The Complete Guide to Taro Milk Tea and Why It’s So Popular?

Introduction

Bubble tea  – also known as boba tea – has taken the world by storm. Among its many flavors, one drink stands out for its unique purple hue and creamy, nutty flavor – taro milk tea.

In this guide, you’ll learn –

• What taro milk tea is and what it’s made of
• How taro tastes compared to other bubble tea flavors
• Its calories, benefits, and nutrition facts
• Step-by-step taro milk tea recipes you can try at home
• Why Kongsi Tea Bar serves the most authentic taro boba tea in India

By the end, you’ll understand why taro isn’t just a trend – it’s a cultural favorite with staying power.

What Is Taro Milk Tea?

Taro milk tea is a popular type of bubble tea made with taro root, milk (or plant-based milk), sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. Taro root, a starchy tuber native to Southeast Asia, is what gives the drink its signature pastel purple color and subtly nutty, vanilla-like taste.

Unlike other bubble tea flavors that rely on syrups or artificial powders, authentic taro milk tea can be prepared using real steamed taro or high-quality taro powder, blended with tea and milk for a smooth, creamy drink. This makes it not only visually striking but also naturally satisfying in flavor.

Today, taro milk tea is one of the most loved boba tea flavors worldwide, thanks to its Instagram-worthy look and comforting taste. From traditional cafés in Asia to trendy outlets like Kongsi Tea Bar in India, it has become a go-to order for both first-time bubble tea drinkers and seasoned boba lovers alike.

Also read – Why Starting a Bubble Tea Franchise Is a Smart Move?

What is taro in bubble tea?

Taro is a tropical root vegetable, similar to yam or potato, that is used in bubble tea for its purple color and nutty, creamy taste. It is one of the most popular bubble tea flavors because it delivers both a unique flavor and an eye-catching pastel purple shade. 

Many cafés, including Kongsi Tea Bar, use authentic taro to create a richer, more natural taste experience in their taro milk tea.

Also read – Why Is Thai Bubble Tea More Than Just a Drink?

What is taro milk tea made of?

Taro milk tea is made of taro root (or taro powder), milk or plant-based milk, sweetener, tea base, and chewy tapioca pearls. Depending on the recipe, it can be customized with black tea, green tea, or even jasmine tea as the base. 

This flexibility makes taro milk tea one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed boba tea options worldwide.

What does taro taste like?

Taro has a mildly sweet, nutty, and creamy flavor often compared to vanilla with hints of coconut. Its subtle sweetness makes it pair perfectly with milk, giving taro milk tea its signature smooth and dessert-like taste. 

Because of this unique flavor, taro is often considered the best introduction for first-time bubble tea drinkers.

What is taro made of?

Taro root is made of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making it nutritious as well as flavorful. 

These nutrients not only add a health benefit to taro milk tea but also make taro a staple in many Asian cuisines. Its natural starchiness gives the drink its thick, creamy texture that bubble tea lovers enjoy.

How Does Taro Milk Tea Taste?

If you’ve never tried it before, taro milk tea surprises most first-time drinkers. Unlike chocolate or fruit teas, taro is more earthy, nutty, and creamy. The texture is silky, especially when blended into a smoothie-like consistency. Its natural sweetness makes it versatile with both dairy and non-dairy milks.

Many bubble tea fans describe it as –

• “Vanilla with a nutty twist”
• “Creamy but not too heavy”
• “Comforting and unique”

Taro Milk Tea Ingredients

Traditional recipes for taro milk tea include –

• Fresh taro root (steamed and mashed) or high-quality taro powder
• Taiwanese tea 
• Milk or non-dairy alternatives (almond, oat, soy)
• Sugar or natural sweeteners
• Tapioca pearls (boba)

At Kongsi Tea Bar, authenticity matters. That’s why all beverages, including taro milk tea, are brewed from real tea leaves imported from Thailand, not premixes or synthetic powders.

Taro Milk Tea Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ingredients –

• 2 tbsp taro powder OR ½ cup cooked taro root
• 1 cup brewed black tea
• ½ cup milk (or oat milk for vegan)
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• ½ cup tapioca pearls (cooked)
• Ice cubes

Method –

1. Cook tapioca pearls as per package instructions.
2. Brew strong black tea, then chill.
3. Blend tea, milk, sugar, and taro powder/root until smooth.
4. Add tapioca pearls to a glass, pour taro mix, and top with ice.
5. Serve with a wide boba straw.

Iced Taro Milk Tea

Swap hot tea with chilled brewed tea and add crushed ice. Perfect for summer refreshment.

Hot Taro Milk Tea

Brew hot tea, stir in taro and milk without ice. A cozy winter alternative.

Taro Milk Tea Calories & Nutrition

On average, a 16-oz (medium) cup of taro milk tea with tapioca pearls contains –

• Calories: 250–450 kcal
• Carbs: 60–70 g
• Sugar: 35–45 g
• Protein: 2–4 g
• Fat: 4–7 g

Factors affecting calories –

• Use of fresh taro vs powder
• Dairy vs plant-based milk
• Topping choices (pearls, cream cheese foam, jelly)

Difference Between Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea?

