Even though I didn't really know what it was, I felt highly pressured to keep the line moving, so I said yes. They are made from different sources (tapioca is derived from the cassava root, while potato starch is made from potato), but they are both used to thicken sauces and add elasticity to dough. Take the pan off the heat. *I originally shared this recipe on September 2016. Due to the water rationing that has been in place in the United States as a result of the low precipitation levels, tapioca production has declined. Because it has a thick, viscous texture, it can be used in a variety of recipes, including pie, soups, gravies, and puddings. Some people may enjoy the taste of rice pudding with tapioca, while others may find it to be too sweet or bland. Rice and tapioca produce a significant amount of starch, ideal when used as a thickening agent for the pudding. In addition to being good for bread and pastries, it can be used by people who have gluten intolerance. Posie (Harwood) Brien. It is often used as a thickening agent in soups and puddings. Traditional breads and pastries can also be enjoyed in a gluten-free manner as a result of the gluten-free trend. Im going to make a strawberry shake with whipped cream and powdered sugar. Because tapioca is made from root starch, it lacks its own flavor, and it contains external flavoring agents, rice imparts a natural taste and aroma to rice pudding. It set up great and was delicious. The classic dessert is made with small tapioca pearls, milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla flavoring. Tapioca pearls are pearls that are made from cooked starch. I just bought Reese instant tapioca at Meijer for $3.59 8oz bag. The last two times I have made this recipe with these ingredients, in this order, my tapioca pudding is really tapioca soup. Like other starches, tapioca flour is a very fine, white powder that works well in gluten free baking. If youre not sure what the problem is, you can try cooking the pudding for a longer period of time or using more tapioca pearls. You could try soy or almond milk. Whisk together and let stand for 5 minutes. When Tapioca pearls are cracked, cooked, dried, and then re-cracked, they are further processed into instant tapioca. Our best tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your inbox. Bring water to a rough boil - roughly 10x the amount of water compared to the amount of tapioca pearls you are preparing. 3.Rice pudding is smoother than tapioca pudding because the rice grains are soft when cooked while tapioca has a rubbery texture. Often common in baking, instant tapioca pearls or boba can be used as a substitute for tapioca starch. The first time walking into a boba cafe can be overwhelming. Stir before serving. In other words, black boba is simply tapioca with added coloring that makes it sweeter. Turn heat to medium and bring mixture to a bubbling, full boil (stirring constantly, being careful not to let it burn!). How its made is that the tapioca is converted into a thickening agent for the pudding base by chopping it into small round bits. Because it has a mild rice flavor, this food is suitable for baking. You should know what to look for when it comes to tapioca pudding. Welcome! To make the most of small pearl tapioca, soak it overnight in water and reduce the milk in the recipe. The black coloring is created by added brown sugar or caramel coloring. Rice pudding, on the other hand, has some unique characteristics in addition to being high in sugar and low in calories. The only trait that tapioca and rice pudding have is color and consistency. Also called bubbles or pearls, black boba is found in mostly milk-based bubble tea. They are baked or cooked in the oven or on a stove. So, when you look at it, it almost has a lumpy appearance. Regular tapioca is made from whole yucca tuber and is the most basic type of tapioca. Rice pudding is often made with leftover rice, while tapioca pudding is made with tapioca pearls that have been cooked in water. Rice flour has a more unique texture than regular flour, so use it if youre looking for a flour that will add a different texture to your recipes. How long should tapioca flour be cooked? Tapioca pudding originated from Mayan culture and was brought to China in the late 17th century. Cook tapioca, milk, and salt in a medium sauce pan over medium heat until al of the ingredients are thoroughly coated. Tapioca is a gluten-free thickener, gelling agent, and baking ingredient made from yuca, the root of a cassava or manioc tree. Get our best recipes, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox. Anyone can enjoy a tasty and healthy dish like tapioca pudding. Tapioca pudding is made with tapioca, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings and ingredients. Even if the pudding appears runny, the heat should be reduced. Rice flour is gluten-free and can be used to make bread or crackers. As an alternative to rice pudding, arroz con leche, creamed rice, stla*, sholezard, riz au lait, arroz-doce, and kheer are all served during the traditional Scandinavian Christmas meal. Corn starch gelatinizes at a higher temperature than tapioca starch. Popping bobais popular for its burst of real fruit juice when chewing, bringing the idea of flavored boba to the next level. Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 3 hours Additional Time 6 hours Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes Ingredients 1/2 cup medium white tapioca pearls 1/4 tsp salt If youre going to look at a tapioca pearl, you might be wondering what is it made of. Although tapioca can be prepared in a variety of ways, some people prefer it to be cold and soupy. Use it just like you would flour. vanilla extract is mixed in. The difference between tapioca and rice pudding lies in the cooking processes of the two puddings apart from their texture and appearance (tapioca pudding is more granular while rice pudding has a less coarse texture), and taste (tapioca pudding takes the flavor of the ingredients added to it externally while rice pudding has a natural cereal This species is native to the North Region of Brazil, but spread throughout the South American continent. Add honey according to your taste and mix well. Tapioca is a versatile starch that can be used in a variety of applications. When the food is cooked, it will become soft and transparent. Allow the mixture to cool before adding the egg custard; if the mixture does not cool, curdle the custard. There are many people who enjoy the classic comfort food of tapioca pudding. The wonderful difference isit stirs in much easier, without clumping. When cooked, it has a chewy texture and can be used as a thickening agent. Pearl is the most commonly found, but tapioca powder, flakes, or pears can also be found. 2.Tapioca pudding is made with tapioca, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings and ingredients while rice pudding is made with milk, rice, and a sweetener. For recipes, you can use it to add texture and consistency. It absorbs moisture and gives the pudding a nice pudding consistency. That tendency for stringiness is another reason tapioca is. 2 Meanwhile, beat egg white in small bowl with mixer on high speed until foamy. This site requires JavaScript. In fruit pie fillings and cobblers, instant tapioca is a great thickening agent and can be used as a quick or minute substitute for regular tapioca. Oddly, if you search this particular desserts origins, the top result would be the world. Tapioca pudding contains eggs, but rice pudding may or may not contain them. To improve the flavor and appearance of the pudding, add nuts, saffron, cardamom, vanilla essence, and so on. Rice pudding is smoother because rice becomes soft when cooked. December 3, 2022 by Amy. Can you soak tapioca before cooking? This food is a good choice for people who want to gain weight because it is filling and satisfying to eat. The vanilla extract gives the pudding a rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion. The minerals in tapioca can be beneficial to your health. If you need any help, please see the tips below. It is eaten as dinner or dessert and is known by different names. Serve Fluffy Tapioca Cream either warm or cold for a luscious dessert. It is often used as a thickening agent in sauces, puddings, and custards. When Tapioca was fed to an animal model, it stimulated a higher level of anti-inflammatory bacteria and a lower level of pathogenic bacteria. You may need to be patient in order to figure out how much mixing you should do in order for your pudding to be thick. Baked tapioca pudding is a traditional dessert that is made by cooking tapioca pearls in milk until they are soft and then baking them in the oven. Overall Thoughts Even if tapioca and rice pudding are vastly different from each other, doesn't mean you have to just choose one if both sound delicious. Gluten, despite being free of celiac disease, can cause health problems for people who consume it in large amounts. Tapioca pudding (similar to sago pudding) is a sweet pudding made with tapioca and either milk or cream. Cook the meat for about 15 minutes. Try the granulated, does the same thing. You will definitely notice a difference after it cools. It is the perfect dessert to make ahead and one that the whole family loves! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Serve warm or cold. