Crystal boba vs tapioca pearls

Short answer: tapioca is the classic chewy black pearl. Crystal boba is a softer, see-through jelly pearl.

Tapioca pearls

Made from cassava starch and cooked until chewy, usually steeped in brown sugar so they read dark and sweet. This is the bouncy, dense "QQ" texture most people picture when they think boba.

Crystal boba

Also called white pearls or agar boba, made from konjac or agar. They're translucent, softer, and more slippery, with a mild, lightly honeyed flavor.

Texture and flavor

Tapioca is dense and chewy and carries brown-sugar sweetness. Crystal is gentle and jelly-like and stays subtle. It comes down to the mouthfeel you want.

When to pick each

• Tapioca for a classic, satisfying chew.
• Crystal if you want something lighter, or if tapioca feels too heavy.
• Many shops let you mix both in one cup, which is a good way to compare.

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