National Tapioca Day is observed worldwide on June 28 every year. This day celebrates tapioca, a starch derived from the cassava root, which is native to Brazil but now cultivated globally. Tapioca is commonly used in various forms, including soluble powder, meal, flakes, sticks, and pearls, and is particularly associated with dishes like tapioca pudding. The pearls are famously utilized in bubble tea, especially in regions with large Asian populations. Additionally, tapioca flour serves as a gluten-free alternative in baking, though caution is advised as some varieties may contain wheat flour. In Canada, tapioca is also used as a cheese substitute in vegan products, catering to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.