{"data":{"name":"Tapioca starch ball","slug":"tapioca-starch-ball","scientific_name":"N\/A","alternate_names":["Sago\/Tapioca pearl"],"category":{"name":"Prepared and Processed","slug":"prepared-and-processed"},"description":"Tapioca starch ball (often used in drinks like milk tea or boba). It\u2019s made mainly from tapioca starch, so it\u2019s mostly carbohydrates and is commonly used as a chewy thickener or add-on.","common_uses_philippines":["Halo-halo","sago\u2019t gulaman","tapioca pearls in milk tea","fruit salad with tapioca","ginataang bilo-bilo"],"nutrition_basis":{"amount":100,"unit":"g","portion":"edible portion","edible_portion_percent":100},"nutrition_per_100g":{"calories_kcal":341,"protein_g":0.4,"fat_g":1.1,"saturated_fat_g":0.55,"carbohydrates_g":82.4,"fiber_g":0.5,"sugars_g":3.2,"sodium_mg":11,"potassium_mg":null},"other_nutrients":{"beta_carotene_ug":0,"calcium_mg":88,"cholesterol_mg":0,"iron_mg":1,"monounsaturated_fat_g":0.55,"phosphorus_mg":10,"polyunsaturated_fat_g":0.01,"retinol_activity_equivalent_ug":0,"total_ash_g":0.5,"unsaturated_fat_g":0.56,"vitamin_a_ug":0,"vitamin_b1_mg":0,"vitamin_b2_mg":0.01,"vitamin_b3_mg":0.1,"vitamin_c_mg":0,"water_g":15.6},"serving_suggestions":[],"health_notes":{"summary":"Tapioca starch balls are high in carbs (82.4g per 100g), so they can raise your meal\u2019s overall energy quickly\u2014especially if you add sweet drinks or syrup. They have a small amount of fiber (0.5g) and some sugar (3.2g), which means they\u2019re 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\u2019s 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\u2019re 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\u20132 snacks a day, not as a main part of your meals.","Hydrate smart: Prefer water or unsweetened tea alongside your snack."]},"data_quality":{"source":"DOST-FNRI Philippine Food Composition Tables","source_code":"ph_fct","daily_values_reference":"RENI 2002","notes":["Values are estimates per 100g edible portion.","Actual nutrients may vary by preparation and variety."]},"links":{"self":"https:\/\/api.juanutrisyon.info\/api\/foods\/tapioca-starch-ball?agent=true"}}}