(16336 products available)
Taiwan bubble tea is popular due to the jelly balls or boba it comes with. These jelly balls come in different types, thus affecting the overall taste and texture of the drink. Below are some common types of agar jelly balls found in bubble tea:
Agar-agar jelly balls
Agar-agar jelly balls are a commonly used type of jelly in bubble tea. They differ from regular tapioca pearls due to their firmer and more gelatinous texture. They are made from agar-agar seaweed extract, providing a unique chewiness to the tea. They can be prepared in different colors and flavors incorporating fruity, and sometimes neutral flavors, taking on the taste of the tea or other accompanying ingredients. They are also a suitable choice for vegetarians that prefer plant-based foods. When used in bubble tea, they give a different texture that can be both refreshing and satisfying.
Rainbow jelly
Rainbow jelly balls are a vibrant and playful addition to bubble tea. They are strips of agar-agar jelly that feature different colors and, sometimes, different layers of flavor. The jelly's soft texture contrasts with the chewiness of tapioca pearls, making for a fun experience. The rainbow jelly is often made with fruity flavors like strawberry, orange, or green apple, adding sweetness and a visual pop to the drink. They can also be made in a single flavor, usually preferred when a milder taste is required.
Star jelly
Star jelly balls are just a variation of rainbow jelly typically cut into star shapes. They are usually not as firm as agar jelly balls, giving a softer texture in your bubble tea. Their unique shape makes them quite a visual appeal, especially for kids or those looking to have fun with their food. They can be made in various flavors, but often, they're a lighter taste of fruit like watermelon or passion fruit, which adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to the drink.
Coconut jelly
Coconut jelly balls are a popular fruit that is often added to bubble tea. These balls are made from coconut water or coconut milk and agar-agar, giving them a rich, creamy texture that is quite different from traditional tapioca pearls. They are usually white or translucent and have a subtle sweetness that balances well with stronger tea flavors. Coconut jelly adds an extra dimension to bubble tea, making it more tropical and refreshing, especially for those who love the flavor of coconut.
Mango pudding jelly
Mango pudding jelly balls are a variant that combines the creaminess of mango pudding with the gelatinous texture of jelly. They are typically made from mango puree, sugar, and agar-agar, resulting in a soft and flavorful jelly that is a delight to chew. The bright orange color of the mango pudding jelly balls makes them eye-catching, and their rich, fruity flavor adds a burst of sweetness to any bubble tea. They are particularly popular in drinks that feature a mango or tropical theme, enhancing the overall taste and providing a unique texture.
Agar jelly balls can be made using various colorful and creative ingredients to make them visually appealing in bubble tea.
Base ingredients
Agar jelly balls are primarily made from agar-agar powder or strands, which are derived from seaweed. This provides the jelly its structure and firmness. The jelly can also be made from gelatin for a softer version. Jelly recipes often use flavored gelatin for more flavor and color. The jellies are usually made from coconut milk or regular milk to provide a richer, creamier texture. Other recipes may use water or coconut water for a lighter take on the jelly. Sweeteners like sugar, honey, or condensed milk are added to give the jelly some sweetness and enhance the flavors incorporated into it.
Flavoring ingredients
Fruits are among the most popular way to flavor and color jelly balls. Purees or extracts of fruits like mango, strawberry, or lychee are used to give the jelly a rich flavor. Citrus juices like lime or orange can also be added for a refreshing, zesty touch. Flavoring the jelly with vanilla or pandan leaves adds a subtle, sophisticated taste that distinguishes the jelly from other variants. This is particularly important in coconut milk-based jellies, where a creamy flavor needs to be enhanced further.
Coloring ingredients
Natural colorants are used to give the jelly its vibrant colors. These include pureeing fruits like strawberries for red, matcha powder for green, and pumpkin puree for orange. They are safer than artificial colorants and give the jelly a more natural look. Artificial food colorings are used to achieve bright and consistent colors. This may, however, detract slightly from the jelly's natural appearance and possibly alter its texture. Dyes are usually added in very small quantities to avoid affecting the jelly's flavor. They provide a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to vivid brights, allowing for maximum creativity.
Texture-enhancing ingredients
Adding cornstarch or a small amount of glycerin to the jelly mixture can help to provide a more chewy and elastic texture. This makes the jelly more enjoyable to eat in contrast to the smoother feel of bubble tea. Some recipes may add a small amount of gelatin along with agar-agar to make a firmer jelly with a more balanced texture. Adding glycerin or cornstarch makes the jelly smoother and shinier, boosting its visual appeal in bubble tea.
When purchasing agar jelly balls for bubble tea, there are several important considerations to help ensure the right product is selected for quality, taste, and texture needs.
