Taro milk tea is the purple drink everyone’s raving about!
It has ground taro root, fragrant jasmine tea, creamy milk, a hint of sugar, and those delightful tapioca pearls.
This purple milk tea taste like traditional milk tea but with a twist of taro goodness.
Sometimes, they swap the tea for luscious taro paste or powder.
Plus, you can go wild with alternative milks like oat, soy, almond, or coconut.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Does taro milk tea have caffeine?
Yes, taro milk tea has caffeine only if it contains true tea base, otherwise it’s not. If there is black tea base in taro milk tea, it has up to 50 mg caffeine while the one with jasmine green tea has 30-50 mg caffeine in 8 oz. cup.
Why Does Taro Milk Tea Have Caffeine?
Taro milk tea has caffeine because of its true tea base.
If your taro milk tea is made with a true tea, like Assam tea or jasmine tea, it will contain caffeine.
That’s because true teas naturally pack a caffeinated punch.
These include like black, green, or oolong tea.
However, if your taro milk tea opts for taro root paste instead of true tea, it’s a caffeine-free zone.
That’s because taro root itself is caffeine-free.
So, no worries about the jitters there!
And if you’re sipping on a taro milk tea with an herbal tea base, you’re in the clear too.
Herbal teas, like chamomile or mint, are also caffeine-free delights.
How Much Caffeine in Taro Milk Tea?
Taro milk tea has 0-50 mg caffeine in an 8 ounce cup depending on the tea base.
| Taro Milk Tea Base | Caffeine Content (8-ounce cup) |
|---|---|
| Black Tea | Up to 50 mg |
| Jasmine Green Tea | 25-35 mg |
| Oolong Tea | Up to 40 mg |
| Herbal Tea (e.g., Rooibos) | 0 mg |
If your taro milk tea boasts a black tea base, you can expect it to contain up to 50 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup.
That’s enough to give you a little pep in your step!
On the other hand, if your taro milk tea is rocking a jasmine green tea base, you’ll still get that caffeine kick.
But it’ll typically range from 25 to 35 milligrams in that same 8-ounce cup.
And if your taro milk tea has oolong tea base, you can expect up to 40 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
Taro tea made with herbal tea base like chamomile or rooibos will have 0 mg caffeine in every cup size.
How Much Caffeine Is in Taro Boba Tea?
If your taro boba tea is made with a true tea base, like black tea, you can expect it to contain up to 50 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup, just like its milk tea cousin.
But does the boba itself contribute to the caffeine content?
Some say yes, arguing that the tapioca pearls, which are often soaked in sugary or coffee syrup, might have a tiny caffeine kick.
However, it’s quite minuscule and won’t significantly boost your caffeine intake.
Decaf Taro Milk Tea
Dreaming of a decaffeinated taro milk tea option?
Decaf taro milk tea can have 2-5 mg caffeine in an 8 ounce cup.
While it might not be as common as its caffeinated counterpart, decaf taro milk tea does exist, and it’s a GOOD choice for those who want to savor the flavor without the caffeine jolt.
Decaf taro milk tea is typically made by using decaffeinated tea as the base, such as decaf black tea or decaf green tea.
This process removes most of the caffeine content, leaving you with a milder, caffeine-free brew.
So, who’s it perfect for? Well, decaf taro milk tea is an excellent choice for:
- Night Owls: If you love taro milk tea but want to enjoy it in the evening without worrying about staying up all night, decaf is your go-to.
- Caffeine Sensitives: For those who are sensitive to caffeine or trying to reduce their caffeine intake, decaf taro milk tea offers the same delightful taste without the buzz.
- Pregnant Individuals: Pregnant individuals often need to limit their caffeine intake, making decaf taro milk tea a safe and delicious option.
- Kids: Kids who love the unique flavor of taro milk tea can enjoy it without the caffeine in the decaf version.
6 Tips to Reduce Caffeine in Taro Milk Tea
So, you adore the taste of taro milk tea, but the caffeine has you bouncing off the walls?
Fear not!
Here are some crafty ways to reduce that caffeine buzz while still relishing your beloved drink.
1. The Decaf Dance
Opt for decaffeinated tea as your base.
Decaf black or green tea can replace their caffeinated counterparts without compromising the flavor.
You’ll get that same taro goodness with a fraction of the caffeine.
2. The Mix and Match Magic
Blend your tea bases.
Mix regular tea with herbal or caffeine-free options like chamomile or hibiscus.
This concoction adds depth to your flavor profile while curbing the caffeine content.
3. The Dilution Solution
Increase the milk and taro.
By reducing the tea concentration and amping up the milk and taro components, you’ll naturally lower the caffeine punch per sip.
4. The Icy Distraction
Opt for iced brew taro milk tea.
Caffeine extraction is slower in cold brews.
So if you can’t resist the regular tea base, give it an icy spin to mellow the caffeine release.
5. Choose Smaller Servings
Opt for a smaller cup size if you’re concerned about caffeine.
