How to Make Perfect Jelly Boba at Home: A Step-by-Step Recipe

What Is Jelly Boba?

Jelly boba is a refreshing bubble tea topping made from fruit-based or coconut water jelly, offering a lighter alternative to traditional tapioca pearls. This colorful, fruit-flavored topping has become increasingly popular among bubble tea enthusiasts who prefer a softer, more refreshing texture in their drinks.

Unlike chewy tapioca pearls, jelly boba is cut into cubes, strips, or fun shapes and provides a delightful burst of fruity flavor with every sip. It pairs perfectly with milk teas, fruit teas, and smoothies, making it a versatile choice for customizing your bubble tea experience.

Ingredients Needed

To make jelly boba at home, you'll need:

• Base liquid: Fruit juice, coconut water, or herbal tea
• Gelling agent: Agar agar powder (plant-based) or gelatin (not vegan)
• Sweetener: Sugar, honey, or agave (optional)
• Flavouring: Fruit extracts, syrups, or fresh fruit
• Colouring (optional): Natural fruit powders or food-safe colouring for visual appeal

Types of Boba Jelly

1. Fruit Jelly Boba

Made with fruit juice and agar agar, fruit jellies are light, colourful, and available in delicious flavours like mango, strawberry, lychee, or passion fruit.

2. Nata de Coco Jelly

Originating in the Philippines, nata de coco is a chewy, translucent jelly made from fermented coconut water. It's low in calories and widely used in bubble tea shops.

3. Grass Jelly

A herbal jelly made from mesona plant leaves, grass jelly is dark in colour and mildly bitter. It's common in Asian desserts and pairs well with milk teas.

4. Aloe Vera Jelly

Made from aloe vera flesh, this jelly is refreshing and slightly tangy, often cut into cubes for bubble tea or smoothies. It also offers health benefits that make it a nutritious choice.

5. Shaped Jellies

Heart, star, or bear-shaped jellies are popular in themed bubble teas. They add visual fun and are especially loved at parties or events.

Fruit Jelly Boba vs. Traditional Jelly

Boba jelly: Made to complement drinks, softer and easier to sip through straws.

Traditional dessert jelly: Firmer, often eaten with a spoon.

This distinction explains why jelly boba is cut smaller or into shapes suitable for bubble tea cups.

Preparation Process

Step 1: Make the Jelly

1. Heat your chosen liquid (juice or coconut water)
2. Add agar agar powder (about 1 tsp per 250ml liquid)
3. Stir until dissolved, then add sugar or flavourings
4. Pour mixture into a flat tray or moulds
5. Let it cool and set (about 1–2 hours)

Step 2: Cut into Shapes

Once firm, cut the jelly into:

• Cubes for classic topping
• Strips for "coconut jelly style"
• Fun shapes with cookie cutters

Step 3: Chill and Store

Store jelly boba in syrup or fruit juice to prevent drying out. Refrigerate and consume within 2–3 days.

Making Jelly Boba Balls

If you want jelly spheres instead of cubes:

1. Mix liquid with agar agar
2. Use a syringe to drop liquid into cold oil
3. The mixture forms jelly balls, similar to popping boba but firmer

This method is popular for DIY enthusiasts looking for a fun, textured topping.

Preparing the Fruit Jelly Bubble Tea

Assembly Instructions

1. Cook tapioca pearls (if mixing jelly with boba)
2. Add jelly cubes or shapes into the cup first
3. Pour in brewed tea (black, green, or herbal)
4. Add milk (dairy or plant-based)
5. Sweeten with syrup or sugar
6. Top with ice and insert a wide straw

Layering Your Bubble Jelly Tea

• Bottom layer: Jelly cubes
• Middle: Tea base with milk
• Top: Extra jelly strips or nata de coco for visual effect

For more creative ideas, explore our guide on making fresh bubble tea at home.

Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe

• Balance sweetness: Too much sugar in both tea and jelly can overwhelm the drink
• Match flavours: Mango jelly works with green tea, while grass jelly pairs well with black milk tea
• Experiment: Mix jelly boba with tapioca pearls or popping boba for variety
• Texture matters: Use agar for a firmer jelly, or gelatin for a softer version (note: gelatin is not vegan)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Jelly not setting: Increase agar powder slightly or allow more cooling time
• Too hard: Too much agar can make jelly rubbery. Adjust ratios carefully
• Bland flavour: Always add fruit extracts or syrup; plain jelly can taste flat
• Oversized cubes: Keep pieces small so they can fit through bubble tea straws

Where to Buy Quality Bubble Tea Supplies

If DIY isn't your style, pre-made jelly toppings are widely available. Options include fruit-flavoured cubes, nata de coco, and aloe vera jelly.

