Hello EMS!
Have you ever heard of boba (also known as bubble tea)? It’s a delicious and unique drink! If you have heard of it, what’s your favorite kind — popping, crystal, or regular? All boba is amazing! If you haven’t heard of it, you need to know!
Boba tea is an extremely unique drink. But it isn’t just a drink. Some people say that boba tea is a very textured drink because, along with the actual tea (which is traditionally a milk tea, though today there are many kinds), there’s something extra. At the bottom of the beverage, there are these things called “boba pearls” or “bubbles.” They’re sweet and sometimes chewy pearls that people suck up with the liquid through an extra-wide straw. These bubbles are what make the drink so unique and different. But not all boba pearls are chewy — there are several different kinds, each with its own texture and flavor.
Classic Chewy Boba
The first kind of boba pearls is the classic one. People usually call them “classic boba” or simply “boba.” Usually flavored with brown sugar, these chewy classic bubbles are made from tapioca starch, which gives them that award-winning texture. These pearls are loved and enjoyed in milk teas, lattes, and similar drinks all around the world.
Popping Boba
Next, we’ll talk about popping boba. Popping pearls are a little more widely known. They have a gel-like skin, and when you bite into them, they pop in your mouth and release a burst of fruity flavor. Popping pearls come in tons of flavors, usually fruity ones. They’re often served in slushies, fruit teas, and even desserts like ice cream.
Crystal Boba
The last kind — and probably the least known — is crystal boba. Crystal boba is most commonly made with agar-agar powder, a plant-based ingredient that gives it a soft, jelly-like texture with a subtle chew. It can be made in different flavors, usually by being coated in a sweet syrup. Crystal boba is often used in the same types of drinks as popping boba because of its similar fruity flavors.
What Students Think
Stella Hostetler
The best kind of boba is popping boba because it’s really satisfying and I really like the flavors. I had the regular chewy boba once and didn’t like it at all.
Annalise Wettstein
Popping boba! The texture of chewy boba feels weird to me. (What Stella said.)
Nella Stoller
Popping, because that’s the only kind I’ve had and it’s really good.
Adelie Sancken
The best boba is popping boba!!! (That’s the only boba I’ve had, but it’s still the best!!!)
Anna Stapel
I’ve never had any, but the popping boba, strawberry, and brown sugar sound good!
Bristol Voorhees
Popping boba is my favorite. I’ve tried the classic, but I’m not a fan of it.
Elsie Cearlock
Um, I think I’ve only had popping boba, so… popping!
Your turn!
Which one sounds the best to you? Answer in the poll!
