What are Juice Bubbles? How do I explain them to customers?

Juice bubbles, popping bubbles, or popping boba are similar to their tapioca counterpart but contain a sweet twist - a sweet popping sensation! The bubble toppings are coated in flavourless jelly-like substance called agar (don't worry, it's vegan friendly!) and are filled with fruit syrups inside to give the bubbles its juice popping flavour. 

How do I describe them to customers?

Simply put, juice bubbles are pockets of juice that can pop easily when consumed through a wide straw. In terms of the description we would always recommend that you advise customers that they are vegan friendly as there are preconceptions over whether they are made with gelatine or other animal based products. Juice bubbles thankfully are made vegan-friendly from Agar. Agar originates from South-East Asia and is a gelatinous substance that is extracted from seaweed. Hence you could also explain to the customers how the outer layer is made from seaweed extract and that is how it maintains its shape.

An example description could take the shape of:

"Juice Bubbles are pockets of juice made with seaweed extract, they're vegan friendly and they pop in the mouth gently to provide a flavour burst"

The science behind the Juice Bubble

Juice bubbles are a product of molecular gastronomy, a practice in food science that seeks to experiment and create physical and chemic transformations of ingredients in cooking. One such example of this is flavoured foam which is served at high end restaurants worldwide, it's the transformation of ingredients in one state to another.

Specifically, Juice Bubbles are formed from flavoured fruit juices containing no calcium mixed together with sodium alginate and a cold solution of calcium chloride. It is the liquid droplets coming into contact with the calcium solution that causes a reaction that transforms the outer layer of the droplet into a thin and malleable skin. They are then removed from the solution and washed in clean water as well as steeped in a flavoured liquid for storage.

What can Juice Bubbles be used in?

Juice bubbles go hand in hand with Ice Teas. The fruity combinations of different or the same flavours bring about a real treat when paired. Alternatively they can be placed inside of Milk Teas, Smoothies and Milkshakes for a unique pairing. Dessert shops and Drinks Parlour have also found considerable success in integrating them with snow ice, bubble waffles, froyo, ice cream and cocktails.

Juice bubbles are very versatile and provide a new and fresh way of incorporating more flavours in a distinct and fun way!