When you are looking at all the different types of tea which are available at your local boba shop, one specific type that is likely to draw your attention is the attractive appearance of taro milk tea.
This is an incredibly aesthetically pleasing looking tea with its soft pastel lilac appearance, but what does it actually taste like, and what is it?
For a quick answer, a taro milk tea is the combination of a starchy taro root, or instead a taro powder, that is mixed with a creamer, and usually a sweetener to make this blend delicious and smooth to drink.
If you are paying attention, you might have noticed that nowhere in that list was any mention of tea. So, while taro milk tea (see also: What Is Milk Tea?)is called a tea, it does not actually contain any, essentially just being a creamy liquid form of taro.
This is because of how it is usually served like tea. However, you may be able to find versions of a taro milk tea that do contain some actual tea.
Throughout this article we will give you all the information you need about taro so you know exactly what it is, and if it is the kind of thing you would like with your boba.
So, if you have been tempted to order a taro milk tea, but you are unsure what it is, this article should give you all the answers you need!
What Is Taro Bubble Tea?
If you are wondering what the difference is between taro milk tea and a taro bubble tea, there essentially is none, the only difference is that a taro milk tea is usually an ingredient for bubble tea, while a taro bubble tea is the taro milk tea with the boba in it already.
So, if you are ever worried about what you are getting from your boba shop, and if there are any differences between a taro bubble tea, (see also: What Does Taro Milk Tea Taste Like?)and a taro milk tea, the staff should have the answers for you.
Where Is Taro Tea From?
Taro itself is widely believed to be one of the oldest crops on earth and was grown in tropical Asia for at least more than 10,000 years.
It has been used as a staple of the diets of many Pacific islands, with New Zealand and Hawaii being notable inclusions.
Now bubble tea has been being made since the 80s where it originated in Taiwan where milk tea and tapioca pearls were first combined in a tea shop.
Since very soon after the inception of boba, taro milk tea has been a popular ingredient, this is because taro was already a popular dessert ingredient in Taiwan whether it was being used in moon cakes or taro balls, so the combination with boba was inevitable.
How To Make A Taro Milk Tea
A taro milk tea can be made using one of two main ways, either by using a powdered taro, or a fresh taro.
If you are using the powdered version, this is what usually gives the milk tea a distinct lavender color, and this is because of dyes. If you were to make a natural taro tea, it would have a color between a white-gray with some pink hues.
If you want to make a taro milk tea using powder, all you need to do is add your powder to a water, or for a better result, creamer, and that will get you your taro milk tea.
The powdered taro will usually have a sweetener included, so you will want to check if this is the case just so you know if you need to add a sweetener yourself.
This is why in some boba shops you are unable to control the sweetness of the taro since it is already in the taro powder.
Now, if you are making a proper fresh taro milk, this will take more effort and time, which is why it is not usually offered in boba shops.
This requires blending a freshly cooked taro, or a canned taro with your creamer or milk. You usually do not need to add much sweetener since taro itself tends to be sweet naturally.
What Does Taro Tea Taste Like?
It is hard to describe the taste of taro since it is quite unique. If you are having a real taro just by itself, it tastes light and slightly sweeter potato.
But a lot of people compare the flavor of taro to a buttered popcorn jelly bean. This popcorn taste is the most common comparison and the flavor is usually enhanced by adding a creamer.
The flavor of your taro milk tea will usually be somewhere between a milk, caramel, nutty taste. While a lot of people love taro, it is an acquired taste, and this makes it awkward to describe.
If you are curious about trying yourself, we recommend ordering a small portion so you can try it yourself.
Different Types Of Taro Milk Tea
As mentioned throughout the article, there are more versions of taro milk tea than just the standard.
You will usually find a taro milk tea being just a mix of usually powdered or fresh taro with your creamer or milk, but there are some more types of taro milk tea for those who want to try something new or try the taro milk tea with a new flavor.
For example, instead of just mixing the taro with a plain creamer or milk, it is often mixed with a green or black tea to add a deeper flavor which many people enjoy.
Taro milk tea can also be served hot which is better in cooler weather, and in hotter weather, sometimes people prefer taro slush or a taro smoothie.
Nutrition Information For Taro Milk Tea
The nutritional value of taro can vary widely, especially when considering it can be made fresh or it can be made with a powdered mix. Different boba chains also have slightly different calorie values for their taro milk tea.
Without sugar a taro milk tea is usually a little over 250 calories, but with it is a little over 700. For a taro smoothie this will be close to this as well with it being around 600 with sugar.
For a fresh taro and milk combination, this is usually between 425 and 480 calories.
If you are having fresh taro, this contains plenty of potassium as well as calcium, fiber and iron, as well as vitamins A, B-6, C and E.
However, a powdered taro will usually have a lot less nutritional value, and some taro will often have no taro and very little nutritional value. So, if you are looking for a super healthy option, taro milk tea is usually not the best option.
Does Taro Milk Tea Have Caffeine?
Something that is worth noting is that fresh taro will not contain any caffeine, however if mixed with tea or something similar, this will add to the caffeine content of that drink.
Summary
Hopefully this guide has given you all the information you need about taro milk tea(see also: The Ultimate Guide To Tea (6 Examples You NEED To Try)). If you are tempted, we recommend trying a sample portion to see if you like the taste.