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and egg yolks. These recipes are so easy to make that I could follow the instructions on my own, and what kid doesnt love tapioca pudding, with fun chewy pearls? However, another type of dessert people enjoy is pudding. Flour, pearls, and flakes are just a few of the flour, pearl, and flakes available for gluten-free diets. What Can You Substitute for Gruyere Cheese? It is quick and easy to make, and the pudding can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Delicious, thick but creamy. Just store in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface for 2-3 days. Fill a deep pot halfway with 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil. It can be difficult to compare which pudding is better from a nutritional standpoint, and it can vary depending on the recipe you use. What is Tapioca pudding? There is no such thing as tapioca rice pudding. Tapioca is a starch that is extracted from the cassava root. APA 7 Categorized under Food,Processed Foods | Difference Between Tapioca and Rice Pudding. Place tapioca in a medium saucepan with water for 30 minutes. 9. Wheat and oats are whole grains that contain a high level of fiber, raffinose, and starch. Potato Starch. When arrowroot is exposed to heat for long periods, it loses its thickening ability, and the liquids return to a thin, watery state. The taste depends on whether or not other ingredients are added. * Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. You are not boiling it long enough. The puddings are good sources of vitamins B2, B12, D, and calcium. Souffls have a firmer texture compared to pudding. While the mixture is hot, add the tapioca and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture itself thickens a little. Tapioca may help you digest food more easily, gain weight, boost your heart health, and increase your breast milk production. Despite this, tapioca balls in boba tea do not contain any nutritional value and instead contain sugar, empty calories, and carbohydrates. Will the sugar make a difference? The chart below shows how much food can cover in terms of daily requirements for 300 grams. You can add this starchy ingredient in the form of powder or pearls. Stir in vanilla. Rice pudding was used to coolant the stomachs in Roman times, so it is a common dish that the Romans served as a coolant for their stomachs. 2023 Tastes Better From Scratch Privacy Policy and Disclosure. Pressure cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes. This pudding is also vegan and gluten-free, so it is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Rise of Vegan Coffee in the USA (& Its Health Benefits), How To Choose The Right Tequila: Rested Vs Unrested, Kirkland Tequila: The Best Bang For Your Buck, Sparkle Donkey A Deliciously Unique Tequila, El Toro Tequila: A Smooth Mellow Tequila With A Vanilla Caramel And Citrus Flavor, Requesting More Chorizo: The Popularity Of Mas Chorizo Duro Por Favor. Rice pudding is usually served warm or cold, while tapioca pudding is usually served cold. Rice pudding does have 14 grams of sugar per cup, but also 150 milligrams of calcium and 0.4 milligrams of iron. Both rice pudding and tapioca pudding are made with milk, sugar, and eggs, and they are both typically served with a topping of whipped cream or fruit. Tapioca is a type of starch produced from the root of a Cassava plant. My question is this could I do it with tapioca starch instead? Thaw completely before serving. It took me six tries to make this tapioca pudding correctly in the Instant Pot. Tapioca and potato starches are ingredients used in baking, cooking, and other food preparation. I have made Tapioca pudding many times this way. It is usually prepared by steaming or made into porridge or pudding. 1.Tapioca is a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant and formed into sticks, rectangles, or spheres while rice is a cereal grain which is the staple food for people living in Asia, South America, and other parts of the world. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and let cool. Substitute 2 Tbsp. 34-35 Dronningens Gade Hibiscus Alley, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Clear Jel is a modified corn starch made to withstand the heat of canning. It is critical to ensure that you have sufficient protein to support muscle performance, recovery, and repair after exercising. My parents had differing opinions: Mum called it 'Fish Eyes' and detested the texture, while Dad adored it. The term Boba is used interchangeably with tapioca pearls. Sago has a high carbohydrate content, making it high-carbohydrate and potentially dangerous for people with diabetes. Thanks in advance! While tapioca sago will toughen in mango, it is still possible to use it in these dishes if the mango is ripe and soft. In addition to being low in fat, this delicious pudding is a smart dessert choice. The tapioca pearls are able to absorb the milk and flavor of the tea, thus becoming one with the flavor of your tea. