Taro Milk Tea

Learn how to make taro milk tea at home with boba and real taro root. It is no surprise that this is one of the most popular bubble tea flavors. Now you can make your own at home including a dairy-free option!

Prepare your taste buds for an earthy, slightly sweet flavor experience with this creamy milk tea recipe. Taro milk tea is a great way to start the day or unwind from a long one! You can find these drinks in most Asian supermarkets, specialty stores, and of course Bubble tea shops! Today, I’m sharing my recipe to make your own taro milk tea at home with real taro root- and it’s easier than you might think!

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What does Taro Milk Tea taste like?

The flavor of taro milk tea is earthy and slightly sweet with a light floral hint. If you have never tried taro milk before, be prepared for a unique flavor experience! It is no surprise it is one of the most popular boba flavors!

Milk Tea

Milk tea is an extremely popular drink worldwide. If you are curious what defines milk tea, it is simply milk with tea, although there are many variations. Additions such as spices add more flavor such as in the familiar chai tea. Another extremely popular addition is boba balls. Boba is made from tapioca flour and adds a chewy bubbly inclusion to tea. Milk tea with boba is also called bubble tea.

Taro milk tea is a great source of calcium, potassium, and antioxidants! If you’re looking for something healthy that tastes good, be sure to give it a try!

History and Origins of Taro Boba Tea

Taro milk tea is a relatively new beverage, but it has quickly become popular due to its unique flavor and health benefits. Taro milk tea is believed to have originated in Taiwan, where it is still a popular drink. However, the popularity of taro milk tea has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.

What is Taro Bubble Tea?

My taro bubble tea is a beverage made from scratch using real taro root. The first step is to boil the taro root to make a paste. Then tea, milk, and sugar are added to make this an extremely delicious drink! In this recipe, we will also include boba and jasmine green tea for an amazing tea experience! Taro milk tea is a delicious, refreshing drink that may be enjoyed hot or cold so it is up to you whether you want to add ice or not. It’s ideal for starting your day or unwinding after a long day.

Another way to make this tea is by first starting with taro powder or milk tea mix. This product can be found in most Asian supermarkets and specialty stores. But making your own from real taro root is ideal and easier than you might think!

Key Ingredients For Taro Boba

• Taro

Taro is a hardy tropical plant. A starchy root vegetable is similar to a potato. It is a staple food in many Asian countries and can be used in a variety of dishes. The leaves and roots are both edible if cooked. The raw plant is toxic and should not be eaten uncooked. This product can be found in your local health food store, Asian supermarkets, and specialty stores. 

• Jasmine green tea 

Jasmine green tea is a marvelous scented or infused tea. Flowered or essential oil is infused into a tea base. In this recipe, we’ll use jasmine green tea, but jasmine can also be infused with other teas such as black tea or white tea.

• Boba Balls

Also known as tapioca pearls, these chewy little balls are cooked until soft and added to tea. You can use prepackaged boba or make your own. 

• Vanilla

Any type of vanilla extract works well in this recipe.

• Milk

I chose to use unsweetened almond milk to create a dairy-free milk tea, but you can choose from any of your favorite milk varieties from plant-based to regular, whole or skim. Keep in mind to use unsweetened milk and that certain kinds of milk carry some of their own flavors and that might alter the taste of this milk tea.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk

To make the creamiest tea, I used sweetened condensed milk. I chose coconut-sweetened condensed milk to keep this recipe dairy-free. Of course, you can choose what you like best!

How to make Taro Milk Tea? 

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Saucepan
• Blender
• Cutting Board
• Reusable Boba Straws

Ingredients

• 1 taro root, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups water, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons coconut sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup of jasmine tea
• 1/4 Boba Balls

Optional coloring

• 1 drop of purple food coloring or
• 1 teaspoon purple sweet potato powder

Instructions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a simmer. Add 1 jasmine tea bag. Cover and steep for 3 minutes. 

2. Peel and chop taro root into cubes.

3. Add taro cubes to a small saucepan and top with 1 cup of water. 

Cook taro until soft. Gently mash with a fork. If the fork easily slides through the taro mashing it then the taro is cooked.

4. Transfer cooked taro (including any leftover juices) into a blender.

Add vanilla, almond milk, sweetened condensed milk, and prepared jasmine tea (and optional coloring).

Blend on low until fully combined.

5. Cook boba in a separate pot according to instructions.

6. Layer boba in cups.

7. Pour taro tea over boba. 

8. Add ice if desired.

9. Stir.

10. Enjoy!

Health Benefits

Whether you are looking for a healthy alternative to the typical bubble tea flavors, or are simply looking for a delicious new beverage to enjoy, taro milk tea is a great choice! Taro contains a high amount of carbohydrates which is important for building energy. It also contains many nutrients that are essential for healthy living. You can read more here.

• Is a good source of fiber which is important for your digestive health.
• Contains potassium which is important for heart health. 
• Is high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals. 
• Is a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure.

A fluffy, feather-light cup of Taro tea is the ideal way to begin your day or unwind after a stressful day.

Does Taro Milk Tea have Caffeine?

Taro itself does not contain caffeine. However, this recipe includes jasmine green tea which does contain a small amount of caffeine.

Powdered Taro vs Fresh Taro Paste

Fresh taro paste is made from real taro root. It is cooked and mashed before adding to tea. Powdered taro is usually a prepackaged taro milk tea mix that also contains other ingredients. Both can be used to make taro milk tea. This recipe details how to make it fresh and from scratch!

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is dairy and gluten-free!

More Milk Tea Recipes You Will Love!

• Coconut Milk Tea
• Rose Milk Tea
• Okinawa Milk Tea
• Assam Milk Tea
• Jasmine Milk Tea
• Oolong Milk Tea

I hope you enjoy this bubble tea recipe. I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and if you try this recipe, please come back and leave a 5-star review!