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.
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.)
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. 😉
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.
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.
Korean Banana Milk Recipe
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.
Looking for a banana smoothie recipe this morning to deal with some quickly ripening bananas and found this recipe. Unfortunately didn’t have maple syrup but I substituted honey and it was so good!!! Thank you for the recipe, it’s a keeper.
Great to hear you enjoyed it, Bridget! Yes, honey is a good substitute!
Hi,
I’ve been dying to taste Korean banana milk, but they don’t sell it in any stores near where I live. I was so glad to come across your recipe but I, unfortunately, don’t have any vanilla extract. Is there an ingredient more common that I could use as a replacement or will it taste just as good without the vanilla?
Hi Angela, it should be still good without the vanilla extract. Enjoy!
Hi! Do you use pure maple syrup or just maple-flavored pancake syrup?
I used pure maple syrup. 🙂
This is really good! I made this because there wasn’t any banana milk at my local Asian grocery store so I can’t compare it to regular banana milk but I recommend making this! Thank you~
Glad that you liked it! 🙂
This was very yummy! It definitely reminded me of the boxed ones i used to drink as a kid. My 3yo absolutely enjoyed it too. Thank you for a great recipe!
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂
Hi, I would like to ask if I use a smaller banana should I use more banana?
It’s really up to you. More banana means stronger banana flavor. 🙂
I’ve been looking for banana milk in my area for so long, but this recipe was my saving grace. It’s so delicious!
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂
tastes just like what i grew up on! wonderful and whole family loved it:)
Great to hear! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Hello! I plan to make your recipe for this as well as your Korean Street Toast one too. My question is if I make a larger batch of this banana milk can I store it or will it have to be used that day? Thank you! I am so excited to try these and more. I plan to explore your site and see what other gems I find. Specifically I am looking for jajangmyeon. Fingers crossed! Thanks again for the tasty sounding recipes!
Hi Danielle, I made a note about storing homemade banana milk in the post above (near the end). Please check. 🙂
Also, my jajangmyeon recipe is here. https://mykoreankitchen.com/korean-black-bean-sauce-noodles-jajangmyeon/ Enjoy!
Yum! Just made this this morning! Light, sweet, and refreshing. And so easy!
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Great to hear that! Thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I’ve always wondered what banana milk tastes like, and now I can give it a try! I think my kids will love this. 🙂
Hope your family likes it!
I made this as the recipe was wrote, but I found that I didn’t really like it. I think it would have been better if it used heavy cream over milk and water. I know that wouldn’t make it healthy like most recipes are directed toward how they grew up on. l’m in the US and so I lean toward something that isn’t really good for you.
오늘 저는 아이들에께 바나나 우유를 만들었어요. 좋아요!^^
It was very easy to make and they loved it!
Hi Michael, that’s wonderful to hear! 🙂
Wow! What a yummy and delicious recipes, my mouth is already watering and i can’t wait to try this at home asap.
This banana milk sounds super delicious! Thank you for posting the recipe!
Hy Sue, It looks so yummy and tasty. Actually, I used to drink Banana milkshake I love that. This will help me to tasty in the different style.Thanks for sharing this.
This is so good! Thanks for the recipes!
Pleasure! 🙂
Thank you for this yummy, easy recipe! I used lactose-free milk and love that I can drink this and not feel sick. I like the store-bought version too but this is awesome!
Great to hear it worked well even with lactose free milk! 🙂
Hi Sue,
How would i make Kimchi in a country where I cant get Korean food. What spices would i need to add. Our country also gets very hot, about 35 in summer.
(South Africa)
Hi Michele, I answered your question in this post. https://mykoreankitchen.com/fresh-napa-cabbage-kimchi-salad-baechu-geotjeori/ Hope this helps!
Keep up with the yummy recipes please!! Thank you!!
Yeah!!
Sure thing! 🙂