Tapioca Pearls Guide: 8.5mm vs 9.5mm – Which is Best for Your Shop?

If milk tea is the body of the drink, the tapioca pearl is its soul.

For any bubble tea shop owner in the UK, sourcing the right pearls is the most critical decision you will make. However, when you look at a wholesale price list (like ours at Boba Buzz), you are often faced with a technical choice: 8.5mm or 9.5mm?

At £10 per 3kg bag, the cost is identical. But the impact on your customer’s experience is huge.

As your trusted bubble tea supplier in the UK, we are here to break down the science behind the size, the "Q" texture, and the operational differences so you can make the right choice for your menu.

The first thing to understand is that the numbers "8.5mm" and "9.5mm" refer to the diameter of the raw, dry pearl. Once cooked, tapioca pearls absorb water and expand.

• The 8.5mm Pearl: Expands to approximately 10mm - 11mm after cooking.

• The 9.5mm Pearl: Expands to approximately 11mm - 13mm after cooking.

Why does this millimetre matter? It all comes down to the "Straw Test." Most standard bubble tea straws (like our 12mm Paper Straws) are designed to accommodate pearls up to 12mm.

The Case for 8.5mm: The "Smooth Operator"

The 8.5mm pearl is often the unsung hero of high-volume bubble tea shops.

1. Faster Cooking Time

Because the core is smaller, 8.5mm pearls generally require slightly less cooking and resting time to achieve a thoroughly cooked center. For a busy shop turning over multiple batches a day, saving 5-10 minutes per batch adds up.

2. Softer Chew (The "Soft Q")

The smaller diameter means the texture is softer and easier to chew. This is often preferred by:

• Younger customers: Children often find smaller pearls easier to manage.

• Fruit Tea Lovers: If you are pairing pearls with lighter fruit teas (like Passion Fruit or Mango Green Tea), the 8.5mm pearl doesn't overpower the refreshing drink.

3. Easy Suction

There is almost no resistance when sucking these up through a 12mm straw. It’s a smooth, effortless drinking experience.

✅ Best For: Fruit teas, high-traffic locations requiring fast prep, and customers who prefer a softer texture.

The Case for 9.5mm: The "Classic Chew"

If you are aiming for that authentic, Taiwanese bubble tea experience, the 9.5mm is the industry heavyweight.

1. The "Resistance" Factor

When a customer sips a 9.5mm pearl through a standard straw, there is a tiny bit of vacuum resistance before the pearl pops into the mouth. Psychologically, this "suction force" is part of the premium bubble tea experience.

2. Superior "Q" Texture (Bounciness)

A larger pearl means more surface area and a denser core. This results in a chewier, bouncier texture—what we call "Q" or "QQ" in the industry. It holds its shape better in hot drinks and creates a more satisfying mouthfeel.

3. Visual Impact

In a clear cup (especially our Pattern Plastic Cups), the larger pearls look more substantial and generous. They create that beautiful "tiger stripe" effect more effectively when coated in brown sugar syrup.

✅ Best For: Brown Sugar Milk Tea, classic Milk Teas, and shops positioning themselves as "Premium" or "Authentic."

Ready to Stock Up?

At Boba Buzz, we supply high-quality tapioca pearls to shops across Portsmouth, London, and the wider UK.

• Tapioca Pearl 8.5mm (3kg): £10.00

• Tapioca Pearl 9.5mm (3kg): £10.00

• Wholesale box price (6 bags/box): £58.00

Not sure which texture your customers will prefer? Why not order a sample of each and run a taste test with your staff?