Korean Banana Milk Recipe (2024)

Learn about popular Korean banana milk and make it at home following my easy banana milk recipe!

When I was a child, I went nuts about banana milk. I definitely was one of those kids who didn’t like the regular “white milk”. But I could drink any flavored milk, particularly banana milk, non-stop.

I loved the flavor so much. You see, banana was a luxury food when I was a child. (So was the milk!)

I also particularly loved the banana milk container, which resembles Korean earthenware – hangari, where you store gochujang and kimchi etc. It was just perfect for my little hands to grip. I felt richer when I was holding on to it! Lol.

Korean Banana Milk Recipe (1)

Anyway, Korean banana milk has been around for more than 40 years now. And, if you’re an avid K-pop fan, I’m sure you’ve seen Korean idols drink it on TV a lot. So what’s the deal? Here goes.

What is Korean Banana Milk?

In essence, Korean banana milk (banana uyu, 바나나 우유) is banana flavored milk. It was first introduced in 1974 by Binggrae and it’s been a steady seller ever since.

Binggrae banana milk contains 85% milk, purified water, sugar, 0.32% banana juice concentrate, carotene, artificial flavors – banana and vanilla. This composition may differ if it is made for export as each countries customs regulations are different. Also, they may have to be adapted for international shipping.

There are other banana flavored milks in Korea and each brand’s ingredients vary. But by far, the most popular banana milk is made by Binggrae. (FYI, If Binggrae sounds familiar, it is also famous for melona – Korean honeydew melon ice pops.)

Korean Banana Milk Recipe (2)

What does Korean Banana Milk Taste Like?

Like banana? Duh! But you may also taste a subtle vanilla taste too.

Where to get Korean Banana Milk

Check your local Korean grocers! You might be able to find it if you’re very lucky. Not all Korean grocers sell this. Even I couldn’t get it!

My local Korean grocer owner told me that it was due to the strict Australian customs regulations. In case you’re wondering, the above picture was taken by my sister in Korea at my request. 😁

You can also find it on the Amazon US store too. (The container and listed ingredients are different here.)

If all fails, try it when you visit Korea next time. Of course, you can always make a healthier version of it at home using my recipe below. 😉

Other Korean Drinks You Might Like

  • Korean Strawberry Milk
  • Sweet Potato Latte (without coffee)
  • Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)

Korean Banana Milk Recipe (3)

Ingredients for Banana Milk

  • 1 ripe banana, sliced or broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup regular milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • A small drop of pure vanilla extract

*1 Tbsp = 15 ml, 1 Cup = 250 ml

How to Make Korean Banana Milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and has milk like consistency. Serve immediately.

Korean Banana Milk Recipe (4)

Storing Homemade Banana Milk

It is best to consume the milk immediately as you will notice the separation and discoloration as time goes by. But if you must store it for later, refrigeration for up to 2 days is OK. Just shake the milk very well before you drink it.

Ingredients Variation Tips

  • To go dairy free, replace 1/2 cup milk with water instead. Alternatively, you could use almond milk, but I personally didn’t think the flavor mingled well together.
  • If you decide to omit the water and add more regular milk, you will end up with a banana smoothie. (A lot thicker texture.) I find that 1/2 milk and 1/2 water produces the sweet spot consistency.
  • You can use honey instead of maple syrup, but I preferred the outcome with maple syrup more. I think it gives a more smooth texture and lighter sweet flavor.

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Korean Banana Milk Recipe (5)

Korean Banana Milk Recipe

Homemade Korean style banana milk

4.84 from 48 votes

Print Pin Rate Save

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Korean

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 1 minute minute

Servings: 1

Calories: 233kcal

Author: Sue | My Korean Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 banana (ripe), sliced or broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup milk , regular
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • A small drop pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and has milk like consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

*1 Tbsp = 15 ml, 1 Cup = 250 ml

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 628mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 10.2mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Tried this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Rate this recipe with a comment below and tag me on Instagram @MyKoreanKitchen.

