What is taro boba milk tea, and how to make it

What is taro milk boba tea?

Taro milk boba tea is a popular bubble tea drink made with taro, milk, sweetener, and tapioca. Taro is a starchy root vegetable. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor when cooked. Depending on the recipe, you can make this drink with fresh taro root (steamed and mashed) or taro powder, which most bubble tea shops use. The taro is mixed with milk (dairy or non-dairy) and a sweetener like honey or sugar to form a smooth, creamy texture. This is poured over ice and topped with boba ( tapioca pearls).  

Taro milk differs from other milk teas in its flavor and color. Most milk teas have a strong, earthy taste because of the black tea. But boba taro milk tea has a light vanilla, nutty profile. It's subtly sweet, not overpowering, and pairs well with cream or milk. If you made it with taro powder, the result is an attractive pastel purple color. But you get a lavender-gray color if you use fresh taro. Taro milk boba tea is a comforting, satisfying treat that feels indulgent in the best way.

What does taro milk tea taste like

If you asked taro boba milk tea lovers to describe its taste, they would compare it to a mix of vanilla and a light cookie or cereal milk. This addictive drink is smooth and rich without being too heavy. It also has a thick and silky texture. There are subtle differences between taro boba milk tea made with taro powder and milk tea with a fresh taro root base. Taro powder makes the milk tea sweeter and more like a dessert, while real taro gives it a slightly earthier flavor. 

Is taro milk tea healthy?

Taro milk tea boba is tasty, but it isn't the healthiest. A regular serving contains sugar, creamer, and starchy tapioca pearls; each is high in calories and carbs. Most taro bubble tea calories come from the added sugar and tapioca balls. On average, one 16-ounce cup can have anywhere from 300 to 500 calories, especially if made with sweetened taro powder and full-fat milk. The boba alone introduces a good chunk of sugar, but without nutritional value. You should enjoy this milk tea as an occasional treat rather than a daily one, especially if you are watching your weight or sugar levels. 

That said, there are ways to make it healthier. Choosing fresh taro over powder reduces added sugar and artificial ingredients. You can also request less sugar, low-fat, or plant-based milk and leave out the boba in your next order. These small changes can lower the calorie count without changing the taste. So, is taro milk tea boba healthy? Not really, but it can be healthy and balanced with a few adjustments.'' 

How to make taro boba milk tea?

The last time we checked, the price of taro boba milk tea was $5. Now, imagine if you had to buy this every day of the week; that is a whopping $35. Instead of spending that money on this drink, you can follow our taro boba milk tea recipe, easily make it at home for a smaller amount, and tweak it to your liking.

Taro milk tea ingredients

• Fresh taro root or a packet of ready-to-mix taro powder

• 1 cup whole, almond, oat, soy milk (your choice)

• 1-2 tbsp sweetener ( sugar, honey, or maple syrup). Some taro powder brands come pre-sweetened, so you don't need much sweetener if you use taro powder in the recipe.

• ¼ - ½ cup of boba

• green or black tea

• 1 cup of ice (optional)

Steps to make homemade taro bubble tea with taro powder (quick method)

• 2–3 tbsp taro powder

• ¼ cup hot water

• 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)

• 1–2 tbsp sweetener (optional, based on taste)

• green or black tea

• ¼–½ cup cooked tapioca pearls

• Ice (optional)

Steps

Cook the tapioca pearls: Follow the instructions on the packaging, usually boil for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don't stick together.

Drain and run under cold water to remove excess starch. Leave to rest while you work on the other ingredients.

Prepare the tea: Boil the tea bag and let it steep for 5 minutes. Remove the bag and set the brewed tea aside to cool.

 

Mix taro powder with hot water: In a glass or bowl, stir 2-3 tablespoons and ¼ cup hot water. Ensure the powder completely dissolves. 

Then, add the taro mixture to the brewed tea.

Make the syrup: Prepare the brown sugar by adding equal parts of water and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, occasionally stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. 

Pour the tapioca balls in the brown sugar syrup to soak. You can also use honey or maple syrup.

Assemble: Get a tall glass or cup. Scoop the soaked tapioca pearls first. Next, pour the taro jasmine tea mixture and 1/4 cup of milk per portion. Top it up with ice. Stir with a wide straw and enjoy. 

Steps to make taro milk tea with fresh taro

If you want your milk tea to have a more natural taro flavor, healthier, and creamier texture, follow this taro milk tea recipe with fresh taro. 

Ingredients

1 cup peeled, diced fresh taro

1 cup milk (any kind you like – dairy, oat, almond, etc.)

1–2 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to your taste)

1/2 cup brewed black tea or green tea (optional but adds depth)

Ice (if you like it cold)

Tapioca pearls (optional, if you want the boba version)

Steps

Peel and dice the taro: Use a vegetable peeler or knife to remove the thick purple-brown skin. Be careful, taro can be slippery. Once peeled, cut it into small cubes. Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive, as raw taro can sometimes cause itchiness.

