How Long Does It Take For Boba To Expire?

When you want a sweet pick-me-up, nothing hits the spot like a boba tea. This term refers to sweet tapioca pearls found in iced tea drinks that originally popped up in Taiwan. These bubbles have a chewy, elastic texture similar to mochi and have found their way onto the tops of desserts like ice cream and shaved ice. While you can easily find these special toppings at designated boba tea shops, stores have started carrying the ingredients to make them, in addition to tubs of these goodies. If you pick up some of these tapioca pearls, you have to make sure to use them quickly, as they can easily dry out or go bad.

Estimating just how long you have to use your newly purchased bobas requires taking into account a number of factors. You generally don't have to rush after first picking up a package of boba. On average, the pearls expire nine to 12 months after production, giving you a solid window to throw them in your favorite milk tea. Once boba expires, they can't hurt you, but they definitely won't taste great and can't hold any flavor.

If you want to go all out and make your own boba at home, you can pick up tapioca powder and shape your own pearls to your exact liking. The powder you use to make these boba also has a limited shelf life, and if stored in proper cool and dark conditions, can last anywhere between six to 12 months. If you have any doubts, you can open up the powder and see if it has started to discolor or emits a strange smell. If so, make sure to replace the powder before making more boba out of it. Don't make too many boba pearls at once either. If you let fully formed boba pearls sit in the open for over 24 hours, the food develops a hard center and could cause some digestive issues.

When you want to indulge in some boba at home, make sure to keep an eye on the expiration date on your pearls and keep your tapioca powder in the proper conditions, if you love whipping up the pearls on your own time. If you already have pre-made bobas sitting in the open, make sure to eat them ASAP, or else you can expect them to go bad within a day. By keeping these time frames in mind, you can ensure a tasty time with this one-of-a-kind treat.