Korean Banana Milk Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Korean banana milk made of? ›

Banana milk, known as 바나나 우유 in Korean (banana uyu or banana mat uyu) is a delicious creamy and sweet drink made of fresh bananas, sugar and water. This popular Korean drink is loved both in Korea and in the rest of the world.

Is Korean banana milk healthy? ›

Made from real, ripe bananas—nature's gift of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber—Korean banana milk is a great way for some guilt-free indulgence. So, with each sip, you not only nourish your body but also throw a party for your taste buds, as long as you don't go too heavy-handed on the sweetener.

Why is Korean banana milk so expensive? ›

The answer is that Korea's climate is too cold to grow bananas. At the time of banana milk's invention, it was difficult to import products from abroad. So bananas had become an expensive import and a fruit only for the rich. If you have ever seen the drama Reply 1988, you can see how excited people get to eat bananas.

Why do Koreans like banana milk? ›

According to Creatrip, banana milk was also an important product because Korea's climate is naturally too cold to actually grow bananas, so the fruit had to be imported which made it an "exotic," and unusual fruit flavor for the South Korean population to eat, bolstering the interest in the beverage and lending a ...

Do you have to refrigerate Korean banana milk? ›

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!

Can you get banana milk in the US? ›

Buy your favorite Banana Milk online with Instacart. Order Banana Milk from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

Can I drink banana milk everyday? ›

Drinking banana milk daily can offer several potential benefits, but it's important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is the best banana milk in Korea? ›

Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk [Korea's No 1 Classic & Original Banana Milk] - Sweet, Smooth & Creamy Texture (Pack of 6)

Why does milk taste different in Korea? ›

Around the 60's or 70's, the Korean government was trying to encourage people to consume more dairy products to improve the nutrition across the nations population. But unfortunately, due to milks peculiarity to the Korean palate, it wasn't catching on. So companies began to add flavors to increase the appeal.

Do they sell banana milk at Costco? ›

Binggrae Banana Flavoured Milk Drink, 24 x 200 mL | Costco.

Is Yakult a banana milk? ›

Yakult is a probiotic drink made from fermented milk that contains Lactobacillus casei Shirota, which is said to have health benefits such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system. Korean Banana Milk, on the other hand, is a sweet and creamy milk drink flavored with banana extract.

How much sugar is in Korean banana milk? ›

One single-serve carton of banana milk contains 160 calories and 24 grams of sugar. In addition to this, Kim notes the banana flavoring tends to give this commercial milk an "overly sweet fake banana flavor." On the other hand, banana milk that actually contains the fresh fruit is full of essential nutrients.

Why is South Korea so healthy? ›

“More specific examples are consuming colourful foods, enhancing circulation through hot and cold temperatures, and spending time hiking in nature. “Korean culture also embraces the principles of natural beauty and healing, which I think translates to their generally healthy lifestyle approach.”

Does Japan have banana milk? ›

Tokyo Banana Milk is sold only at FamilyMart and costs ¥278 per bottle. Visit the Tokyo Banana website for more information. Want to be the first to know what's cool in Tokyo?

Why are South Koreans lactose intolerant? ›

However, most Asian ancestors lived in conditions that were unfavorable to dairy farming, so they didn't require lactase to digest lactose as adults. As a result, they did not develop the mutation for lactase persistence.

What is banana milk in Korea? ›

Banana Flavored Milk got its flavor because the Korean government wanted to encourage Korean citizens to drink more milk. At the time Binggrae introduced its product, bananas were expensive and considered a luxury. They believed consumers would be enticed to purchase their milk for a taste of the fruit.

What is banana milk in South Korea? ›

In essence, Korean banana milk (banana uyu, 바나나 우유) is banana flavored milk. It was first introduced in 1974 by Binggrae and it's been a steady seller ever since. Binggrae banana milk contains 85% milk, purified water, sugar, 0.32% banana juice concentrate, carotene, artificial flavors – banana and vanilla.

Is there dairy in Korean banana milk? ›

Binggrae Korean Banana

Ingredients: milk, water, sugar, skim milk powder, whey powder, banana juice concentrate, artificial flavors, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, carrageenan, guar gum, annatto.

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