Quick Answer
Agar (kanten) comes from red seaweed, so it is plant-based, suitable for vegetarians, sets at room temperature and melts again when heated. Gelatin is made from animal collagen such as beef or pork bones and needs refrigeration to set, giving a softer, bouncier texture. The crystal boba used in bubble tea is made with agar: crunchy, lower in calories than tapioca pearls and easier to fit vegetarian menus.
Three gelling agents compared
| Name | Source | Setting behavior | Vegetarian | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agar (kanten) | Red seaweed such as Gelidium and Gracilaria | Very strong: about 10 g of agar powder sets 1 L of water; melts when heated, sets when cooled | Yes | Crystal boba, yokan, jelly |
| Agar strips (“yang cai”) | Also seaweed | Similar to agar | Yes | Traditional jellies |
| Gelatin | Animal collagen (beef or pork bones) | Sets in the fridge, soft and bouncy | No | Mousse, panna cotta, gummies |
Names and classifications for agar products vary by region, so when sourcing rely on the seaweed source and the specification sheet. Vegetarians who want a soft, bouncy texture can use seaweed-based gelling powders instead of gelatin.
What is crystal boba?
Crystal boba is a clear, ball-shaped topping made mainly with agar. It is crunchy, ready to use without cooking and lower in calories than tapioca pearls, and is popular in fruit tea, milk tea and yogurt drinks. See popping boba and crystal boba explained.
Choosing a jelly topping for your shop
- Shelf-stable and vegetarian: choose agar or agar-based products.
- Soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture: choose gelatin, but it needs refrigeration and is not vegetarian.
- Less prep time: use ready-made toppings such as crystal boba, or jellies made with pudding and jelly powder.
How Tang Sugar can help
Tang Sugar supplies crystal boba in original, brown sugar, mango and other flavors, plus grass jelly, aiyu, konjac and other chewy toppings, with specification sheets available. Request samples.
Products in this article
All 7 Popping Boba →
FAQ
Can agar replace gelatin?
Yes, but the texture differs: agar is firmer and sets at room temperature; gelatin is softer and needs the fridge. The amount also needs re-testing.
Is agar vegan?
Yes. Agar comes from red seaweed and is a plant-based gelling agent.
What is gelatin made from?
Gelatin is usually made from animal collagen such as beef or pork bones, so it is not suitable for vegetarians.
Does crystal boba need cooking?
No. Crystal boba is ready to use; add it straight to drinks after opening and store as labeled.
Related Reading
Popping Boba vs Agar Boba vs Tapioca Pearls: Ingredients, Texture and the Cancer Rumor Fact-Checked
How to Use Pudding Powder and Jelly Powder: Making Pudding, Coffee Jelly and Other Bubble Tea Toppings
What Is Aiyu Jelly? Taiwan’s Native Awkeotsang Fig Seeds, How Aiyu Jelly Is Made and Its Origin
What Is Grass Jelly? How It’s Made, Grass Jelly Milk Tea and Hot Grass Jelly DessertAlso see: Crystal boba (products)
