Banana milk, or banana-flavored milk, is a Korean staple! It appears in many K-dramas and K-pop reality shows, making it an obvious choice for our first on our journey through Korean cuisine.

Banana Milk History

According to Krystina Quintana of BOKKSU MARKET, “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.”

Appearance

Though the banana milk we sampled came in a carton reminiscent of a juice box, banana milk most often “comes in a distinct Korean banana milk bottle shaped like a Korean jar and is semi-transparent so customers can see the color of the milk (a pretty light yellow).”

What does it taste like?

Banana milk lives up to its name, tasting like a combination of bananas and milk. The beverage is light and refreshing, with a smooth texture.

FINAL VERDICT: TWO THUMBS UP!

If you like bananas and milk, banana milk is a must try!