Flavor
The flavor of the agar jelly balls is the most vital consideration. Different varieties like rainbow jelly, star jelly, coconut jelly, and mango pudding jelly will incorporate different fruity or creamy flavors, thus affecting the overall taste of the bubble tea. The flavored agar jelly offers a delightful contrast to the sometimes bitter tea or complements the sweetness of other ingredients like milk or fruit. Buyers should consider what flavors profile will suit their target market bubble tea desires.
Texture
Texture plays a vital role in the success of bubble tea. While traditional tapioca pearls are chewy, agar jelly balls might be different depending on their make. Agar-agar jelly balls usually have a firmer and more gelatinous texture that is quite different from the classic chew of boba. On the other hand, mango pudding jelly and coconut jelly are considerably softer and richer. Buyers will need to consider the balance of textures they wish to achieve. That might be a firm jelly to contrast with soft tapioca or a creamy one that melds with the pudding-like boba.
Size and shape
Agar jelly balls can vary in size, from tiny pearls to larger, more substantial bits. The most common shape will include colorful variants like rainbow jelly and star jelly, but coconut jelly may also be cut into cubes. Different sizes will provide a different experience. Larger jelly balls take longer to chew and provide a more substantial bite in the drink, while smaller ones are lighter and offer a more delicate texture. Buyers should consider the practical aspect, too, as larger jellies might require wider straws for their consumers.
Quality and sourcing
Much like any other food product, the quality of agar jelly balls can vastly affect their taste, texture, and overall appearance. Jelly balls made with high-quality agar-agar and natural flavoring, coloring, and sweetening agents will have a firmer texture, better flavor, and richer color than others made from low-quality ingredients. Some manufacturers use artificial additives that could give the jellies a chemical taste or cause allergic reactions. Buyers will, therefore, need to check the ingredient list carefully and consider the supplier's reputation.
Customizable options
Many manufacturers offer customizable options for flavor, size, and color. This could provide the buyer with the opportunity to create a unique bubble tea experience that consumers do not find anywhere else. Consideration would be for the market trends and consumer demands that are currently in play.
Rich in fiber
Agar jelly balls are made from agar-agar, a gelatin substitute made from seaweed that's generally very high in dietary fiber. The fiber contained in agar supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. This is a major contributing benefit for consumers' overall health. Bubble tea shops can therefore market their drinks with agar jelly balls as both a delicious and health product that aids digestion.
Low in calories
Agar jelly balls are naturally low in calories compared to traditional tapioca pearls, which are often highly sweetened and starch-based. Less calories mean consumers can enjoy a more guilt-free version of bubble tea without having to compromise on their cravings. Buyers bubble tea shops should consider providing jewel balls as a low-calorie alternative that meets needs for calorie-conscious customers.
Customizable options in flavors colors and shapes
Agar jelly balls are very versatile since they can easily be flavored with fruity flavors, like mango, strawberry, and coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture. Rainbow jelly and star jelly add visual appeal with pureeing fruits or using food dyes as the coloring agents. Moreover, these jellies can be made in different sizes, ranging from tiny pearls to larger chunks, thus allowing for total customization to meet the specific desires of different bubble tea shops.
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Since agar-agar is derived from seaweed, it is a perfect option for vegetarians and vegans who want to have the same jellied experience in their bubble tea without consuming gelatin, which is made from animal bones. This wide-ranging appeal allows bubble tea shops to enhance their market reach and cater to the plant-based demographic.
Improved texture
Agar jelly balls tend to have a firmer and more gelatinous texture than the chewier tapioca pearls in some bubble teas. This varying texture could be an interesting addition to bubble tea, providing a different mouthfeel that consumers would find appealing. Those wanting a contrasting texture would benefit particularly from this feature.
Longer shelf life
Agar jelly balls are processed and preserved longer than fresh toppings like fruits or chia seeds, making them a practical option for restaurants with a high turnover rate. They can be prepared in advance and stored without losing freshness or flavor, making bubble tea preparation quicker and much easier in busy environments. This is, therefore, an advantageous benefit for bubble tea shop owners, as it helps in operational efficiency.
Rainbow jelly balls can be made at home with simple ingredients like agar-agar powder, coconut milk, and flavored liquids. There are also many tutorials available online for beginners.
Coconut jelly balls are made by mixing agar-agar powder with coconut milk and a bit of sugar for a creamy treat.
Agar jelly balls are small, chewy spheres used in bubble tea. They are made from agar-agar, a vegetarian gelatin substitute derived from seaweed.
Mango pudding jelly balls are prepared using agar-agar, fresh mango pulp, sugar, and coconut milk for creaminess.
Yes, any juice can be used to prepare flavorful jelly balls. Just mix agar-agar with juice, heat it to activate the agar, allow it to set, and cut it into small pieces.
Agar jelly balls offer a unique and versatile addition to bubble tea. With options like rainbow jelly, star jelly, coconut jelly, and mango pudding jelly, they provide different textures and flavors that enhance the drink experience. Buyers consider the quality, flavor, size, and sourcing of jelly balls when making their purchase.