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Home » Posts » Taro Milk Tea Recipe with Real Taro

April 5, 2022 by Courtney | Updated: March 4, 2024 |

Taro Milk Tea Recipe with Real Taro

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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 using this easy step-by-step taro milk tea recipe, including a dairy-free option!

taro bubble tea served with reusable boba straws

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!

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What does Taro Milk Tea taste like?
  • Milk Tea
  • History and Origins of Taro Boba Tea
  • What is Taro Bubble Tea?
  • Key Ingredients For Taro Boba Tea
  • How to make Taro Milk Tea? Easy Taro Milk Tea Recipe
  • Health Benefits
  • Does Taro Milk Tea have Caffeine?
  • Powdered Taro vs Fresh Taro Paste
  • Dietary Considerations
  • More Milk Tea Recipes You Will Love!
  • Taro Milk Tea Recipe with Real Taro Root

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?

taro bubble tea served with reusable boba straws

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 Tea

  • 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. Flowers or essential oil are 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? Easy Taro Milk Tea Recipe

Helpful Kitchen Tools

  • Saucepan
  • Blender
  • Cutting Board
  • Reusable Boba Straws

Ingredients

ingredients in taro tea
  • 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. 
tea pot with jasmine green tea

2. Peel and chop taro root into cubes.

chopped taro root on wooden cutting board

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.

cook root in saucepan until soft

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.

blending purple bubble tea

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

cooked tapioca pearls

6. Layer boba in cups.

7. Pour taro tea over boba. 

8. Add ice if desired.

9. Stir.

10. Enjoy!

purple boba tea with reusable boba straw

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 Taro 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! 

signature
taro bubble tea served with reusable boba straws
taro bubble tea served with reusable boba straws

Taro Milk Tea Recipe with Real Taro Root

Courtney
Learn how to make your own taro milk tea with boba using real taro root. You will love this popular drink, and I've included ways to make this recipe dairy-free.
4.88 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Additional Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 2 minutes mins
Course Green Tea/ Matcha
Cuisine Taiwanese
Servings 2
Calories 241 kcal

Equipment

  • Boba Straws

Ingredients
  

  • 1 taro root
  • 2 cups water divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons coconut sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup jasmine tea
  • 1 drop purple food coloring optional
  • 1 teaspoon purple sweet potato powder optional

Instructions
 

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a simmer. Add 1 jasmine tea bag. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.
  • Peel and chop taro root into cubes.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Cook boba in a separate pot according to instructions.
  • Layer boba in cups.
  • Top with simple syrup and give a little stir.
  • Pour taro tea over boba. 
  • Add ice if desired.
  • Stir
  • Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe is dairy-free. You can substitute the almond milk with your choice of milk provided it is unsweetened.

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.

Keyword taro bubble tea, taro milk tea, taro tea

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Filed Under: Green Tea/ Matcha, True Tea Tagged With: Caffeine, Milk Tea

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. NA says

    April 6, 2022 at 11:01 am

    Really excellent design – great photos and very easy to see the information! We have a couple of local Asian grocers, so I’ll be on the lookout for taro!

    Reply
  2. tianna says

    April 6, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    This is my favorite flavor of Boba, you make it look so easy and also make me crave one right now.

    Reply
  3. Carolyn M says

    April 9, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    This looks so tasty! I’m pinning for later. I’m going to a tea lover’s wedding this summer and this might make a great wedding present!

    Reply
  4. Allison Maitre says

    April 16, 2022 at 11:29 am

    Love the layout of this post and your photography is beautiful! Amazing quality content. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      April 16, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      Thank you! Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Nikole Stone says

    April 16, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    Looks so good! Pinning this to try later. Looks super fancy too.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      April 16, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      I hope you enjoy this recipe!

      Reply
  6. Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment) says

    April 16, 2022 at 9:03 pm

    Sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing. 🤗

    Reply
  7. Angel Strunk says

    April 18, 2022 at 11:55 am

    I have never tried these types of teas – I live in the midwest so we’re a little behind with some things. It does look very good, though!

    Reply
  8. Amaka says

    July 19, 2022 at 8:16 am

    Hi! I’m excited to try it.
    One question: How big is the taro root. How many grams,cups or oz is it?

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      July 19, 2022 at 9:26 am

      The taro root can come in many sizes! I used one that was about 3 inches in length and when peeled and chopped is about 1/2 cup.

      Reply
  9. Maira says

    May 31, 2023 at 12:22 pm

    When i made taro milk tea using real taro root before, the texture was very grainy/gritty. How do I get a smooth taro milk tea that’s not grainy/gritty? I don’t want to use any powders because of the sugar content. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      June 1, 2023 at 6:41 am

      Hi Maira,
      This recipe is very smooth and creamy. I wonder if maybe the taro should be cooked longer. After fully cooking the taro root, blend it in the blender until creamy. I hope that helps!

      Reply

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MEET THE AUTHOR, COURTNEY

Tea has been part of the fabric of humankind since time immemorial and with each variation of tea, there is a memory and experience to enjoy with every sip. For me, it was my grandmother who first taught me to love tea: this blog is dedicated to her. She was and always will be my inspiration! Read More…

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