So many things mix together so well. Wine and Cheese. Peanut Butter and Jelly. Ketchup and French Fries. But not sure that any of these have quite the history of pairing together well as Milk and Tea.
Where did tea with milk get its start?
Some will say milk with tea was started by the British and it was certainly made popular in Britain but there are some records in history that show the milk and tea combination may have started much earlier in Mongolia. Milk and butter are on record in Tibet long before Britain according to the book The True History of Tea.
What are the good reasons to add milk to your tea?
Well first and foremost, it entirely depends on how you like your tea! Milk can add a great creaminess to tea making it even more delicious. One of our favorites teas to add milk to is our Clairee's Chai. The spices mixed with tea and milk make it like a hot chocolate, no chocolate of course. Just creamy deliciousness.
There are some benefits to drinking milk with your tea. Independent research has shown that by drinking milk with your tea you can reduce tea stains on your teeth. Check out this study by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene. The results were not just moderate, it significantly reduced the tea's ability to stain teeth.
Why you might not want to add milk to your tea?
The first one can easily be lost in a good cup of tea. Calories. Those that are looking to cut calories may not realize how many calories they are adding with each cup of tea. Tea itself is a low calorie beverage but once you start adding milk you may be adding hidden extra calories. Depending on how much tea you drink in a day, it can add up. In fact, there are many studies on the impacts of milk on tea and it seems to show that milk negates some of the benefits of tea.
For example it is thought that milk will lower the antioxidants in your tea but it is believed that proteins in milk can bind to the tea polyphenols decreasing their antioxidant capacity.
A lot more research is needed for this but for your interest here are a few studies to review.
Effects of adding Milk to Black tea...
The effects on Tea with Milk...
What tea is most commonly used with milk?
By far the most commonly used tea to mix with milk is Black tea. Chai and Earl Grey are common teas made with milk. Not surprising as both of these teas are made with Black tea. Their flavors mixed with milk make them delicious together. Earl Grey Latte's (London Fog Tea) are growing in popularity. We share just how to make these here.
What is the right tea to milk ratio?
This is a tough one as it really has a lot to do with taste. For some it will be a ratio of 1 cup of tea to 1/4 cup of milk and for others it will be 1 cup of tea and just a few tablespoons of milk. Just depends on how creamy you like your tea.
Why is drinking milk in tea less common in the US?
This has a lot to do with the South. A huge population of the US loves drinking their tea cold. The much loved Sweet Tea is available at most restaurants and gas stations throughout the US. This can be sweetened tea or unsweet tea but it is cold, popular and milk free.
Timmy has shared in a YouTube video how to make a real Southern Sweet tea.
Can you use milk alternatives in tea?
Yes, many milk alternatives can be used in tea. Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk and Oat Milk can all be used. Also, not really an alternative to milk but evaporated milk can also be used.
What is Milk tea?
Milk tea can be many things and can include simply just tea with milk. But many teas can enjoy the title of milk tea. Bubble Tea, Chai Latte, Thai Iced Tea and a good ole cuppa tea, British tea with milk. Hong Kong tea is also a type of tea made with evaporated milk and called Hong Kong Milk tea.
Is tea with Milk still good for you?
Tea is considered a healthy beverage but when you add milk, some of those great qualities are said to be negated.
From the National Library of Medicine
"Interactions between tea polyphenols and milk proteins, especially between catechins and caseins, could account for a decrease in antioxidant activity..."
And on top of that the reality is that milk contains additional calories. Although, it is still likely much healthier than a can of soda (if you don't add sugar) adding milk can start to drive down its healthy qualities.
More studies are needed on the impacts to the health benefits of tea when you add milk.
Tea and Milk has had a long history of going together.
Tea and milk have a long history of going together and are entirely subjective to your taste. We here at the Great Mississippi Tea Company do not judge anyone on how they like their tea. We are just glad they like tea!
For more learning on tea check out these blog posts:
How Black Tea Is Made In The USA
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