Everything You Need to Know About Korean Banana Milk

by Krystina Quintana

While Korea has much to offer regarding cuisine and drinks, banana milk stands out. This delicious drink is a favorite among Koreans of all ages and tourists. This drink will charm you with one sip, no matter who you are!

Let’s explore this popular drink further!

What Is Banana Milk Called In Korean?

Korean banana milk goes by a few different names. Its official name is banana mat uyu, translating to banana-flavored milk. Depending on the website you look at, it may also pop up as simply banana uyu. However, you can search for "Korean banana milk Amazon," and it should be one of the top search results.

What Is Banana Uyu? What Does Banana Milk Taste Like?

Korean banana milk, also known as banana uyu, is made from 80% milk, a higher milk concentration than any other milk-flavored drink. Banana milk is not to be confused with banana juice, which excludes vanilla. Banana milk is milk that tastes almost exactly like bananas.

Banana Milk History

Banana uyu has a unique history that not many other drinks share. In the 1970s, there were issues of malnutrition in Korea. As a response, the government requested Koreans to drink more milk. Unfortunately, the people of Korea were not thrilled with plain milk's taste. In 1974, banana milk was created by the company Binggrae, and it’s now a beloved drink for many.

The original Binggrae banana milk flavor tastes like bananas and is the perfect balance of sweet but not too sweet. It comes in a distinct Korean banana milk bottle shaped like a Korean jar and is semitransparent so customers can see the color of the milk (a pretty light yellow).

Why Do Koreans Drink Banana Milk?

Simply put, Korean banana milk is delicious and nostalgic for many Korean people. It's so popular that even famous Korean celebrities are photographed drinking banana milk, like Jungkook a South Korean singer.

Is Korean Banana Milk Good?

We might be biased, but we like to think that Korean banana milk is a top-tier drink. It's sweet, creamy, and fruity. What's not to like?!

How To Make Banana Milk?

Tired of hunting online for Korean banana milk without success? There is an easier way! You can recreate Korean banana milk at home with only a few ingredients.

Korean Banana Milk Recipe

You'll need bananas, white sugar, pure vanilla extract, and milk (like unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk). That's it, we promise!

How To Make Korean Banana Milk (Including Tools Needed)

There are only two tools you need when making this easy recipe – a blender and a sieve or cheesecloth. Blend all the ingredients and then strain the liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove the banana pieces.

FAQ And Cooking Tips

Here are some fun cooking tips for banana milk that will help you

How To Store Banana Uyu?

So, you've got your hands on some sweet banana uyu. Now, what? If you've made homemade banana milk, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Binggrae banana-flavored milk is a bit different; it's shelf-stable, so you can leave it in your cabinets until you're ready to drink it. Then, refrigerate it for at least an hour, so it's chilled, and enjoy!

Where To Buy Korean Banana Milk?

Binggrae Strawberry Flavored Milk

Binggrae Melon Flavored Milk

You can find Korean banana milk at most Korean marketplaces or Asian grocery stores nearby the Korean food section. It's also found online, like at Bokksu Market. You can even order additional flavors online like Binggrae Strawberry Flavored Milk (6-pack) and Binggrae Melon Flavored Milk (6-pack). As far as Korean banana milk price goes, you can expect to spend around $2 per bottle, a price well worth it!

Recipe And Ingredient Variations

While the main ingredients typically remain the same, there are variations for creating banana milk at home. Some versions include water, creating a thinner consistency. Other options use different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Each variation will change the Korean banana milk calories and flavor slightly but will still leave you with a sweet, creamy banana milk drink.

How To Use It

The simplest way to use banana milk is by drinking it as-is! Otherwise, there’s quite a lot you can do with it! Try adding it to oatmeal instead of your regular milk for a delicious banana flavor. Other options include creating ice cream with it, adding it to your bowl of cereal, and even adding it to your favorite baked good!

Milk To Smoothie

You can even turn banana milk into a smoothie! Then, add your berries, oats, yogurt, and other typical smoothie ingredients. Blend it all up, and you have a delicious banana smoothie with the Korean banana milk taste!

Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk

Explore more Asian bottled drinks at Bokksu Market, including the original Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk (6-pack). Bokksu, an online Asian grocery store, carries any Asian groceries you need. It's a great way to find new snacks and drinks. Or to stock up your pantry with Asian kitchen staples. Plus, you can order groceries online for a convenient grocery haul.


Author Bio

Krystina Quintana is a 29-year-old copywriter living outside of Chicago, IL. Her passion for Asian culture began at a young age as she learned to create Asian-inspired recipes like homemade sushi with her family. This interest in Asian culture continues today with time spent in the kitchen and copywriting pursuits. Krystina has worked with customers ranging from small businesses to food Youtubers with 70,000+ subscribers. With a passion for food and travel, she seeks to help businesses bring traffic to their page by writing blog posts that are engaging, informative, and fun to read.