Look no further if you want a less sweet, healthier version of the famous Binggrae banana milk! I love banana milk as much as the next person, but the store-bought bottles taste like straight-up sugar with an artificial banana flavor. This homemade recipe uses only 4 ingredients (5 if you count a dash of vanilla) and tastes wayyy better and like actual bananas while giving you that same nostalgic, creamy flavor!

What is Banana Milk?

Did you know that banana milk actually used to be a luxury?

In 1974, the dairy company Binggrae created banana milk to support a South Korean government campaign encouraging citizens to drink more milk to combat malnutrition. Because plain white milk was unappealing to many and real bananas were a rare, expensive luxury import at the time, Binggrae combined the two into an affordable beverage that quickly spread throughout the country.

Now, 800,000 bottles of this delicious banana milk are sold every day in South Korea, and almost every Korean grew up drinking this milk. Everyone recognizes the signature plastic jar bottle Bingrae puts their flavored milk in, and it’s become some sort of cultural icon for many Asian people.

And while the drink itself is cute and nostalgic, I just think the flavor can be improved by using fresh bananas and less sugar. Fresh homemade banana milk tastes like real bananas and is too easy not to try making at home!

Banana Milk Recipe Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana — Use a ripe banana with brown spots! If you have an unripe banana, broil it in the oven with the skin on until it turns black.
• 1 cup milk — My choice of milk is 2% milk, but you can use whole or even non-dairy milk!
• 1 cup ice
• 1 tbsp condensed milk — The secret to a creamy flavor and texture without needing extra milk.
• 1/3 cup water — Thins out the mixture so that it’s not too thick and gives you the perfect drinking consistency!
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make Banana Milk

1. Prep the banana: Peel your ripe, spotted banana and break it into 2–3 pieces so it blends quickly and evenly.
2. Load the blender: Add the banana pieces, milk, condensed milk, and water into your blender jar.
3. Blend until completely smooth: Blend on high speed for 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture turns silky, pale, and completely lump-free.
4. Pour and serve: Fill a tall glass with extra fresh ice, pour your cold banana milk right over the top, and enjoy immediately with a straw!

Tips for the Best Banana Milk

• Enjoy it fresh: Bananas naturally brown and oxidize when exposed to air. For the best flavor, color, and texture, drink your banana milk right after blending!
• Don’t skip the water: I’ve made banana milk without water, and it’s quite thick, similar in texture to a fruit smoothie without ice. It’s also nice, but for a truly smooth and light texture, adding a small splash of water is a must. f
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If your banana is just ripe, 1 tablespoon of condensed milk is usually plenty. But just to be sure, give your milk a quick taste-test before serving. That way, you can pulse in some extra condensed milk if you want it sweeter.

Variations

While the classic is amazing, it’s also so easy to experiment with different flavors!

• Strawberry Banana Milk: Toss in 2–3 fresh strawberries with the rest of the ingredients and blend! It adds a nice pink hue and a berry-tangy flavor; it’ll taste like a lighter version of a strawberry banana smoothie.
• Chocolate Banana Milk: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to your milk. I don’t recommend chocolate syrup unless you like your drinks sweet.
• Dairy-Free & Vegan Banana Almond Milk: Swap the milk for almond milk and replace the condensed milk with maple syrup, agave, or oat condensed milk.
• Banana Matcha Latte: My favorite drink to make with banana milk is a banana matcha latte. Just whisk 1.5 tsp of matcha powder with 1/4 cup of water, then add it to the milk over ice.

FAQs

Is banana milk good for you?

Yes! Banana milk is a surprisingly nutrient-dense drink. Bananas have essential vitamins like B6 and dietary fiber, and clinical studies highlighted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health show that their high potassium content plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting heart function. Blended with milk, you also get a great boost of calcium and protein.

Where to buy banana milk?

If you want to taste the classic version, buy the Korean brand Binggrae at any Asian grocery store (like H Mart). If you can, get the one in the plastic bottles, not the box cartons. Mooala makes a popular plant-based banana milk using organic banana puree, which you can find at most Western grocery stores.

How long does fresh homemade banana milk last?

The shelf life of fresh homemade banana milk is very short. Bananas oxidize fast, so you should enjoy this immediately after blending. For leftovers, store them in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the milk will naturally darken and separate over time; just give it a good shake or stir before drinking!

Can I use frozen bananas?

You can, as long as you let them thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before blending. You’ll also want to save and use the juice that thaws out of the fruit; it’s pure banana juice and liquid gold!

More Fresh Fruit Milk Recipes

If you loved making this Korean banana milk at home, there are plenty of other fresh, cafe-style fruit milks on the blog to try next!

For a crisp, ultra-hydrating summer treat, try a glass of refreshing watermelon milk, or stick to a classic strawberry milk made with fresh strawberry cheong. If you are a fan of light, floral melon flavors, you will adore my sweet melon milk, which tastes like a classic Korean ice cream. Finally, for the ultimate taste of summer, you need to try my peach milk. It’s heaven.

If you make any beautiful creations, make sure to share them with me on social media! (@ispillice everywhere). I’d love to see it!