A smaller serving naturally contains less caffeine than a large one.
6. DIY Taro Paste
If you’re making taro milk tea at home, consider using homemade taro paste instead of tea.
This eliminates the caffeine entirely.
Comparing Caffeine Levels of Different Taro Milk Teas
Traditional taro milk tea and jasmine taro milk tea are caffeinated, with varying levels depending on the tea base.
Taro bubble tea, when made without a true tea base or taro paste, is caffeine-free.
| Taro Milk Tea | Tea Base | Milk Type | With Taro Paste | Caffeine Content (per 8 oz cup) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Taro Milk Tea | Black Tea | Dairy Milk | Yes | Up to 50 mg |
| Jasmine Taro Milk Tea | Jasmine Tea | Dairy Milk | Yes | 30-50 mg |
| Taro Bubble Tea | Varies | Varies | No | 0-50 mg |
| Decaf Taro Milk Tea | Decaf Tea | Dairy Milk | Yes | Minimal |
Caffeine in Taro Milk Tea vs. Other Teas
Here’s how taro milk tea compares with other true teas in terms of caffeine.
| Tea Type | Caffeine Content (per 8-ounce cup) |
|---|---|
| Taro Milk Tea (Boba Tea) | 20-50 mg (varies by recipe) |
| Black Tea (Steeped) | 50-90 mg |
| Green Tea (Steeped) | 30-50 mg |
| Oolong Tea (Steeped) | 50-70 mg |
| White Tea (Steeped) | 15-30 mg |
| Matcha Green Tea (Powder) | 70-80 mg |
| Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile, Peppermint) | Generally caffeine-free |
Remember, these are ballpark figures, and actual caffeine levels can vary.
Always check with your tea source if you’re curious about the exact caffeine content.
Caffeine in Taro Milk Tea vs. Milk Beverages
Here’s a table comparing the approximate caffeine content in various milk-based beverages, including Taro Milk Tea, and some other popular options.
| Milk Beverage | Caffeine Content (approx. per 8 oz cup) |
|---|---|
| Taro Milk Tea | 30-50 mg |
| Coffee | 95 mg (varies with type and brewing method) |
| Simple Milk Tea | 30-40 mg (varies with tea type) |
| Oolong Milk Tea | 30-50 mg (varies with tea type) |
| Jasmine Milk Tea | 20-30 mg (varies with tea type) |
| Matcha Milk Tea | 30-70 mg (varies with matcha concentration) |
| Thai Milk Tea | 20-40 mg (varies with tea type) |
| Chai Tea | 25-50 mg (varies with tea type) |
Taro Milk Tea vs. Coffee
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Coffee has approximately 95 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
1.9 – 3.17 times more caffeine in Coffee than Taro Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Traditional Milk Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Simple Milk Tea has 30-40 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
0.6 – 1.33 times more caffeine in Taro Milk Tea than Simple Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Oolong Milk Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Oolong Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
Same caffeine in Taro Milk Tea and Oolong Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Jasmine Milk Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Jasmine Milk Tea has 20-30 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
0.4 – 0.6 times more caffeine in Taro Milk Tea than Jasmine Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Matcha Milk Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Matcha Milk Tea has 30-70 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
0.6 – 1.4 times more caffeine in Taro Milk Tea than Matcha Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Thai Milk Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Thai Milk Tea has 20-60 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
1.5 times more caffeine in Taro Milk Tea than Thai Milk Tea.
Taro Milk Tea vs. Chai Tea
- Taro Milk Tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
- Chai Tea has 25-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
0.5 – 1 times more caffeine in Taro Milk Tea than Chai Tea.
Does Taro Milk Tea Affect Your Sleep?
Well, the short answer is yes, it can affect your sleep, but it depends on when and how much you drink.
Taro Milk Tea contains caffeine, which is known to keep us awake and alert.
If you sip on it in the evening or close to bedtime, it might make falling asleep a bit tricky.
But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news!
The caffeine content in Taro Milk Tea is usually lower compared to coffee or some other teas.
So, if you enjoy it earlier in the day, it’s less likely to disrupt your sleep.
Also, the sugar in Taro Milk Tea can be a factor.
Too much sugar close to bedtime might give you a sugar rush, making it harder to relax and drift off to dreamland.
So, it’s a good idea to be mindful of how sweet your Taro Milk Tea is.
Caffeine in Other Teas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is taro milk tea made from?
Taro milk tea is typically made from taro root, which is blended into a creamy paste or powder.
It’s mixed with milk or a dairy alternative, sweetened with sugar, and often combined with tea (like black or green tea) for flavor.
Where is taro tea from?
Taro tea has its roots in Taiwan, where bubble tea (including taro milk tea) originated in the 1980s. It’s now popular worldwide, especially in Asian cuisine and bubble tea shops.
What does taro milk tea taste like?
Taro milk tea has a unique, sweet, and nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla. It’s creamy and slightly earthy, similar to a sweet potato or coconut, making it a delightful and distinctively tasty drink.