sago is often sold in the form of "pearls". these small rounded starch which becomes gelatinized by heating. sago pearls can be boiled with water or milk and sugar to make a sweet sago pudding. sago pearls look similar to other pearled starches. for example, pearls made out of cassava starch (tapioca) and potato starch. they may be used interchangeably in some dishes or snacks.