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vanilla extract for about 10 minutes. Add tapioca pearls and water (ratio of 0.5:1) to the inner pot of IP. Chocolate Tapioca Pudding: Add cup of chopped semi-sweet chocolate after adding the eggs. If artificial food color is something that scares you, go for the white tapioca pearls. Sweet mousse is typically flavored with chocolate, coffee, or fruit. What is this? The glycogen stores in your body will be depleted by the time you finish this snack. Rice pudding is a dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar. Alsocalled bubbles or pearls, black boba is found in mostly milk-based bubble tea. 3 Bring to full boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. How To Use Tapioca Sago In Mango Dishes. 7 percent DV of iron. or until mixture comes to full bowl, stirring every 2 min. Arrowroot starch can be substituted in the same amount as tapioca flour in these applications, though arrowroot has an advantage over tapioca starch in that it freezes and thaws well, without separation or strange texture changes. Difference Between Tapioca and Rice Pudding. After the rice finishes boiling, it produces a smooth texture once added to the pudding. But, if you don't have any in your pantry, one of these substitutes can take its place. There isnt an official location where rice pudding came from, but those speculate on its creation. Because of its benefits, gluten-free products are on the rise. Do you know what sets pudding and mousse apart? It is used as a base for toothpaste, and the cassava root is manufactured as biodegradable plastic which can decompose after one year. The consistency of dry pudding mix remains intact if it has not been refrigerated, has been properly stored, and is within the eat by date. There is also the theory that China might have been the central origin due to its ancient rice history. clear boba is straight starch from the cassava root. When mixed with the other ingredients, tapioca and rice pudding come out as a yellow, white mix with a lumpy consistency. Tapioca pudding is made from tapioca, which is a starch derived from the tuberous roots of the foliage of the castor plant. In order to avoid receiving the burn notice, three key steps must be taken in the preparation of this pudding. This type of cooking involves taking flavored fruit juices and mixing them with powered sodium alginate. There are also a variety of non-traditional versions of mousse that are vegan, dairy-free, and have swapped the traditional ingredients to be healthier. In its most basic form, Tapioca is a grain, legumes, or potato. Pour the pudding into a serving bowl; stir 1/3 of the stiffly beaten egg whites into the pudding; gently fold in remaining egg whites, leaving little"pillows" of egg . Tapioca is mainly used as a food source, maintaining your blood sugar, and a food thickener. We hope to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home, and to show that it can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Difference between Tapioca and Rice Pudding Tapioca and rice pudding are both creamy desserts that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Here youll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos. How to substitute. Pudding is semisolid and more dense, while mousse has a lighter, airier texture. Rice pudding is usually prepared with only a few ingredients; just with rice, milk, and sweetener which can be sugar, honey, or sweetened milk. Sweet pudding is a semisolid, creamy, sometimes dense dessert that can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. One of the reasons why rice and tapioca might be mistaken for each other is due to their slightly similar appearance. Mini boba is exactly as it soundsit's a smaller version of black, clear, or flavored boba. Single boxes are going for over $10 a box, Walmart and Amazon have just raised the price of a case by over $20 a case. Tapioca puddings ingredient base is tapioca converted into tiny round pearls from the Cassava plant. I do add a pinch of salt though. The pearls keep moisture in the pudding and make it a nice and thick pudding. Tapioca is also used in foods for people with dietary restrictions not because of what is in tapioca but because of what is not in tapioca. You can serve it cold, hot, warm or iced. Beat 1 egg and add it to the saucepan. Allow the pressure to release naturally then open the lid and add the coconut milk and sugar. Rice pudding contains more nutrients and protein than tapioca pudding, which contains less sodium, but less calories, fat, and sodium. Rice pudding is usually creamy, while tapioca pudding is usually gelatinous. When choosing a dessert, the primary options people generally go for are cake, ice cream, pie, and other delectable treats. When using low fat milk, the pudding will have a watery texture with few flavors. According to a study, mice fed sago had lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than those fed tapioca starch (20). Minute Tapioca vs. Homemade Tapioca Minute (or Instant) Tapioca, is a smaller grain than the pearls, which helps it cook faster, making it widely popular. Tapioca starch is better for long cooking times than arrowroot. Add spoonfuls of water, and you'll see bubbles that will soon become boba balls. This density means that if you swap in potato starch at a 1:1 ratio, your flour blend will be a little heavier than if tapioca starch were used. