Coffee and tea are two of the most popular beverages worldwide; for many, they are their favorite pick-me-up. According to a study, coffee was found to be the most popular hot beverage choice, with 87% of Americans considering themselves coffee-obssessed. Tea came in second place, with 36% of people indicating it was their go-to beverage. A Statista survey further revealed that this trend was consistent across all age groups; a whopping 79% of baby boomers picked coffee as their favorite hot drink, while 73% of those between the ages of 25-34 opted for tea.
These numbers make a strong case for why coffee and tea are favorites among hot beverages. However, another contender is rising in popularity, and it has something to do with coffee and tea: milk tea.
Milk tea is a unique combination of black or green tea (or any other flavored tea) combined with either condensed milk or non-dairy creamer and sometimes even a topping such as tapioca balls. This beverage has been around since the 1800s in countries like India, China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Still, it has recently gained traction worldwide due to its distinct taste that can be customized perfectly for each individual’s preference. Milk tea is even more prevalent in some places than coffee and regular tea!
Here are a few reasons why milk tea has quickly become a favorite:
Multiple Custom Options
Milk tea quickly becomes the go-to beverage of choice thanks to its customizable nature. Whether you prefer a classic black or green tea or want something with a fruity twist like mango or strawberry, there’s something for everyone. And that’s just the beginning. You can also adjust the sweetness level and add extras like tapioca balls, popping boba, aloe jelly, coconut jelly, pudding, and many more! It truly offers endless possibilities for people to personalize their milk tea.
There is an incredible range of flavors to choose from, but milk tea can also be made healthier by adding ingredients such as honey, lemon juice, low-calorie creamer, and natural fruit juices. This lets people enjoy milk tea’s deliciousness without overloading sugar—a major plus. Milk tea also contains fewer calories than other sugary beverages like soda and energy drinks, making it a much better option for those who want to stay healthy while indulging in their favorite drink.
What sets milk tea apart from other hot beverages is its ability to adapt to changing times. With each season comes new flavors, so people can experience something different every time they have their milk tea. Plus, since it’s so easy to customize your order just how you like it—whether that means playing around with the sweetness level or adding unique toppings—milk tea drinkers never get bored with this special beverage! Milk tea is perfect for those looking for an exciting refreshment that always hits the spot.
Health Benefits
Besides the unique flavors and customizable options, milk tea has many health benefits. It contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and even fight illnesses. Milk tea is also known to aid in digestion, help regulate blood pressure levels, improve cognitive function, and more. Combining black or green tea with a non-dairy creamer (or condensed milk) provides an outstanding balance of nutrition that can benefit your physical and mental health.
If you want to go ingredient for ingredient, here are some of the positive benefits of each component in milk tea:
Black or Green Tea
Green or black tea is rich in antioxidants and caffeine that can help boost energy levels and improve alertness. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Milk or Creamer
High in calcium and protein can help strengthen bones and increase muscle mass.
Tapioca Balls
Low-calorie options like tapioca balls contain dietary fiber that helps keep you full for more extended periods.
Other Toppings
Natural ingredients like aloe jelly, coconut jelly, and pudding can provide additional health benefits such as antioxidants and vitamin C.
Accessibility
Coffee and tea are usually easy fixes in the morning, making them suitable for those on the go. However, milk tea is becoming much more accessible. With its range of flavors and options to customize your drink, you can find a delicious cup of milk tea almost anywhere, from local cafés to large corporate chains. Making homemade milk tea with just a few ingredients is also easy. And if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, plenty of online retailers offer various types and flavors of milk tea ready to be delivered straight to your door! You can find the nearest Baa Baa Thai Tea branches to indulge in deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
Milk tea is quickly becoming a favorite among coffee and tea fans thanks to its unique flavors, customizable options, and health benefits. Whether it’s your morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, it’s safe to say that milk tea has earned its place in the hot beverage family! So go ahead and make yourself a cup—you won’t regret it. Enjoy!