Typical tapioca pearls are steeped in brown sugar and can be difficult to digest. Bubble tea jelly options are a great alternative. Jellies are made from natural ingredients and can provide more nutrition to boba teas, while still offering unique flavor combinations.
What Types of Jellies Are Used in Boba Tea?
Jellies, like the ones below, offer a healthier alternative to boba pearls.
Boba Jelly
- Comes in many different flavors, including lychee, coffee, strawberry, and mango
- Made from coconut meat (konjar)
- Can be bought ready-made, no cooking necessary
Aloe Jelly
- Aloe is a succulent plant
- Made from aloe, sugar, and citric acid
- Without the sugar, aloe tastes like nothing. Sugar, or honey, adds a slightly sweet taste
- Great for fruity teas and green teas
Grass Jelly
- Also known as leaf jelly or herb jelly
- Common in China, Thailand, and Taiwan
- Made from the Chinese mesona plant, potassium carbonate, and cornstarch
- Tastes slightly of mint, with an overall herbal flavor
Lychee Jelly
- Made from the lychee fruit, a thickening agent, juice, and additional flavoring
- Usually clear in color
- Tastes sweet and slightly tart, with a floral flavor
What Boba Jelly Flavors Are Typically Available?
Jelly flavors come in a wide variety. Jelly flavors can either contrast or complement the tea base of boba tea. Black tea is the most common base used to create boba tea. Other teas used to create boba tea include matcha tea, green tea, and white tea.
Typical boba jelly flavors include:
- Coffee
- Green Apple
- Lychee
- Mango
- Passion fruit
- Pineapple
- Strawberry
- Taro
- Yogo (assorted colors and flavors)
What is Rainbow Jelly in Boba Tea?
Rainbow jelly is jelly that is made from a variety of colors and flavors. These jellies are usually fruit-flavored according to their color. For example, yellow jellies taste like pineapple; pink jellies taste like strawberries. Rainbow jelly, like other fruit jellies, is made from coconut meat. All jellies have a subtle coconut flavor in addition to their color flavor.
The point of rainbow jelly is to get a mix of flavors in one boba drink. Rainbow jelly is sold in assorted varieties; each scoop is a mixture of flavors and colors. Adding rainbow jelly to your boba tea drink is different than adding just one fruit flavor.
Note: rainbow jelly flavors and colors may vary with each boba shop.
Do Jellies Change the Bubble Tea Flavor?
Jellies add layers of flavor to bubble tea. They won’t change the taste of the base tea or the milk and sugar mixture. They will add flavor to each sip, combining with the boba drink for an extra burst of flavor.
Part of the fun of jellies is to see which flavors enhance each drink. Some jellies will complement the tea mixture tase, while others will visually contrast with the color of the boba tea. With so many jelly choices, each glass of boba tea can be a unique experience.
Are Boba Jellies Healthier Than Tapioca?
Jellies can be a healthier alternative to tapioca pearls. They are cholesterol free, high in fiber, and low in fat. Because they are made from coconut meat, they are yet another excellent vegetarian option.
Tapioca pearls, commonly used in Taiwanese cuisine, are steeped in sugar syrups. Tapioca pearls are high in sugar and carbohydrates and low in fiber.
According to the Mayo Clinic, foods high in fiber are essential for good health. High-fiber foods can:
1. Help with blood sugar control: fiber helps slow the breakdown of carbohydrates, keeping blood sugar levels stable
2. Support heart health: high-fiber foods may reduce the risk of heart disease
3. Aid in weight loss: foods with fiber keep you full longer
4. Can make bubble tea a healthier option. Remember that this milk tea drink can still be filled with sugar and should be enjoyed as a treat in moderation.