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215. Gluten-containing foods can cause health problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort in people with celiac disease. Rice flour is a viable alternative to gluten-free bread. The starch is converted to a variety of small, round, and chewy pearls that serve as the base for the pudding, which is then thickened with cornstarch. It is important to note that as the food meets the needs of humans on a daily basis, the summary score rises. If youve cooked and refrigerated tapioca balls, you can reheat them by adding a few drops of water to the syrup and stirring it. Going to try small pearl using same cooking technique but soaking the pearls overnight in the milk and not rinsing. 3. Arrowroot can be used to substitute Tapioca flour in equal 1:1 proportion for thickening purposes. Rice pudding, in addition to its calcium and iron content, also contains a high level of vitamin D. Vanilla ice cream, on the other hand, is high in fat and sugar, and it contains a lot of calories. Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava root and formed into little pearls that gives tapioca pudding its signature texture and is naturally gluten-free. Remove from heat. Tapioca pudding has a smooth texture, while rice pudding is grainy and creamy. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Written by : Emelda M. M, Emelda. Similar to the Gushers fruit snacks we all wanted in our lunch boxes back in the day, popping boba is infused with a flavored surprise. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating constantly until soft peaks form. I grew up with this. Using homemade ingredients will most likely produce a more delicious pudding than using processed pudding mix. You tryna be tricky? It is sold in all of my grocery stores for 3 dollars a box. I also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home. Before adding the eggs to the custard, cool them to room temperature with hot tapioca. Suggestions? Tapioca pudding is not a vanilla pudding. What is the difference between a tapioca pudding and a tapioca pie? There is no single brand of tapioca starch, and while it has its own distinct flavor, it is frequently used as an external flavoring agent in tapioca pudding recipes. Rice pudding is smoother than tapioca pudding because the rice grains are soft when cooked. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating constantly until soft peaks form. 2.Tapioca pudding is made with tapioca, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings and ingredients while rice pudding is made with milk, rice, and a sweetener. Boba, in the generalized sense, is tapioca pearls. You can also make this vegan dessert by using an Instant Pot or another online tool. Bring to a simmer, then stir in tapioca and reduce heat to low. One. It can be a set dessert or a liquid. The black coloring is created by added brown sugar or caramel coloring. Tapioca lends a clear, glossy appearance, but can also skew stringy in water, McGee says, making it a better option for puddings. Believe it or not, even though tapioca originates from South America, how it came to be a pudding dessert has been speculated either from China or the ancient Mayan culture. After it is ground, the starch is shaped into rectangles, sticks, and spheres after which they are used in food preparations such as juices and drinks, mixed with fish and spices, or puddings. Do you have a favorite pudding or mousse recipe that you love making? 4.Tapioca usually contains eggs while rice pudding does not. We've returned to the world of traditional boba: tapioca boba. Add to the milk mixture in the double boiler, increase heat to medium-low, and cook until the tapioca is thick, about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool before serving. This tasty treat has a lot of flavor and is gluten free. While they are basically interchangeable, the proportions should be adjusted to ensure the success of your dish. A light, airy take on a tapioca pudding from the back of the Minute Tapioca box, this is a perfect pudding: sweet, milky, fluffy, and extremely quick to make. Regular consumption of tapioca may improve a person's iron levels. This method is used to make instant puddings, salad dressings, pie fillings, and a variety of other items. The starchy constituents of cassava root are purified, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Rice has its own natural flavor and taste. Rice pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is enjoyed by people all over the world, regardless of where it came from. As a result, it is a good choice for people who want to reduce their intake. Tapioca pudding is usually prepared with eggs while rice pudding does not contain eggs. Please see the affiliate links below for more information on this post. The texture of rice pudding is creamy and smooth, while tapioca pudding has a slightly chewy texture thanks to the tapioca pearls. While pudding can be sweet or savory, were most familiar with the sweet version. Here are some of the most common questions related to the differences when considering tapioca vs. rice pudding. