What Does Taro Milk Tea Taste Like and How to Make It

If you’ve ever scrolled through a bubble tea menu, you’ve likely come across the vibrant, lavender-colored taro milk tea. It’s one of the most popular drinks out there, and for good reason. Taro milk tea isn’t just a treat for the eyes with its stunning color—it’s a drink that combines earthy, sweet flavors with a creamy texture. While it’s traditionally served with chewy boba pearls, you can enjoy it on its own or get creative with toppings like pudding or grass jelly.

What Exactly Is Taro?

Taro is a starchy root vegetable, commonly grown in Southeast Asia, that’s been a staple in many Asian cuisines for centuries. It’s similar in texture to a sweet potato or yam but has its own unique flavor. When raw, taro is pretty neutral, but when cooked and sweetened, it transforms into something entirely different—slightly nutty with hints of vanilla.

For making taro milk tea at home, you have two main options: using raw taro or opting for taro powder. While raw taro gives you the most natural flavor, it takes a bit more effort to prepare. Taro powder, on the other hand, makes things quick and easy, and it still delivers that sweet, creamy flavor.

What Does Taro Milk Tea Taste Like?

If you’ve never tried taro milk tea before, you might be wondering what all the hype is about. The taste is a pleasant blend of sweetness and earthiness. Many people describe it as having a subtle vanilla-like flavor, with a slight nuttiness. It’s sweet but not overwhelmingly so, and it has a thick, creamy texture thanks to the milk (or non-dairy alternatives) that balances out the starchy taro.

If you’ve ever had a vanilla milkshake or a custard-like dessert, you’ll find some familiar notes in taro milk tea, but with a unique twist. The addition of boba pearls gives it an extra chewy texture, which adds even more fun to the experience. It is versatile, and you can switch things up depending on your mood. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Taro smoothie: Blend the tea with ice for a refreshing slushie-style drink
• Taro and coconut: Mix taro with coconut milk for an extra creamy, tropical twist
• Taro pudding: Add a layer of silky pudding to your tea for extra texture

Related: Best Tea Samplers for the Perfect Brew

How to Make Taro Milk Tea at Home

Making taro milk tea at home is easier than you might think, especially if you use taro powder. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can start from scratch with real taro root for the freshest flavor. Here’s how to do both!

Option 1: Using Taro Powder

This method is super easy and quick, ideal for when you want that taro fix without much effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp taro powder
• 1 cup brewed green tea or black tea (optional, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk (coconut milk is a popular choice)
• 1-2 tbsp sweetener (honey, sugar, or any sweetener of choice)
• Cooked boba pearls (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Brew your tea and let it cool to room temperature.
2. In a shaker or blender, combine the taro powder, tea (if using), milk, and sweetener. Shake or blend until smooth.
3. Add cooked boba pearls to a tall glass, if using, and pour the taro milk tea over the pearls.
4. Add ice and serve!

Option 2: Using Fresh Taro Root

If you want to experience taro milk tea in its most authentic form, using fresh taro root is the way to go.

Ingredients:

• 1 small taro root, peeled and chopped into small cubes
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk (coconut or almond milk works great)
• 1-2 tbsp sweetener (honey or sugar)
• Cooked boba pearls (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Boil the peeled and chopped taro root in a pot with 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Add the cooked taro to a blender along with the milk and sweetener. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. If using boba pearls, add them to your glass.
4. Pour the taro mixture over ice, stir, and enjoy!

Whether you like it classic with tea and boba or prefer experimenting with new flavors, taro milk tea is a drink that brings a little bit of joy with every sip. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite tea!