Grass jelly and boba belong are toppings that bring an extra dimension to cold beverages. They are often served in bubble teas, milk teas, or other dessert drinks. The similar feature that grass jelly and boba share is their texture, as both provide a chewy or jelly-like consistency that makes sipping drinks more fun. But while both enhance drinks in exciting ways, the way they look, feel, and taste differs considerably.
What is Grass Jelly?
Grass jelly is a dark, jelly-like substance made from the leaves and stems of a plant called Mesona chinensis. Commonly used in East and Southeast Asia, it has a smooth, slightly firm texture and is often served in cubes or strips. It is typically black or dark brown and has a mildly bitter taste that is balanced when paired with sweet drinks or desserts.
Grass jelly is also valued for its health benefits, as it’s believed to have cooling properties that help lower body heat. In hot climates, grass jelly is often added to drinks to provide a refreshing, soothing effect. Because of its light taste and health benefits, it’s a popular addition in milk teas, herbal drinks, and shaved ice desserts.
What is Boba?
Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, are round, chewy balls made from tapioca starch, which comes from the cassava plant. Boba became widely popular in Taiwan and has since spread globally, often associated with bubble tea.
Boba comes in different sizes, but the most common type is the black boba, which has a dark color due to the addition of brown sugar or caramel during cooking. Boba doesn’t have a strong flavor on its own, but it absorbs the taste of the drink it’s served with, often adding a chewy contrast to the smoothness of milk teas, fruit teas, or iced coffees. Its bouncy texture is what makes it fun to chew on while drinking.
The Differences Between Grass Jelly and Boba
Texture
One of the key differences between grass jelly and boba is their texture. Grass jelly has a soft, smooth texture that feels like a light jelly. It breaks apart easily in your mouth and doesn’t require much chewing. On the other hand, boba is firm and chewy, with a bouncy feel that takes more effort to chew. Boba’s texture can make drinks more interactive, while grass jelly offers a lighter, more subtle experience.
Appearance
Grass jelly and boba also look quite different. Grass jelly is usually cut into cubes or strips and has a dark brown or black color, giving drinks a slightly herbal appearance. In contrast, boba comes in the form of small, round balls, often black or sometimes clear (in the case of popping boba or fruit boba). These round balls sit at the bottom of drinks and provide a playful visual contrast.
Flavor
When it comes to taste, grass jelly has a mild, herbal flavor that can be slightly bitter on its own but works well when paired with sweet beverages. Boba, on the other hand, has a very neutral taste, but absorbs the flavor of the drink it’s served with, whether it’s fruity, creamy, or sweet. The main joy of boba comes from its texture rather than its flavor.
