What is Korean Banana Milk?

Banana milk in Korea began in the early 1970’s as a partnership with government policy to encourage milk consumption and dairy farming. Binggrae created a tasty milk product coupled with the best fruit (at the time, bananas were precious imported fruits) that would also appeal to children. What a great idea, huh?

The unique shape was inspired by Korean moon jars (a traditional porcelain jar made during the Joseon dynasty 1392-1910).

What is Banana Milk made of?

Still going strong to this day, Binggrae’s banana milk is synonymous with fun times and childhood. Because of its prevalence in Korean culture, the particular artificial flavouring they use is what Koreans equate with “banana flavour”. It may not be a familiar flavour to you, so don’t expect a truly banana taste and enjoy it for the delicious snack-y drink that it is.

You will also notice the name’s literal translation is “Banana-Flavoured Milk”. There was much controversy because it didn’t contain any bananas. After much red tape, it was decided in 2010 that they could continue selling the product with the name as it was, and it now contains 1% banana concentrate.

Ingredients: Milk, Water, Sugar, Skim Milk Powder, Whey Powder, Banana Juice Concentrate, Artificial Flavors, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Annatto(for Color).

Binggrae also manages Yoplait yogurt products and is famous for their ice cream lines.

How to enjoy Banana Flavoured Milk?

Korean children enjoy this as a snack. It is also popular at the sauna, after a good soak and scrub at the steamy baths, you enjoy this refreshing drink. It’s nice to chill some for a picnic, but mostly it’s a kid-friendly drinking snack.

Consume in moderation, mmkay?

Banana Milk you will find at the Store

Although the cool-looking moon jar banana milk container is common in Korean grocery stores, you may not always find it outside of Korea. The tops can be sharp on the mouth if not opened properly so most imported products will be the more familiar juice bodx type with a straw.

If you go to Korea, Binggrae has mad their own cafes Yellow Cafe, devoted to the beloved Banana (flavoured) Milk and Soft Lab, serving you guessed it, soft-serve ice cream.