BubblePhil is a Taiwan-based manufacturer supplying commercial-grade tapioca pearls, also known as boba pearls or bubble tea pearls, to wholesale buyers worldwide. Made from tapioca starch extracted from cassava root, our pearls are produced with standardized formulas and automated shaping to control caliber and cooking performance, delivering the signature chewy “Q” texture of classic boba. We offer three formats, traditional raw, IQF frozen instant and shelf-stable instant, manufactured in our own facility in Taiwan and certified to FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP and HALAL, serving bubble tea chains, restaurant groups and foodservice distributors.
Format selection is primarily a labor and equipment decision:
| Format | Prep before service | Equipment required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Raw | Boil 5–30 min + covered steep 10–35 min (by caliber), rinse, then 10–20 min syrup soak | Cooker, kitchen exhaust, prep station | Specialty shops prioritizing freshly cooked texture |
| IQF Frozen Instant | 30–60 seconds reheat | Hot water or microwave; freezer at −18°C | High-volume and ventless kitchens |
| Shelf-Stable Instant | Approx. 60 seconds hot-water rehydration | Hot water only | Retail, convenience stores, airlines, remote export markets |
Instant formats also eliminate end-of-day waste: cooked raw pearls must be discarded after their holding window, while instant pearls are prepared to order.
For a full side-by-side comparison of base ingredients, texture, shelf life and prep workflow, please read: Popping Boba vs. Tapioca Pearls: Key Differences Explained
| Caliber | Cooked diameter | Common trade name | Straw compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 4–5 mm | Mini pearls | Standard straw |
| 1.8 | 5–6 mm | Small pearls | Standard straw |
| 2.0 | 7–8 mm | Medium pearls | Wide boba straw |
| 2.2 | 8–9 mm | Large pearls | Wide boba straw (11–12 mm) |
| 2.5 | 9–10 mm | Boba / extra large | Wide boba straw (11–12 mm) |
Standard 2.5 pearls are formed at approximately 8 mm and expand to 9–10 mm once cooked. Custom calibers are available for chain accounts.
For a full breakdown of types, sizes and selection advice, please read: Complete Guide to Tapioca Pearls: Types, Sizes, and Selection Advice
Current varieties include Brown Sugar, Amber, Honey, White Jade and Colorful (Green / Pink / Blue); see the product cards above for each profile. Beyond flavor, texture itself is customizable: we formulate to a soft, chewy or firm bite according to your menu and market, and chain brands can specify custom calibers and private-label packaging (OEM). Availability of varieties beyond those listed is confirmed per order.
For color options and supply specifications, please see: Colorful Tapioca Pearls
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Packaging | 3 kg/bag × 6 (19 kg/carton) · 1 kg/bag × 20 (21 kg/carton) · 500 g/bag × 24 (13 kg/carton) · single-serve retort packs available |
| Caliber | 1.5 / 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.2 / 2.5 (cooked diameter 4–10 mm) or custom |
| Varieties | Brown Sugar, Amber, Honey, White Jade, Colorful (Green / Pink / Blue) |
| Texture | Soft / Chewy / Firm, formulated to specification |
| Unopened shelf life | Traditional raw: at least 6 months · IQF frozen: 12 months · Shelf-stable instant: 6 / 9 / 12 months by format. Exact dating follows destination-market regulations |
| Storage | Raw and shelf-stable: cool, dry place below 25°C, away from sunlight and humidity · Frozen: below −18°C |
| After opening | Reseal and use within 2 days |
| Cooked holding limit | 4 hours at room temperature, held in syrup and covered, then discard. Do not refrigerate cooked pearls; cold accelerates starch retrogradation |
| Certifications & origin | FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, HALAL · Made in Taiwan |
For boiling and steeping times by caliber, water ratios and syrup-soaking steps, see How to Cook Commercial Tapioca Pearls: SOP & Kitchen Tips.
For the criteria to evaluate and the documents to request when assessing a supplier, please read: How to Choose a Reliable Tapioca Pearl Supplier: Key Considerations for Distributors & Chains
Q: Are tapioca pearls, boba pearls and bubble tea pearls the same thing?
A: Yes. Tapioca pearls, boba pearls, boba balls, tapioca balls, bubble tea pearls and black tapioca pearls all describe the same product; the name varies by region. “Boba” typically refers to the larger calibers (2.2–2.5, roughly 8–10 mm), while smaller calibers are sold as mini or small pearls. All are made from tapioca starch; the difference is caliber and formula, not material.
Q: Which caliber should I choose?
A: Match caliber to cup size, straw diameter and target mouthfeel. Calibers 2.2 and 2.5 (8–10 mm) are the standard for boba milk tea with wide 11–12 mm straws. Calibers 1.5 and 1.8 (4–6 mm) suit dessert toppings, yogurt bowls and drinks with standard straws. Caliber 2.0 (7–8 mm) is a common middle ground for mixed menus.
Q: What is the difference between IQF frozen instant and shelf-stable instant pearls?
A: Frozen instant pearls are pre-cooked and flash-frozen, ready in 30–60 seconds in hot water or a microwave, contain no added preservatives and require −18°C storage. Shelf-stable instant pearls use retort packaging to keep for 6–12 months at room temperature and rehydrate in hot water, ideal for operations without freezers or cold-chain logistics.
Q: How long can cooked pearls be held after syrup infusion?
A: Four hours at room temperature, held in syrup and covered, then discard. By the four-hour mark even well-syruped pearls are visibly losing chew. Refrigeration does not extend that window; it shortens it, because cold storage is where starch retrogrades fastest.
Q: Can we request samples? What is the bulk MOQ?
A: Yes, commercial sample kits are available for kitchen trials. Our standard sampling cycle for custom formulations is 7–14 days. Please contact our sales team for the standard catalog MOQ; both LCL and FCL options are available. Submit an inquiry below for a customized quotation.
