Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Boba: Black Pearls, Brown Sugar, and the Dark Side of Bubble Tea

Pearls have always been a beloved topping, with a variety of options to choose from, including white, black, brown sugar, and dark sugar pearls. You may have noticed that black pearls and dark/brown sugar pearls often look similar in your boba tea - but are they the same?

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27 July, 2024

What Are Black Pearls?

Traditional pearls, the first of all pearl varieties.
Black pearls are made from tapioca flour, forming small, round, black balls that provide a delightful chewy texture.
To enhance the flavor of black pearls, various ingredients are added to the flour, including coconut and other flavors.

What are Black Pearls?

What Are Brown Sugar Pearls?

Brown sugar pearls are the latest trend, often mistaken for black pearls due to their similar appearance.
However, authentic brown sugar pearls are made from tapioca starch, rice flour, cocoa powder, and dark sugar (a premium Taiwanese molasses with a dark brown color).
The color of brown sugar pearls comes from cocoa and the natural color of the sugar, without the need for artificial coloring.

Check out this detailed guide on how to make brown sugar pearl matcha latte:

What Are Black Sugar Pearls?

Both use sugar and no artificial coloring, but are black sugar pearls and brown sugar pearls the same?
The answer is no. Black sugar pearls use Korean molasses (a type of molasses with a brown color), while still incorporating tapioca starch, rice flour, and cocoa.

Distinguishing between black sugar and brown sugar pearls can be challenging as they differ only in the shade of color, with the flavor profile remaining the same.

With this information, we hope you can now differentiate between these three similar-looking pearls and choose the right tea topping for your taste.

Frequently asked questions

The dark side of bubble tea refers to the potential health risks associated with consuming this popular beverage. While bubble tea can be a tasty treat, it is often loaded with sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health problems.

Boba black pearls and brown sugar, while delicious, also contribute to the high sugar and calorie content of bubble tea. Black pearls are usually made from tapioca starch and brown sugar, giving them a chewy texture and sweet taste. However, they can be high in carbohydrates and may contain artificial additives or preservatives.

To make bubble tea a healthier option, you can opt for less sugar or artificial sweeteners. Requesting fewer boba pearls or choosing fruit-based toppings can also reduce the calorie count. Additionally, look for tea bases made with real brewed tea rather than powdered mixes, as these tend to be healthier and have more antioxidants.

If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional bubble tea, you can explore options like fruit-infused teas, herbal teas, or homemade versions made with fresh ingredients. Making your own bubble tea at home allows you to control the amount of sugar and use healthier alternatives, such as honey or stevia.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while enjoying bubble tea is all about moderation and making informed choices. Treat yourself to bubble tea occasionally and in smaller servings. When you do indulge, pair it with a healthy snack or meal to balance your overall calorie intake.