Feature	Milk Tea	Taro MilkTea
Base Flavor	Black or green tea blended with milk and sugar	Tea with taro root or taro powder plus milk
Taste Profile	Smooth, slightly bitter with creamy sweetness	Nutty, vanilla-like, dessert-style creamy flavor
Appearance	Brown or light beige	Pastel purple, eye-catching
Texture	Light and tea-forward	Thicker and more indulgent due to taro’s starchiness
Popularity	Traditional and widely consumed across Asia	Modern, trending flavor, popular worldwide

Is Taro Milk Tea Healthy?

In moderation, taro milk tea can be a treat with some benefits –

• Taro root is rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Compared to sodas, it offers a more filling, satisfying option.
• With low-sugar or plant-based milk choices, it can fit into balanced diets.
  

Taro Milk Tea Benefits

1. Rich in Antioxidants – Taro contains polyphenols that support cell health.
2. Energy Boost – Complex carbs provide slow-release energy.
3. Digestive Support – Fiber in taro aids digestion.
4. Customizable – Can be made vegan, low-sugar, or dairy-free.
5. Cultural Experience – Offers a taste of Asian tradition and authenticity.

Taro Milk Tea Variations

• Taro Smoothie – Blended with ice for a thicker texture
• Taro Latte – With steamed milk, no boba
• Taro with Coconut Milk – Creamier, dairy-free option
• Taro Matcha Latte – Fusion of taro and Japanese matcha

Why Taro Milk Tea Is Popular Worldwide?

From Taiwan to Thailand, and now to India, taro milk tea is beloved for its Instagram-worthy look and comforting taste. In India, the demand for bubble tea has surged, making taro a crowd favorite.

One of the biggest reasons for its global popularity is its unique flavor profile. Unlike fruity bubble teas that are sharp and refreshing, taro milk tea offers a creamy, nutty sweetness that feels indulgent yet balanced. 

Its pastel purple color also makes it highly shareable on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, turning it into a lifestyle drink as much as a beverage.

Another factor is its versatility across cultures. Taro root has been used in Asian desserts and savory dishes for centuries, so adding it to bubble tea felt natural. As the drink traveled worldwide, it adapted to local tastes with dairy-free options, sugar adjustments, and creative toppings. 

Today, cafés like Kongsi Tea Bar in India serve taro milk tea alongside matcha, Thai tea, and fruit blends, making it one of the most iconic and accessible boba flavors in the market.

Also read – Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Iced Matcha Latte?

Kongsi Tea Bar – India’s #1 Place for Authentic Taro Milk Tea

At Kongsi Tea Bar, we believe taro deserves respect. That’s why –

• We use premium ingredients imported from Thailand.
• All teas are brewed fresh (never premix).
• Taro milk tea is paired with chewy tapioca pearls cooked fresh daily.
• Our outlets in Bangalore and Surat have already earned 2200+ 4.9 reviews, making us India’s most trusted Thai bubble tea brand.

Looking to taste authentic taro boba tea? Visit your nearest Kongsi Tea Bar or explore our menu online.

Thinking of Starting a Bubble Tea Business?

The popularity of taro milk tea and bubble tea in general is driving India’s café culture boom. With an 8.4% CAGR now is the time to consider a bubble tea franchise.

Kongsi Tea Bar offers –

• Founded – 2021, Phuket Old Town, Thailand
• Global Presence -120+ outlets in Thailand, a household name
• Franchise Global Presence – Out of 120+ outlets, 100 of these are franchise owned outlets
• Mission – Bring Authentic Thai bubble tea flavors to India
• Franchise Cost – ₹25 lakhs

Recognized as India’s first multi-award-winning bubble tea franchise, with honors from ET Hospitality World, Restaurant Awards, and Food Connoisseurs India Awards.

• ET Hospitality World Restaurants & Nightlife Awards 2024 – Awarded “Cafe Chain of the Year – South” for innovation, consistency, and strong regional presence.
• Restaurant Awards 2024 – South India Edition (by Franchise India & Nestle Professional) – Won “Tea Cafe of the Year” for excellence in concept, growth, and customer delight.
• 7th Edition Food Connoisseurs India Awards – Recognized as the “Best Emerging Cafe Chain of the Year (Bengaluru)”, highlighting rapid growth and leadership in the cafe space.

Conclusion

Taro milk tea is more than a purple drink. It’s a fusion of tradition, flavor, and creativity that has captivated global audiences. From its nutty taste and nutritional benefits to its cultural appeal, taro milk tea is here to stay.

Whether you’re a bubble tea fan looking for your next favorite order, or an entrepreneur exploring a booming franchise, taro opens the door to something extraordinary.

Beyond just taste, taro milk tea represents how global food trends can connect people across cultures. Its rise from Asian roots to worldwide fame shows the power of authenticity, innovation, and community. And with India’s bubble tea market growing rapidly, there has never been a better time to experience this iconic drink or even be part of the movement through a bubble tea franchise opportunity.

Try authentic taro milk tea at Kongsi Tea Bar today – where every sip is brewed fresh and crafted with care.