 

Boil the taro: Place the taro cubes in a pot with enough water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. It is well done when it's soft and easy to mash.

Blend into a smooth paste: Drain the cooked taro and place it in a blender. Then strain to get a lighter consistency. Add milk and your choice of sweetener and blend again or stir.

Add tea: Brew your tea and wait for it to cool. Then, stir the brewed tea into the taro blend or pour it into the cup separately.

Assemble and serve: Pour the taro milk mixture into a glass. Add the tea. Add more milk if you want. Include the tapioca to enjoy the complete milk tea experience. Top it up with a lot of ice. Stir and enjoy. 

Dos and don'ts for the best flavored taro milk tea

Have you ever followed a milk tea recipe to the letter, but it still didn't turn out how your favorite bubble tea shop makes it? You probably missed some game-changing tips and tricks that most cafes use to make top-notch boba teas. Here are a couple. 

Do's

Use real taro or high-quality taro powder.

If you're after a rich, earthy flavor, start with the real thing, steamed taro root. It adds natural sweetness and depth. But if you're short on time, go for a good-quality taro powder. Ensure it's made with real taro, not just sugar and purple coloring. 

Brew fresh tea

Always use freshly brewed black or jasmine tea. It gives your milk tea that clean, aromatic base. Avoid instant tea, it's often bitter or bland. 

Balance the sweetness

Taro is naturally sweet, and many powders already have sugar in them. So taste before adding the sweetener. A little honey, brown sugar syrup, or condensed milk goes a long way. 

Choose the right milk

Whole milk, oat milk, or non-dairy creamers work well. They add creaminess without overpowering the taro. Avoid milk that's too watery, it'll make the drink feel flat. 

Add ice last

Ice should be the last thing you add to your tea because it waters things down. Shake your drink first, taste it, then top it with ice. That way, you don't lose flavor. 

Don'ts

Don't overload with artificial flavors.

Too much taro syrup or powder can make your drink taste fake or too sweet and mask the authentic taro flavor. Less is more. 

Don't skip the tea

Some people skip the tea altogether and mix milk and taro. But you can't have milk tea without black or green tea. Tea adds freshness and balances the creaminess.  

Don't use cold milk straight from the fridge.

Cold milk makes your tea lumpy, especially if your bubble tea was made with taro powder. Warm the milk slightly before blending for a smoother texture. 

Don't forget to strain if using real taro.

If you use fresh taro root, blend and strain it well. Unstrained chunks can mess with the smoothness and feel gritty. 

Don't store it too long.

Taro milk tea tastes best fresh. If you let it sit for hours, the flavor fades and the texture changes. Boba gets hard, and tea turns bitter. 

Taro milk tea add-ins & substitutes & variations

Even the biggest fans of taro milk tea will tell you that it gets old pretty fast, and that's why experimenting with add-ins, substitutes, and variations keeps things exciting. 

Coconut taro milk tea

Adding coconut milk or coconut cream to your taro milk tea takes it to a new level. It blends well with taro's nutty flavor and gives the drink a smooth, island-style vibe. You can even sprinkle a bit of toasted coconut on top for texture. 

Matcha taro swirl

Swirl the matcha into your taro milk tea for a bold and earthy combo. The soft purple and vibrant green layers balance each other out, and matcha adds a gentle bitterness that tones down the taro's sweetness. Just mix them separately and pour slowly to create the swirl effect. 

Taro milk slushie (blended with ice)

Transform your taro milk into a refreshing slushie by blending it with ice on a hot day. It's like a dessert and a drink in one. You still get that creamy flavor, with a fun, icy texture that makes it extra satisfying. 

Vegan taro milk tea

Taro milk tea with tapioca pearls tastes incredible with plant-based milks like oat, almond, or coconut milk. Oat milk gives it extra creaminess, while almond milk keeps it light. Use vegan taro powder or fresh taro, and sweeten with maple syrup or agave if needed. 

Vanilla extract

Just a few drops of vanilla extract can elevate your taro milk tea. It adds a soft, sweet warmth that brings out the natural flavor of taro. It's an insignificant touch, but it makes a big difference, especially with unsweetened milk or powder.

Other teas like matcha or chamomile

Switching up the tea base changes everything. Matcha gives your drink a boost of antioxidants and a more intense flavor. Chamomile adds a light, floral note and makes the drink extra soothing. They bring more flavor and depth to your bubble drink.

Taro chunks in place of boba

Replace the usual tapioca pearls with taro chunks. They sweeten the tea and keep the taro flavor going from top to bottom—plus, they add a cozy, homemade feel.

How to store and serve the taro boba milk tea

Taro milk tea is easy to store and just as easy to serve later. Follow these simple ways to do so. 

Storing taro paste or powder mixture.

Keep fresh taro paste in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can freeze it in small portions and thaw what you need later. If you've mixed taro powder with milk or tea, keep it chilled and shake well before serving. Use within 2–3 days for the freshest flavor.

Preserve your leftover boba pearls.

