What Is Taro Milk Tea? Everything You Need To Know
You’ve likely walked into a boba tea shop and seen a purple beverage called taro milk tea.
If you’ve never tried it, you’re likely eager to know why it’s purple and what it tastes like.
So, what is taro milk tea?
Taro milk tea is a delicious beverage that contains taro root, milk, sweeter, black tea, and tapioca pearls. It tastes like a sweet potato because of its earthy and slightly sweet flavor. There are also subtle hints of vanilla and floral tones in the flavor.
If you’re curious to learn what this popular drink is, then keep reading. We’ll review what it’s made of, its taste profile, and its health benefits and answer your questions about this popular drink.
What is Taro Root?
Taro is a tropical plant originating in Asia and producing a starchy root vegetable. It’s known for its rough brown outer skin, while the flesh is white with specks or purple. When cooked, taro has a starchy texture, like a potato, with a mildly sweet and earthy taste.
Taro contains minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, that can protect the immune system.
Additionally, taro is a good source of fiber which can aid digestion and support weight loss. It contains fiber and resistant starch, and studies have proven to increase feelings of fullness while burning fat, thus supporting weight loss.
What Is Taro Milk Tea?
We’ve all seen this distinctly purple milk tea that stands out.
Taro milk tea is a delicious treat that consists of taro root powder, milk, sweeter, black tea, and toppings. Some would say it tastes like a sweet potato because of its earthy and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often described as having vanilla tones, while others say it tastes like a light biscuit.
You’ll know you’re drinking taro milk tea because it’s purple. Taro root is naturally white with specs of purple, producing a greyish color. The distinct purple color comes from mixing taro root with either food coloring or Ube, a purple yam.
What Is Taro Milk Tea Made Of?
Making taro milk tea is simple because it only requires a few ingredients. You can buy it at your local boba tea shop or make it at home with a recipe. Here are the star ingredients.
The taro root itself has an earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness. It has a unique nutty and sweet taste similar to vanilla. Ube is often blended with taro root to give it a vibrant purple color.
Sugar syrup gives the milk tea sweetness. Otherwise, it would be a fairly bitter taste. Some of the most popular sweetener options are brown sugar syrup and honey. Nearly all boba tea shops will allow you to customize your sweetness to your liking.
Black tea is commonly used as the base for the drink. But there are other variations which include green tea, oolong tea, and jasmine tea. One or two teaspoons of loose-leaf tea or one tea bag will be enough to brew.
Assam black tea is the most popular variety used. Black tea tastes slightly bitter with a rich aroma. This balances out the sweetness and creaminess of the sweetener and milk.
Milk is added to provide a creamy texture and balances out the bitter and rich flavor of the tea. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you can choose an alternative such as coconut milk, soy, or almond milk. Most boba tea shops will use dehydrated milk powder because it has a longer shelf life and is easier to store.
Last but not least, tapioca pearls give the drink a delightfully chewy texture. Tapioca pearls have a mild taste but can be coated in brown sugar syrup to give the drink more sweetness.
Does Taro Milk Tea Have Caffeine?
Since taro milk tea contains tea, it also means that there’s the caffeine content.
Taro milk tea contains around 25mg of caffeine content. This isn’t much compared to plain black tea or even coffee. To compare, black tea has approximately 45-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup serving, nearly double the amount.
Is Taro Milk Tea Good For You?
Drinking plain tea is considered healthy because of its nutrients and antioxidants. Eating cooked taro root also provides nutrients. However, many boba tea shops use powder form, which is processed and removes nutrients through high heat.
Although drinking taro milk tea can provide a small number of benefits from the taro and tea, overall, it’s not considered a healthy drink. When everything is combined, it has a lot of sugar, fat, and carbohydrates.
A typical serving contains approximately 300-400 calories. While this may seem like a lot, it is important to note that the calories come from the milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. Although there are some nutrients and health benefits, the calories outweigh them.
The best way to make it healthier would be to reduce sugar content and use healthier milk and real taro puree to keep most of the health benefits. When given a choice, always go for less sugar.
The Health Benefits of Taro Milk Tea
Taro milk tea isn’t considered a healthy drink because of its high sugar and carbohydrate content. Pureed taro root and black tea are the only ingredients that have nutritional value. When taro is powered, many nutrients are removed through high heat.
For the sake of reviewing some of the health benefits, most of the health benefits will be because of black tea or taro.
High fiber that helps with digestion
Taro root is an excellent source of nutrients and has many health benefits. One of the most common benefits of taro is that it contains fiber. Taro root contains almost twice the amount of fiber as a regular potato.
High fiber helps promote healthy digestion and controls blood sugar levels and bowel movement. Research shows that taro can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidants that can reduce diseases
Another benefit of taro milk tea is its antioxidant properties. Black tea contains antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
These free radicals can damage cells and contribute to developing diseases like cancer and heart disease. Drinking tea regularly can help boost antioxidant levels and reduce the risk of these diseases.
Caffeine provides an energy boost
The black tea found in taro milk tea is a natural source of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help improve mental focus and physical performance. Drinking black tea can help before a workout or during a busy workday can help boost energy levels, and improve productivity.
Although taro milk tea offers some health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation. A lot of the benefits depend on black tea and taro root. While the milk and sugar content definitely overpower any benefits you’d receive from drinking it.
FAQ About Taro Milk Tea
Is taro milk tea very sweet?
It’s made with taro root blended with milk and tea. Sugar and other flavorings are typically added also. This creates an earthy, sweet flavor that changes depending on the ingredients used.
The sweetness level of taro milk tea varies, depending on preference: some may add more sugar, while others use honey or brown sugar syrup. Generally, it’s sweet with a unique flavor that many find pleasant.
Why is taro milk tea so popular?
Taro milk tea is found in bubble tea shops and cafes worldwide. Its popularity has risen because of its delicious taste and unique purple color.
Taro is earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet, similar to a cooked sweet potato. Plus, it has floral undertones. Blended with creamy almond or coconut milk, it makes a velvety beverage many enjoy. The unique taste and pretty color make it a popular drink.
What goes well with taro milk tea?
Taro milk tea is a popular Asian café delight. Mixing the sweet flavor of taro with refreshing iced tea, it’s a unique drink between bubble tea and others. Cold-brewed black or green tea pairs well with taro for an afternoon of relaxation.
To make your own, combine iced tea and taro powder. Try add-ons like boba pearls, lychee jelly cubes, coconut jellies, grass jelly chunks, condensed milk, and Tibetan barley pudding for extra flavor. Or, try taro-flavored ice cream or frozen yogurt for extra sweetness. Delicious!
What goes well with taro milk tea?
Taro milk is best enjoyed with real pureed taro root. While most shops use powdered taro, the root gives the drink an earthy but slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the tea.
Additionally, brown sugar tapioca pearls or grass jelly are delicious toppings complimenting the tea because they provide a chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
What is taro milk tea? Well, you’ll know exactly what it is next time you see a purple beverage at your local boba tea shop.
Taro milk tea is a delicious and unique drink that many enjoy. The flavor is often sweet and earthy, with hints of vanilla notes. If you’re a fan of boba tea, then this flavor is worth trying.