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Corn starch has higher quantities of fats and proteins than tapioca starch. Rice pudding is made with rice, of course, while tapioca pudding is made with tapioca pearls. Tapioca, derived from the cassava plant, is the most common type of starch. The texture is chewy and bouncy, with an almost licorice flavor to it. Serve warm or chilled. It is a warm, creamy pudding made with tapioca pearls, milk and or cream, and eggs. Before adding the tapioca, make sure the pearls are completely wet by adding a small amount of water to the pot. The Tapioca pudding contains a variety of ingredients, including milk, cream, sugar, and flavoring. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Rise of Vegan Coffee in the USA (& Its Health Benefits), How To Choose The Right Tequila: Rested Vs Unrested, Kirkland Tequila: The Best Bang For Your Buck, Sparkle Donkey A Deliciously Unique Tequila, El Toro Tequila: A Smooth Mellow Tequila With A Vanilla Caramel And Citrus Flavor, Requesting More Chorizo: The Popularity Of Mas Chorizo Duro Por Favor. Unlike pudding, mousse doesnt contain any add-ins, like nuts, grains, or fruit, and is typically served chilled or frozen. If you use too much tapioca, your pudding will be too thick and grainy. I substituted almond milk (in this case almond milk) for the dairy, as well as full-fat coconut milk. Tapioca [1] [tapik]) is a starch extracted from cassava root (Manihot esculenta). As for rice pudding, its aroma takes after rice, and the taste is compared to cereal. If youre using good-quality pearls in a recipe like Vietnamese chef Minh Phuens, which calls for long soaking and cooking to keep them from becoming mushy, its a good idea to buy them. When it comes to the taste and scent of tapioca, it often depends on the ingredients used. Whether you prefer the faint but delectable taste of tapioca or rice, these types of puddings are quick and easy to make. Tapioca is commonly used as a thickener or binder in many sweet and savory dishes. Tapioca starch has a 'squeaky' texture similar to corn flour in comparison with matte flour. Need to bring to rolling boil, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes. 6. What is tapioca pudding? Though, through the centuries, there have been variations of rice pudding from Spain and even America. If consumed at a moderate pace, rice pudding can be a healthy snack. Cite Can You Boil Frozen Chicken? Grinding tapioca pearls will not yield flour as a result. The most processed tapioca is quick cooking tapioca, which is made from the entire yucca tuber. If you're new to the world of bubble tea, here are the five basic types of boba to guide your decision during your first bubble teapurchase. Rice pudding is made with rice and milk, and often includes spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Flavored boba is also known to be an ice cream or fro-yo topper. The tapioca pearls are cooked in the milk until they are soft and then the pudding is sweetened to taste. "Difference Between Tapioca and Rice Pudding." To temper the egg yolks, whisk in 2 tablespoons of the hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. It is mainly used in Indian cooking. I have no clue why they have discontinued Minute Tapioca. M, E. (2011, June 14). Rice pudding is cooked with milk, sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings. Greengos Cantina' website is all about Mexican cuisine. The plant was carried by Portuguese and Sp. Followed directions exactly but I probably should have cooked it 5 or 10 minutes less to get a creamier consistency. Tapioca pudding is made by roasting and grinding cassava root, which is a starchy tuber. The natural starch tapioca flour is often used as a thickening agent, like for my Blueberry Pie. It turned out very smooth and creamy as a result of using small pearl tapioca. Ultimately, if you are looking for gluten-free flour, then . Rice pudding is smoother than tapioca pudding because the rice grains are soft when cooked, whereas tapioca is rubbery. For instance, most food historians state that India was the primary location where rice pudding was made due to its ancient rice and sugar history. There are many differences between rice pudding and tapioca pudding. However, there are some key differences between these two popular puddings. Boba, in the generalized sense, is tapioca pearls.