Taro Bubble Tea: What It Tastes Like and Why It's Purple

Published October 5, 2026 · By Friend's Corner Tea & Snack Bar · 6 min read

Walk into almost any bubble tea shop and you will see people sipping a pale purple drink. That is taro bubble tea, one of the most popular flavors in the world of boba and a favorite at Friend's Corner Tea & Snack Bar in Highland, NY.

But what exactly is taro, what does the drink taste like and why is it purple? And is it the same thing as ube, the purple yam used in Filipino desserts? Let's clear it all up.

What Is Taro?

Taro is a starchy root vegetable grown in warm, wet climates across Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and the Caribbean. Its scientific name is Colocasia esculenta. People have cooked with it for thousands of years: it is mashed into Hawaiian poi, simmered in curries and stews, fried into chips and turned into sweet pastes and desserts across East and Southeast Asia.

A raw taro root has rough, brown, hairy skin. Inside, the flesh is usually white or cream colored with small purple or lilac specks. When cooked it becomes soft and starchy, a little like a potato, with a mild, nutty sweetness.

One important safety note for home cooks: taro must always be cooked before eating. Raw taro contains compounds that can irritate the mouth and throat. In bubble tea this is not a concern, because taro is used in cooked, powdered or paste form.

What Does Taro Bubble Tea Taste Like?

Taro bubble tea is creamy, sweet and mellow. Most people describe the flavor as:

• Nutty, a bit like sweet potato or chestnut
• Vanilla-like, with a soft, dessert-style sweetness
• Cookie-ish, which is why some people compare it to cookies and cream or cereal milk

It is not fruity and not bitter, which makes it a very friendly first choice for people who are new to bubble tea. If you like vanilla milkshakes or sweet potato pie, there is a good chance you will enjoy taro. It is one of our top picks in the best bubble tea flavors for first-timers.

Why Is Taro Bubble Tea Purple?

This is the most common question about taro, and the answer surprises people. Cooked taro on its own is mostly pale gray-white with light purple flecks, so a drink made only from fresh taro looks light lilac or grayish, not bright purple.

The vivid lavender color you see in many shops usually comes from the taro powder or mix used to make the drink, which often includes added coloring. Some shops also blend in ingredients like ube or purple sweet potato. That color has become such a strong part of taro's identity that many fans expect their taro drink to be purple.

So if your taro tea is a soft lilac in one shop and a deep violet in another, both can still be taro. The shade depends on the recipe.

Taro vs. Ube: What Is the Difference?

Because both are purple-associated root crops used in sweet drinks and desserts, taro and ube are often confused. They are actually different plants.

Ube is a star of Filipino desserts. A spoonful of ube jam or a scoop of ube ice cream often sits on top of halo-halo. Taro, on the other hand, is the classic bubble tea flavor.

How Taro Bubble Tea Is Made

Most bubble tea shops make taro drinks in one of two ways. The quick way uses a taro powder that is shaken or blended with milk, sweetener and ice. The more traditional way uses cooked taro mashed into a sweet paste, which gives the drink a thicker body and sometimes small soft bits of real taro. Either way, the drink is finished with freshly cooked tapioca pearls at the bottom of the cup and served with a wide straw.

Is Taro Bubble Tea Caffeinated?

It depends on the recipe. Some shops mix taro powder with milk only, which makes a caffeine-free drink. Others prepare it on a black or green tea base, which adds some caffeine. If you need to avoid caffeine, just ask our team how our taro drink is made before you order.

Ways to Enjoy Taro at Friend's Corner

At Friend's Corner you can enjoy taro in more than one form:

• Taro bubble tea in 16 oz or 22 oz, the classic iced, creamy version with chewy pearls.
• Taro smoothie, blended with ice for a thick, frosty texture. See our full smoothie guide.
• Hot taro milk tea on our winter hot drink menu, a cozy choice on a cold day. Read more about our hot milk teas.

What Goes Well With Taro?

Taro's gentle flavor makes it easy to pair:

• Tapioca pearls are the classic match. The chewy pearls and creamy taro are a perfect texture contrast. Learn more about tapioca pearls.
• Coconut flavors complement taro's nuttiness, which is why taro-coconut desserts are common across Asia.
• Something salty on the side, like a savory snack, balances the sweetness.

Is Taro Healthy?

The taro root itself is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. A taro bubble tea, however, is a sweet treat made with powder or paste, milk and sugar, so it is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence. A 16 oz cup is a nice way to enjoy the flavor in a smaller portion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taro Tea

Does taro taste like ube?

They are similar in being sweet and mellow, but ube is generally sweeter and more vanilla-like, while taro is nuttier and earthier.

Is taro tea good for first-timers?

Yes. Its creamy, dessert-like flavor makes it one of the most popular choices for people trying bubble tea for the first time.

Can I get taro hot?

Yes. Friend's Corner offers a hot taro milk tea on its winter hot drink menu.

Try Taro in Highland, NY

Taro bubble tea is creamy, nutty and comforting, and its signature purple color makes it as fun to look at as it is to drink. If you are near Highland, stop by Friend's Corner Tea & Snack Bar on Main Street, or order taro online for carryout or curbside pickup.