Ready to elevate your bubble tea game? Explore professional-grade toppings, premium cups, cans, and bottles through Bobalicious Bubble Tea. Download our catalogue to discover the complete range of supplies for both shops and at-home enthusiasts, or contact us for personalized recommendations.

Regional Popularity

• Spain & Italy: Fruit jellies are popular in iced teas and cocktails, especially during summer
• United Kingdom: Grass jelly is served in traditional Asian dessert shops, while fruit jellies are trending in bubble tea chains
• South Africa: Aloe vera jelly is valued for its refreshing quality in warm climates
• Canada: Nata de coco and lychee jellies are favourites in urban bubble tea cafés
• France: Jelly toppings are often paired with elegant tea blends, making bubble tea fashionable in Paris
• Romania & Belgium: Jelly boba appeals to younger consumers looking for colourful, Instagram-friendly drinks

Conclusion

Jelly boba is more than just a topping — it's a versatile, refreshing way to customise bubble tea. Whether you make it at home with agar agar or buy pre-made nata de coco and fruit jellies, it adds both texture and flavour to your drink.

From mango cubes in Barcelona to grass jelly in London and aloe vera jelly in Cape Town, jelly boba is shaping bubble tea culture worldwide. Discover what makes our bubble tea unique and why it's a favourite of all ages.

So next time you prepare a cup, don't just stick with pearls — add some jelly for colour, texture, and fun!

Shop Bobalicious Products Now | Get Our Catalogue

FAQs

What is jelly boba made of?

Jelly boba is typically made from coconut water or fruit juice combined with agar agar (a plant-based gelling agent) or gelatin, then cut into cubes or strips. The mixture is flavored with fruit extracts or syrups to create a refreshing topping.

Is jelly boba the same as popping boba?

No, jelly boba and popping boba are different. Jelly boba has a soft, chewy texture made from gel, while popping boba features a thin shell that bursts when bitten, releasing fruit juice. Both offer unique experiences in bubble tea.

Is jelly boba vegan?

Yes, jelly boba is vegan when made with agar agar or nata de coco. However, some versions use gelatin (derived from animal products), so always check the ingredients if following a vegan diet or ask your supplier about their formulation.

What does jelly boba taste like?

Jelly boba has a light, fruity flavor that varies based on the type used. Fruit jellies taste sweet and refreshing, nata de coco offers a mild coconut flavor, grass jelly is slightly herbal and bitter, while aloe vera jelly tastes tangy and fresh.

Is boba healthy or unhealthy?

Jelly boba is generally healthier than tapioca pearls as it's lower in calories and made from fruit or coconut water. However, it still contains sugars from added syrups. The healthiness depends on portion size and how much sweetener is added to your drink.

Are the pearls in bubble tea healthy?

Traditional tapioca pearls are high in carbohydrates and calories but low in nutrients. Jelly boba is often considered a healthier alternative since it's lighter and can be made with fruit juice, offering some vitamins while providing fewer calories than tapioca pearls.

What is the jelly in boba made of?

The jelly in boba is made from various bases: fruit jellies use fruit juice and agar agar, nata de coco comes from fermented coconut water, grass jelly is derived from mesona plant leaves, and aloe vera jelly is made from aloe flesh.

What is bubble tea jelly good for?

Bubble tea jelly adds texture, visual appeal, and fruity flavor to drinks. It's lower in calories than tapioca pearls, provides a refreshing bite, and can offer nutritional benefits when made with real fruit juice or aloe vera, making it ideal for customizing beverages.

Is jelly good for you?

Jelly boba can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Fruit-based jellies provide some vitamins, nata de coco is low in calories, and aloe vera jelly offers digestive benefits. However, added sugars should be monitored for overall health.

References

1. https://natadecocojuice.com/coconut-jelly-boba/
2. https://www.honestfoodtalks.com/rainbow-jelly-boba-recipe/
3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/boba-tea-health-benefits
4. https://iamafoodblog.com/coffee-jelly-recipe-boba/