Tapioca Pearls (Boba)
Tapioca pearls, commonly known as boba, are chewy, translucent spheres made primarily from tapioca starch, a starch extracted from cassava root. They are a signature ingredient in bubble tea, a popular beverage originating from Taiwan in the 1980s, and are typically cooked in a sweetener like brown sugar or honey to enhance their flavor and texture.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Tapioca pearls are predominantly a source of simple carbohydrates, offering very little protein, fat, or significant vitamins and minerals. A standard serving contains roughly 150-200 calories, almost entirely from the starch and any added sugar used in preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
Per 1/4 cup dry pearls (yields about 3/4 cup cooked, ~150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The unique, chewy 'QQ' texture of tapioca pearls is highly prized in East Asian cuisine, representing a specific mouthfeel that is culturally significant. Nutritionally, they are a classic example of an 'empty calorie' food, providing energy but minimal micronutrient value.
