Are you someone who enjoys a splash of milk in your tea, or are you a “tea purist” who thinks that’s a crime? You’re not alone—this is one debate that never seems to end. All around the world, people enjoy their tea in different ways, and milk often plays a starring role. So, let’s take a fun dive into where this tradition comes from and why people love adding milk to their tea.
A Quick Look at the History of Milk in Tea
Most people think milk-in-tea started in England, but the practice actually goes back much further. In fact, some say people in Tibet were adding milk to tea as early as the year 781, long before the British made tea popular in the 17th century.
In India, milk is a key ingredient in masala chai, a spiced tea that has roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. Interestingly, tea leaves weren’t added to the mix until the British started growing tea in India in the mid-1800s.
No matter what you call it—chai, milk tea, builder’s brew—there are many delicious ways to enjoy tea with milk.
Why Do People Add Milk to Tea?
There are a few reasons people started putting milk in tea, and they all make sense:
- To improve the taste: Early tea shipments to Europe were often low quality. Adding milk helped mellow out the bitter, harsh flavors.
- To protect delicate cups: In old Europe, porcelain tea cups were thin and fragile. Pouring cold milk first helped prevent the cups from cracking when hot tea was added.
- For nutrition: In places like Tibet and during the Industrial Revolution in Britain, adding milk made tea more filling. “Builder’s Tea,” a strong, milky brew, helped workers stay energized.
Milk also helps smooth out strong black teas that are high in tannins. These tannins can make tea taste bitter and leave a dry feeling in your mouth. Milk binds to those tannins and balances the flavor with a creamy touch.
HIC Kitchen Milk Carton Creamer
A must-have for proper milk tea presentation. This elegant little pitcher makes it easy to pour milk after tea — or before, depending on your preference!
Also Read: Best Teaware Starter Kits for New Tea Drinkers
Which Teas Work Best with Milk?
Some teas handle milk better than others. Here are your best options:
☕ Teas with Long Oxidation
These teas are strong and have high tannin content—perfect for milk. Think traditional breakfast blends made to pair with milk.
☕ CTC Black Teas
CTC stands for “crush, tear, curl.” These are black tea leaves rolled into tiny pellets. They brew quickly and produce a bold flavor—ideal for milk.
☕ Whole-Leaf Black Teas
Some premium black teas also go great with milk, like:
- Assam
- Ceylon
- Kenyan black teas
- Keemun (strong Chinese black tea)
👉 Tip: Always taste your tea plain first, then add milk if you want. That way, you understand the flavor and know how much milk to add.
Milk-Ready Teas We Offer at Té
If you’re shopping from Té, here are a few teas that pair beautifully with milk:
- Jade Rouge – Sweet, rich, and full-bodied
- Stonegate Breakfast – Fragrant and bold, inspired by Keemun-style teas
- Formosa Assam – Malty and fruity with a robust flavor
HIWARE 1500ml Glass Teapot
Ideal for brewing loose-leaf black tea or steeping multiple tea bags at once — stylish, heat-resistant, and lets you control steep strength before adding milk.
Also Read: Best Natural Products for Cleaning Your Teaware
Popular Milk Tea Styles Around the World
Milk tea isn’t just a British thing—it’s a global favorite. Here are some famous styles:
- Tea Latte – Any type of tea with steamed or frothed milk. Can be sweet or unsweetened.
- Boba Tea (Bubble Tea) – Cold milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls from Taiwan.
- Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea – Strong black tea mixed with evaporated or condensed milk.
- Masala Chai – Spicy Indian tea brewed with milk and aromatic spices.
- London Fog – Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla.
- Builder’s Tea – Classic British strong black tea with milk and sugar.
- Teh Tarik – “Pulled tea” from Southeast Asia made with condensed milk, poured back and forth to get a frothy finish.
- East Frisian Tea – A unique German style using cream and rock sugar with strong black tea.
Is It Healthy to Add Milk to Tea?
Some studies suggest milk might reduce the absorption of tea’s antioxidants, but it’s not clear how much. The effect could be minor or just slow down the benefits a bit.
On the plus side, milk can make tea easier on the stomach, especially if you’re drinking on an empty belly or if you’re sensitive to tannins.
In short: Go with what feels right for you.
How Much Milk Should You Add?
It’s all about personal taste! Start small. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 cup of milk per cup of tea (or even less). And yes, the old debate still lives on—milk first or tea first? There’s no right answer. We suggest adding milk after brewing so you can control the flavor better.
Easy Milk Tea Recipe (Single Serve)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot brewed tea
- 1/4 cup milk (or to taste)
Instructions:
- Boil water and brew your tea to your preferred strength.
- Pour the brewed tea into a cup.
- Add milk slowly and adjust to your liking.
- Sip and enjoy!
Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast
A rich, full-bodied black tea that pairs beautifully with milk — ideal for showcasing both “milk first” and “milk last” techniques.
Also Read: This $15 Tea Infuser Changed My Brewing Routine
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a milk-in-tea lover or a staunch purist, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your cup. Try different styles, experiment with flavors, and most importantly—drink it the way you like it.
Want to explore milk-friendly teas? Check out our top picks at Té and find your perfect blend. 🫖💛
