Boba tea shop. Or you can make them at home and enjoy yourself. This article will help you explore these extraordinary pearls and help you make them at home. So, if you are looking for something like that, then this article might help.

What Is Crystal Boba?

If you have ever had bubble tea, you should be able to understand what the boba crystals stand for. Different types of bubble tea pearls are used to add texture and volume to the tea. However, the boba crystal is known for its translucent look and chewy texture that feels like gelatine. These crystals are ready to be eaten. They are usually presweetened.

These crystals are used in their original flavors and in sugar flavors. They also taste great in milk and in flavored or iced teas. But what is crystal boba made from? They are made from an edible plant called the konjac plant. Although this unique type of food has very little taste, they are great in terms of nutritional benefits. They are also an important element in Asian medicine. In terms of their look, it is completely opposite to regular black boba.

What Does Crystal Boba Taste Like? 

Coming to another important query about this tempting food– what does boba taste like? 

Well, they are from the Konjac plant, so they have a mild sweet taste and a citrus flavor.

Another funny thing about translucent boba is that it may keep its taste and flavor when put in tea or storage. Regular boba does not have the taste as crystal ones. They are slightly sweet because they are made from brown sugar and caramel syrup. But, when added to the tea or anything else, the pearls lose their taste and lose their taste. 

Crystal Boba Vs. Regular Boba: What Is different?

Both crystal and regular boba have one thing in common. They are both derived from a specific root starch. Regular boba is made from the tapioca root starch which explains the chewy texture you feel when eating them with the tea. On the other hand, crystal boba is made from the konjac plant. You can also pair them with milk tea. So another similarity between them is that they are paired with milk tea. 

Tapioca starch is the common topping for bubble tea in the United States and the United Kingdom. Instead, the konjac plant is used to make pearls of white color, which are the crystal boba. 

Custard pearls have a nonpartisan taste and are chewy and supple on the surface. In comparison to traditional tapioca pearls, the ones used in boba drinks are typically smaller and slightly softer. Crystal boba, on the other hand, is extremely jelly-like and soft. The plant used to make them also gives them a subtle citrus flavor.

When white pearls are stored or added to a drink, they keep their flavor. Tapioca pearls, on the other hand, firm up and begin to flavor the other ingredients. This can be something positive or negative, contingent upon what you as the cook planned to occur!

Here are some of the major differences that you need to keep in mind:

  • You must soak the tapioca boba in a sweet mixture or boil them to use them. But you don’t need to cook the crystal boba.
  • Regular boba has a softer and chewier texture compared to crystal boba.
  • The tapioca boba has uniformly shaped spheres. On the other hand, the crystal boba looks more like jelly beans.

Popping Boba Vs Crystal Boba: The Difference

It looks like different types of boba are different in their taste, shape, and appearance. Popping or bursting boba is quite similar to crystal boba. They also don’t need to be cooked before consumption. Those are pearls filled with juice and a thin outer layer is present.

The popping boba comes in different flavors, for example, kiwi, mango, and more. All you need to do is to soak them in syrup. But what are the differences?

  • Popping boba is filled with juice and can burst open with a little force. On the other hand, the crystal boba is chewy.
  • Popping Boba comes in different colors and flavors and is more vibrant in color. Crystal boba doesn’t have any color and is transparent.
  • Crystal boba is enjoyed with milk teas or ice teas. On the other hand, the popping boba can be enjoyed with slushies or ice teas.

Read More: Have You Tasted Starbucks Boba? Does Starbucks Have Boba?

How To Make Homemade Crystal Boba?

So, if you want to make crystal boba at home, then here are the steps to help you –

  1. Add some coconut water to the pot and use low heat.
  2. Mix the jelly powder and agar thoroughly and put them in the pot.
  3. Simmer it on low heat while constantly stirring for five minutes.
  4. Mix water, ice, and oil in a large bowl.
  5. Take a squeeze bottle and add the mixture to it.
  6. Once the pearls are set, they will sink at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are some popular questions people ask about the Bobas–

1. Is Crystal Boba Vegan Friendly?

Ans: The tapioca pearls are vegan since no gelatine is used in them. But, some manufacturers might use gelatin for profit. So, you should beware of those manufacturers if you are looking for vegan-friendly pearls. But, the white pearl boba is usually vegan.

2. Are Crystal Boba Healthy

Ans: If you want the honest truth, then I’d say that all the boba is unhealthy. The reason is that they are textured pearls full of syrups. On the other hand, white pearls are healthier. In a hundred grams of boba, you have 70 calories of carbohydrates. The tapioca pearls have 358 calories within the amount of 100 gms.

3. Do You Chew Or Swallow Boba?

Ans: Bobas are made from Tapioca. The ingredients don’t dissolve quickly, even when they are well-soaked. However, if you eat them without chewing, they can be hazardous to health. They don’t dissolve, which makes them hazardous.

Final Words 

Crystal boba is a fine addition to your bubble tea. They make a wholesome taste inside your mouth. You can go and grab yourself crystal boba at a bubble tea stall. But making them at home can be a fun experience as well. You can use the tips shared in this article to make this.

I think you have found the answer to your queries. However, if you have further questions, you can ask them in the comment section.

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Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.

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