Cooked boba pearls are best eaten within 4 hours while still soft and chewy. If you need to store them, soak the pearls in sugar syrup and keep them at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Refrigerating them will make them hard and rubbery, so try to avoid that if possible.

Making taro milk tea in advance

If you're making taro milk tea in advance, prepare the tea and taro base first. Mix it, chill it in the fridge, and skip the boba until you're ready to serve. This way, everything stays fresh, and you can quickly add cooked pearls when it's time to enjoy.

Serving taro milk tea for parties

For parties or boba tea nights, serve taro milk tea in clear cups with colorful straws. Create a DIY topping bar with boba, jelly, taro chunks, or whipped cream so guests can fix their drinks. On a cozy afternoon, warm the milk tea slightly, skip the ice, and sip it slowly like a comfort drink.

Buy taro and tapioca pearls from Bobo Tea Shop

Bobo Tea Shop is your one-stop shop for all high-quality taro powder, sweet diced taro in a can, brown sugar syrup, and fruity flavors like raspberry and peach, tapioca balls, and all other essentials to make the perfect boba tea at home or for your shop. We are the Ma Family, and we started operations in 2012. Bobo Tea was the very first bubble tea wholesaler in the Netherlands. That same year, we opened the very first bubble tea specialty shop in Leiden, and we've been a trusted name in the boba world ever since.

Order by emailing us at sales@bobotea.nl. You can also call or WhatsApp at 06 - 838 241 05, or send a message via WeChat to 06 - 2303 8888. We allow customers to pick up their orders by appointment between 10:00 and 22:00. However, we make exceptions outside regular hours.

Delivery days are always coordinated with you, and the number of deliveries per week depends on your location and order size. Orders within the Benelux are delivered within one week. Express delivery is available if you're in a hurry. Ask for the details.

FAQs

Does taro milk tea boba have caffeine?

Taro milk tea usually does not contain caffeine because taro is naturally caffeine-free. However, if the drink is made with black or green tea as a base, it will contain some caffeine. If you want a caffeine-free version, ask for a non-tea base or use milk. Bobo Tea Shop makes it easy to control what goes into your cup by offering top-quality taro powder so you can customize your drink. Order now!

How many calories are in taro milk tea with boba

The calorie count in taro milk tea with boba can vary depending on ingredients and serving size. But on average, a 16-oz serving has around 300 to 500 calories. This includes the taro powder, milk or creamer, sweeteners, and tapioca pearls, which are high in carbohydrates. Bobo Tea Shop offers premium taro powder and sweet diced taro so you can control portions and sweetness when making it at home. Get yours now!

Is taro milk tea vegan?

Taro milk tea can be vegan, but it depends on how it's made. Traditional recipes often include dairy milk or non-vegan creamers. To make it vegan, you can use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy, and make sure the taro powder and toppings are free from animal-derived ingredients. Fortunately, Bobo Tea Shop's taro powder is vegan-friendly, and you can easily pair it with your favorite dairy-free milk for a delicious, cruelty-free treat. Grab yours today!

What is taro milk tea made of?

Taro milk tea is usually made with taro powder (or fresh taro), milk or non-dairy milk, sweetener, and sometimes tea as a base. It's often topped with chewy tapioca pearls (boba) and served iced or hot. Bobo Tea Shop offers everything you need, i.e, high-grade taro powder, sweet diced taro in a can, and brown sugar syrup to create your perfect cup at home. Shop now!

Can I make taro milk tea without boba?

Absolutely. You can enjoy taro milk tea without boba. The drink is still just as flavorful and creamy without the tapioca pearls. Some people prefer it that way for a smoother texture or to cut down on sugar and calories.

That's the beauty of making it at home with ingredients from Bobo Tea Shop: you get to choose exactly how you want it. Grab your taro essentials from us!

Where can I buy taro powder?

You can find taro powder online, in specialty Asian markets, or bubble tea supply stores. Look for high-quality powder with real taro and no artificial aftertaste. Even better, Bobo Tea Shop carries premium taro powder that's smooth, fragrant, and made for real bubble tea lovers. Order from us today!

Can I make the taro milk tea sugar-free?

Yes, you can make taro milk tea without sugar. Use unsweetened taro powder or reduce the amount of sweetener added. Switch to sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol to keep the taste without the sugar. Bobo Tea Shop's taro powder allows you to adjust the sweetness. Pair it with our ingredients and make a version suitable for you. Order!

Can I make taro milk tea without a blender?

Yes. You can make taro milk tea without a blender. Whisk the taro powder with hot water to dissolve it completely, then stir in milk and ice. Shake everything in a jar or shaker bottle for a smooth drink. At Bobo Tea Shop, our taro powder is made to mix easily, so you don't need fancy equipment. Grab your mix!

Should I drink taro milk tea hot or cold?

That's totally up to your taste. Taro milk tea is delicious both hot and cold. Iced taro milk tea is refreshing, especially on warm days. Hot taro milk tea is creamy and comforting when you want something cozy. The great thing is that you can make it either way with Bobo Tea Shop's ingredients, any time. Stock up on your favorites from our websites.