How to Color Tapioca Pearls

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Tapioca pearls, also known as boba, are edible balls most popular in “bubble” tea, though they have several uses. These pearls come dark or cream colored, but the lightly colored pearls are the best for adding color. Adding color to tapioca pearls is simple. It just requires cooking the pearls and adding food coloring. Once the pearls are colored, you can add them to your favorite drink or use them for sensory play for children.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Boiling the Tapioca Pearls

1
Boil 10 cups (2.36 L) of water on high heat. Pour 10 cups of water into a large pot. Turn the stove to high heat. Bring the water to a boil.^{[1]
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- You can add more or less water, depending on how many tapioca pearls you plan to use. You need 10 cups of water per 1 cup (236.6 mL) of tapioca pearls.
- Make sure to buy the kind of tapioca pearls that cook in 5 minutes.
2
Add 1 cup of tapioca pearls. Once the water starts boiling, add in 1 cup (236.6 mL) of tapioca pearls. You will see them start to rise to the top after about 1 minute. When you see them rise, stir the contents.^{[2]
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3
Let the pearls boil for four more minutes. After you’ve stirred the pearls, put a lid on the pot. Leave the pearls for four minutes. Do not stir them during the four minutes.^{[3]
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4
Allow the tapioca pearls to sit for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat after the pearls have boiled for 5 minutes. Let them sit while still in the water for 10 minutes. This will allow them to soften up completely.^{[4]
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5
Strain the pearls over the sink. The pearls should be cool at this point, but it’s okay to strain them if they’re still a little warm. After 10 minutes, pour the pearls into a colander. Drain them over the sink. Then, run cold water over them.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Color

1
Put the tapioca pearls into a bowl or bowls. If you plan to add only one color to the pearls, pour all of them into one bowl. Divide the pearls into separate bowls if you plan to dye them several colors. Use one bowl for each color.^{[6]
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- Use bowls that wouldn’t mind potentially getting stained with food coloring.
2
Add one or two drops of food coloring to the pearls. You can use gel or liquid food coloring. Choose one dye if you plan to use one color. You can use as many colors as you’d like, though. Use one or two small drops on the balls. Gently stir them with a spoon so that they get covered with the dye. You can use more coloring if you feel they aren’t colorful enough.^{[7]
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3
Let the color sink in for 15 minutes. The food coloring will require some time to absorb into the tapioca pearls. You can lay the pearls on wax paper or keep them in their bowls. Wait the full 15 minutes for the pearls to absorb the color.^{[8]
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4
Rinse the pearls under cold water. After 15 minutes, run the pearls under cold water. Running them under cold water will remove excess color. Make sure to rinse each color separately. Allow them a few minutes to dry. The colored pearls are now ready! Use them as soon as possible because they will start to get mushy after a few hours.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using the Tapioca Pearls

1
Add them to tea or a smoothie. Tapioca pearls are most commonly used in cold flavored tea or smoothies. Pour the tapioca pearls into the bottom of a cup. Then, pour in the tea or smoothie of your choice. Make sure to use a big enough straw for the tapioca pearls to pass through and enjoy.^{[10]
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- Oftentimes boba is warmed with syrup before being poured into a drink.
2
Put the pearls in a cocktail. Tapioca pearls can also be used in adult beverages to add flavor, texture, and in this case, color. Tapioca pearls are best used in fruity and sweet cocktails. Pair the pearls with a cocktail like a frozen Old Fashioned or pina colada and enjoy.^{[11]
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3
Use the pearls for sensory play with children. Sensory play stimulates a very young child’s senses. Water balls are often used in sensory play, but they usually can’t be eaten. That is why colored tapioca pearls are great to use. Simply pour all of the pearls into a bin and let your child play!^{[12]
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Warnings

The tapioca pearls will turn out too hard if you don’t boil them first.

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Do not serve these pearls to someone who may have an allergy to certain types of food coloring.

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