Although the finished desserts are quite similar, rice pudding and Tapioca Pudding have completely different base ingredient. Rice is a grain, whereas tapioca comes from cassava. As far as the other ingredients, rice pudding is usually made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices. Tapioca Pudding is made with tapioca pearls, sugar, milk, and egg yolks. Rice pudding can also be enjoyed warm or cold, whereas Tapioca Pudding is only served cold.