Prepared and Processed / Prepared and Processed
Tapioca starch ball
PhilFCT
Macronutrients
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size: 100g |
| Calories | 341kcal / 2530kcal (13%) |
Macronutrients
Protein | 0.4 g/ 71g (0.56%) | ||||||
Total Fat | 1.1 g/ 42g (2%) low | ||||||
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Total Carbs | 82.4 g/ 348g (23%) | ||||||
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Vitamins
Vit A | 0 mcg RAE/ 700mcg RAE (0%) |
Vit B1 | 0 mg/ 1mg (0%) |
Vit B2 | 0.01 mg/ 1mg (0.77%) |
Vit B3 | 0.1 mg NE/ 16mg NE (0.63%) |
Vit C | 0 mg/ 70mg (0%) |
Minerals
Calcium | 88 mg/ 750mg (11%) |
Phosphorus | 10 mg/ 700mg (1%) |
Iron | 1 mg/ 12mg (8%) |
Sodium | 11 mg/ 1500mg (0.73%) very low |
What is this food?
Tapioca starch ball (often used in drinks like milk tea or boba). It’s made mainly from tapioca starch, so it’s mostly carbohydrates and is commonly used as a chewy thickener or add-on.
Why it matters to health
Tapioca starch balls are high in carbs (82.4g per 100g), so they can raise your meal’s overall energy quickly—especially if you add sweet drinks or syrup. They have a small amount of fiber (0.5g) and some sugar (3.2g), which means they’re not very filling compared to whole foods like fruits, oats, or root crops with more fiber and nutrients. On the plus side, the fat is low (1.1g total; 0.55g saturated), and sodium is very low (11mg). For everyday eating, it’s best to treat tapioca balls as an occasional add-on and balance them with meals and snacks that include protein and fiber (like eggs, fish, tofu, vegetables, or fruit).
Healthier tips
- Watch the portion: If you’re having it with a drink, choose a smaller serving of tapioca balls or ask for less.
- Balance your plate: Pair your snack/drink with a protein source (e.g., hard-boiled egg, yogurt, tofu, or nuts in small amounts) and a fiber-rich side (fruit or veggies).
- Choose less sweet: Go for reduced sugar or no added syrup when possible.
- Timing matters: Keep it for your 1–2 snacks a day, not as a main part of your meals.
- Hydrate smart: Prefer water or unsweetened tea alongside your snack.
Common Filipino dishes
Halo-halo, sago’t gulaman, tapioca pearls in milk tea, fruit salad with tapioca, ginataang bilo-bilo
Images
Disclaimer
Juan Nutrisyon provides educational nutrition information to help users better understand the foods they eat. Nutrient values are sourced from reputable databases including the Philippine Food Composition Tables (FCT) and USDA FoodData Central. Calculation methods for estimating nutrients across multiple foods have been reviewed by a licensed dietitian. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Juan Nutrisyon has not yet undergone formal clinical validation studies and should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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