Does the type of water effect the outcome? Make Popping Boba Balls Out of Your Drinks

[dangyaun-stpeterdeland]

Hi, on the "Make Popping Boba Balls Out of Your Drinks", one of the projects provided by Science Buddies, it is stated in the list of items to use "Cold Tap Water". In concern for consumption safety, since the boba's will be given to the elementary kids, will the use of purified/distilled water affect the outcome? I did some research and I have found that tap water would actually be the ones to affect the outcome due to possible extra minerals while it is recommended to use purified/distilled. But I wanted to double check with the experts in this case with the specifics of the project. Thank you in advance, an 8th grader.


Moderator note: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... rification

[CarissaP]

Hello,
This is a great project! Using purified or distilled water shouldn't affect the outcome. In fact, removing the extra minerals (like calcium) by using distilled water should actually improve the spherification of the boba and make it more reliable. To make sure the boba is safe to eat, thoroughly rinse the balls to remove all of the calcium chloride solution. Have fun with this project!
CarissaP