Quick Answer
Taro milk is a popular drink combining taro and fresh milk. Taro (Colocasia esculenta), according to English Wikipedia, contains calcium oxalate when raw and must be cooked (or steeped in cold water) before eating; in Taiwan it was once an important staple and is now widely used in desserts and bubble tea. Shops make taro milk three ways: (1) homemade taro paste (richest, most labor), (2) taro powder (fast, consistent), and (3) canned taro (no steaming, keeps chunks of taro).
Three Methods Compared
| Method | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade taro paste | Strong taro aroma, can keep chunks | Steaming and mashing take labor and time; varies by batch |
| Taro powder | Fast, consistent | Flavor depends on product; add paste or taro balls for texture |
| Canned taro | No steaming, taro chunks | Store as directed after opening |
Many shops combine them: taro powder as the base plus taro chunks or paste, balancing efficiency and texture.
Taro Milk Method (Powder + Taro Chunks)
- Put taro chunks or paste in the cup bottom.
- Dissolve taro powder in a little hot water in the pack ratio.
- Add fresh milk and ice; shake or stir.
- Pour into the cup; add taro balls or tapioca pearls if you like.
Fix portions after testing. For taro balls, see What Are Taro Balls?
Taro Food Safety Note
Raw taro contains calcium oxalate and can itch the skin when handled; it must be fully cooked before eating. If you make taro paste in store, cook it thoroughly, refrigerate and label the time.
Spin-Off Drinks
| Drink | Combination |
|---|---|
| Taro milk tea | Taro milk plus black or oolong tea |
| Taro ball taro milk | Add taro balls |
| Taro smoothie | Taro smoothie powder; see What Is Smoothie Powder? |
| Taro fen guo milk | Add taro fen guo jelly; see What Is Fen Guo? |
Tang Sugar’s Taro Range
Tang Sugar supplies premium and classic taro powders, canned taro (3kg per can), taro smoothie powder and taro fen guo powder, plus shelf-stable taro balls and taro sweet potato ball mix. Request samples.
Products in this article
All 9 Flavor Powders →
FAQ
How do you make taro milk?
Combine homemade taro paste, taro powder or canned taro with fresh milk and ice; shops often use taro powder as the base and add taro chunks for texture.
Can raw taro be used directly?
No. According to English Wikipedia, raw taro contains calcium oxalate and must be cooked or treated before eating.
Taro powder or taro paste?
Taro paste has stronger aroma but takes labor; taro powder is fast and consistent. Many shops combine the two.
Does taro milk have caffeine?
The version with only taro and milk has no tea, so no tea caffeine; adding tea adds caffeine.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia: Taro
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
