Tapioca Pearls in Coconut Milk
Tapioca Pearls in Coconut Milk is a beloved dessert from Southeast Asia, particularly popular in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It features chewy, translucent tapioca pearls (made from cassava starch) simmered until tender, then served in a sweet, creamy coconut milk base, often with additions like ripe mango, taro, or pandan leaves for fragrance.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the tapioca pearls and contains healthy fats from the coconut milk, with minimal protein. A typical serving provides a quick energy boost and some essential minerals like manganese, with a calorie range of approximately 250-400 per serving, depending on sweetness and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 25 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Folate | 15 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Tapioca pearls, derived from the cassava root, are a gluten-free staple that transforms from hard granules into delightfully bouncy pearls when cooked, showcasing a unique textural appeal. Nutritionally, while it's an energy-dense treat, coconut milk contributes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other fats, potentially offering a more immediate source of energy.
