In Hayward, California, America's first boba factory is at the forefront of this trend. The U.S. Boba Company produces the chewy tapioca balls locally instead of importing them from Asia.

Food trends highlight pearl-shaped items like caviar, finger limes, and boba, adding playful textures and flavours to culinary experiences worldwide.

The K-pop-themed boba tea menu at Bubble Pop Tea in Fresno sits below a cloud of cotton on the ceiling and above a purple script mural that covers the wall of the shop. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ...