Ever consider how black tea and milk tea are different? If you haven’t read my blog about Black Tea versus Milk Tea and I hope my 27 points will help you to get an idea about the contrasting nature of the two most popular tea varieties.

I am a passionate blogger and a tea lover who runs a tea cafe in Kolkata city. Interestingly, the two talked about tea are drunk with equal zeal in my city and thus, I wanted to spread awareness about both milk and black tea. 

BLACK TEA VERSUS MILK TEA

Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: 27 Qualitative Factors That Will Set Them Apart

Now, if you are a regular reader or if you are a first timer, there’s one thing that you should know. This blog is after my heart for I get to compare milk tea with black tea and I am a milk tea addict. Also, so I am able to write my content in a systematic way and which is equally easy to understand, I always make it a point to include a table that will help get an exact idea about the aspects that we would be discussing about.

DESCRIBED IN A FEW WORDS
Black Tea

A highly oxidized tea

Milk Tea

Uses tea leaves as the base

SOURCE
Black Tea

Camellia Sinensis

Milk Tea

Milk and Camellia Sinensis

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Black Tea

China

Milk Tea

China

POPULARITY REASONS
Black Tea

Long shelf life, caffeine level similar to coffee, etc.

Milk Tea

An Instant cure for ailments, sweet taste, etc.

BREWING TIME
Black Tea

3-5 minutes

Milk Tea

1-4 minutes

BEST TIME TO DRINK
Black Tea

After meals

Milk Tea

Anytime

CAFFEINE
Black Tea

47mg -90 mg

Milk Tea

33 mg-50 mg

TASTE
Black Tea

Bitter and acidic

Milk Tea

Sweet and desirable

NUTRITIONAL VALUE (with milk & sugar)
Black Tea

Calorie-free drink

Milk Tea

92 calories

UNIQUE FLAVORS
Black Tea

Lemongrass

Keemun

Dian Hong

Milk Tea

Red Velvet

Okinawa

Milk tea with Nutella & Bailleys

CAN BE CONSUMED DAILY?
Black Tea

Yes

Milk Tea

Yes

FOOD PAIRINGS
Black Tea

Citrus salads, pasta, sausages, etc.

Milk Tea

Pancakes, fritters, scones, etc.

MILK DEPENDENCY
Black Tea

No

Milk Tea

High

SUGAR USAGE
Black Tea

No

Milk Tea

Varies

TEA BAG USAGE
Black Tea

Likely

Milk Tea

Likely

VEGAN-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
Black Tea

Yes

Milk Tea

Yes

HERBAL & HEALTHY OPTIONS
Black Tea

Yes

Milk Tea

Yes

BETTER OPTION TO LOSE WEIGHT
Black Tea

Highly suggested

Milk Tea

Not Likely

THE MORE HYDRATING TEA
Black Tea

Not Likely

Milk Tea

Varies

OPTIONS TO SERVE HOT AND COLD
Black Tea

No

Milk Tea

Yes

TOPPINGS
Black Tea

Whipped Cream

Lemon

Milk Tea

Chia seeds

Mint

Basil

HOW TO ENHANCE THE TASTE?
Black Tea

Lemon slices or drops, honey etc.

Milk Tea

Add toppings, ditching sugar, etc.

CUSTOMIZATION LEVEL
Black Tea

Low

Milk Tea

High

GLUTEN-FREE
Black Tea

Yes

Milk Tea

Yes

CELEBRATORY DAYS
Black Tea

21st May

Milk Tea

21st May

POPULAR IN COUNTRIES
Black Tea

China

India

Russia

Milk Tea

India

America

China

USAGE OF SPICES
Black Tea

Low

Milk Tea

High

I am sure that after having a look at the table, you would want to know more about each point and thus, without wasting time, let us speculate each point.

1.  Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: Comparing The Two Based On A Short Description

Black and milk tea are both varieties of tea that have been there since a long time & are quite popular too. Let us though learn the main point that best defines them in one to two lines.

Black tea is a type of tea that is made by steeping tea leaves with water and is often had without the addition of milk and sugar. This makes it a bitter tea.

Milk tea on the other hand and as the name suggests is a tea that is made by adding milk to liquid that has been infused with tea leaves. Sweeteners are further added to enhance the taste.

2. Ever Wondered The Source That The Teas Are Derived From?

Let us pay homage to the source that the teas can be attributed to.

Black tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and water. Owing to its bitter taste some prefer adding sugar or other source of sweeteners to appeal to their taste buds. 

Milk tea too is sourced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant & as the name suggests other sources includes milk(dairy or non-dairy) and sweeteners(optional).

3. The Interesting History Behind Black and Milk Tea

The history of black and milk tea is an interesting read and I shall share a brief one with you.

Black tea was discovered in the 17th century in the Fujian region of China when the Jianxi army entered the district and set up their camps near a tea-factory. This was an unplanned and an untimely one at that. This made the leaves turn red from the heavy oxidation received earning it the anime of black tea.

Milk tea though owes its roots in China though many believe that the concept of adding milk to tea was started by the Brits. It is also interesting to know that milk tea travelled to various parts of the world owing to the silk trade between China and other countries. 

4. Comparing What Makes These Teas Popular

Just like humans, drinks too have their own characteristics and this is what draws them apart. Have you ever wondered about the reasons why these teas in the discussion are popular?

Black tea has a bitter and acidic taste to it that resembles coffee owing to the high caffeine content. Its shelf life of 18-24 months and a wake up drink for many are some reasons that have made the tea popular.

Now, milk tea isn’t taking the blow easily and has its reasons ready. Milk tea is drunk all the time and for many(me included)is a perfect excuse for any ailments along with a reason to get out of bed. Tea is surely my best morning alarm and my instant source of energy. Now, if you are looking for more reasons to love tea, read my blog about 27 practical reasons to love tea. 

5. The Brewing Comparison Between Black and Milk Tea

The brewing time is an important aspect that deserves a mention and thus, it is important that we compare the steeping time the tea takes.

Black tea requires 3-5 minutes of brewing time approximately for a perfect texture and the right consistency. This though depends upon the kind of color and consistency you want. Now, it is important to bear in mind that the higher the brew time the bitter the tea will be.

Milk Tea is something that I learned to brew at an early age and I love making it all the time. I learned to make a cup without having timed it, often brewing the water with tea leaves till a reddish color and then adding milk. This method has never failed me and I recommend an ideal time of 1-4  minutes for brewing.

6. Comparing The Two Drinks On The Best Time to Drink

Another reason that makes a tea popular is when or how often it can be consumed and thus, we shall be taking these characteristics of the two teas as a point of comparison. 

Black tea is drunk by many the first thing in the morning and on an empty stomach. I beg to differ here and though I am not a black tea addict, I don’t mind drinking one with lemon at times. However, I make a conscious effort not to drink the beverage on an empty stomach as it might result in gastric problems. Thus, I recommend drinking it after meals.

Milk tea on the other hand and another reason why I love it is that it can be drunk anytime. The presence of milk cuts down on the bitterness making it a perfect all time beverage.

7. Attributing Black & Milk Tea Based On The Caffeine Content

Let us now get to know the caffeine level of the two teas.

Black tea being an oxidized drink is high on caffeine and a typical serving of 240 ml has anywhere from 47-90 mg of caffeine. This sure makes it a high caffeinated tea.

Milk tea on the other hand  can vary from 33mg-50 mg in terms of caffeine. This though varies from the tea leaves used. 

8. Comparing The Taste quotient Of The Two Beverages

Let us differentiate black and milk tea based on their respective taste profile.

Black tea has a bitter and acidic taste owing to the leaves used and also, owing to the preferred way the tea is enjoyed widely ie. without milk and sugar.

Milk tea on the other hand offers a sweet and smooth texture and taste that is provided by the addition of milk. 

9. Nutritional Value of Black Tea Vs Milk Tea

Black tea and milk tea are both versatile and loved drinks. Therefore, it is important to consider their nutritional value. 

A cup of black tea is generally considered as a calorie free drink since no milk or sugar are added to it.

Milk tea on the other hand enjoys no such benefit and a typical serving of the tea contains 92 calories. 

10. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: Some Unique Options 

Comparing black and milk tea based on some unique varieties they offer.

Lemongrass, Diam Hong, Keemun are some varieties that aren’t enjoyed on an everyday basis but enjoyed occasionally.

On the other hand milk tea too isn’t far behind in showcasing its unique varieties. Blue Milk, Redvelvet, Winter melon, Popcorn or Genmaicha tea, Hokkaido Milk tea, Okinawa tea, hot tea infused with nutella and bailey’s are some awesome teas that offer an occasion drink.

11. Comparing Them On Their Daily Drinkable Quotient

Let us now compare if the two tea can be drunk on an everyday basis.

Black tea gives a caffeine kick that is similar to coffee and thus, is consumed on a daily basis.

Milk tea too isn’t far behind on this parameter and it too is enjoyed by many across the globe as an everyday beverage.

12. What Goes Well With Black And Milk Tea?

Let us compare some food that only adds to the appealing factor of the teas.

Black tea being a tea with a heavy and robust flavor is best when paired with foods like venison, citrus salads, sausages, beef, sweet fruits, cheese, caramel popcorn, pasta. Etc. 

Milk tea has a sweet and smooth flavor and thus goes with light foods like cheese or vegetable sandwiches, croissants, cheese, patties, fritters, crackers, pancakes, wafers, scones, crumpets, tea time cakes etc. 

13. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea and Their Dependency on Milk

Let us now see the tea that is highly dependent on milk,

Black tea is best enjoyed when consumed without milk or sugar.

On the other hand milk tea is preferred by its takers with the addition of milk. Hence, it wouldn;t be wrong to say that this variety of tea is highly milk dependent. 

14. Comparing The Sugar Usage In both The Teas

Let us now evaluate the two beverages based on their sugar usage.

Black tea is consumed without any sugar and thus, can be attributed to being sugar-free.

On the other hand, sugar usage in milk tea varies from one person to the other. Some prefer milk tea without sugar, while some like adding sweeteners to it. So, one can rightly say that sugar usage in milk tea varies from zero-high.

15. Usage of Tea Bags For The Two Teas

Teabags are small pouches filled with tea and are used in most tea-loving countries. All you need to do is just dip it in hot water till the desired color is reached.Let us check the two teas based on their dependency on tea bags.

Black tea is often enjoyed as a freshly brewed cup and thus, one can say that tea-bags usage is likely.

On the other hand, when we talk about milk tea, tea bags are very commonly used in most countries to brew the perfect cup.So, we can say that milk tea is highly dependent on tea-bags usage.

16. Comparing Black & Milk Tea For Their Vegan-Friendly Nature

The changing times have seen a rise for drinks that are Vegan Friendly. This has taken the food and beverage industry too by storm. So, how can milk and black tea be behind?

Black tea is enjoyed without any milk and sugar and thus, can be called safe for vegans. However, if you add honey to it I suggest you avoid using honey and use other sweeteners like jaggery, coconut sugar, alcohol sugar, Stevia, Sugar-Free.

Milk tea on the other hand is dependent on milk though the milk can be substituted for plant-based options like coconut, flaxseed, hemp, soy, etc. 

17. Availability of Herbal and Healthy Options for Black & Milk Tea

If you are a tea-lover who also happens to be a health-freak or calorie-conscious then this is for you.

Black tea being devoid of any milk or sugar naturally makes it both herbal and healthy. 

When we talk about milk tea, it is not far behind. Milk tea is available in a number of healthier flavours including matcha milk tea and low-calorie versions.

18. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: The Better Option To Lose Weight

Let us now compare the two tea based on which is a better choice to shed some kilos or keep one’w weight in check.

Black tea is the ideal choice as it is devoid of any milk and sugar. 

On the other hand milk tea comes with own share of calories and thus, not the best option when it comes to losing weight. However, substituting your milk with low-fat or fat-free milk and also replacing sugar with Sugar-free, Stevia, honey, palm sugar etc might help in sealing the deal.

19. Comparing The Two Teas On Their Hydrating Factor

Tea is known to be the 2nd most hydrating drink after water and this forms an important point of comparison.

Black tea when consumed in less than 6 cups a day can be hydrating and the only reason behind it is the high amount of caffeine and oxidation it receives,.

Milk tea on the other hand won’t dry your mouth like black tea owing to the presence of milk and thus, can be claimed as a hydrating option. 

20. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: Options to Serve

The next point of comparison between black tea and milk tea is the options to serve hot or cold.

Black tea is best enjoyed when served hot and with either honey or lemon drops.

I love milk tea for the fact that it be enjoyed as both hot and cold verions. While masala chai and English tea are served hot, thai tea and some forms of Japanese tea taste best when served cold and lattes deserves a special mention. 

21. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: Toppings Used

I love the cute little additions called toppings that sit so comfortably on a drink and I highly recommend trying them with your teas to increase the aesthetic appeal.

Black tea leaves little to be desired though whipped cream, lemon slices are some toppings it offers.

Speaking about milk tea, my favourites are mint, whipped cream, basil, and chia seeds. 

22. Comparing The Two Tea On How They Can Be Made More Appealing

By now you know quite a lot in terms of the differences and what makes the two teas similar. We shall now compare them based on how the taste can be enhanced. 

In order to enhance the taste of black tea, options like honey, sweeteners or whipped cream comes to mind as the only ways to enhance the flavor.

On the other hand, milk tea makes for a pleasurable drinking experience and alterations like using low-fat milk,  sugar substitutes and toppings add to its flavor profile.

23. Both the Teas Have Different Customisation Quotients

Another point of comparison between these popular drinks is, which one can be customised more.

Black tea leaves little scope for customization owing to its bitter taste profile.

While a traditional milk tea has nothing more than the basic ingredients, in modern times milk tea is witnessing a fair share of customisation. With whipped cream, syrups and toppings, the drink is now quite open for change.

24. Comparing Black and Milk Tea Based On their Gluten-Free Nature

Let us now compare both the teas for their gluten-free nature.

A typical serving of black tea has nothing but water and tea leaves, which makes it gluten-free.

Milk tea too has nothing but milk and tea leaves and this too can be attributed to being gluten-free. 

25. Black and Milk Tea Both Are Celebrated On Different Days

Have you ever considered days when bubble tea and milk tea lovers world over rejoice? If your answer is no, let us see when you can join the celebrations.

Black tea is celebrated worldwide on 21st May. It is worthy to mention that prior to this tea 15th December was observed as International Tea Day in tea growing countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries in order to draw attention of the government and citizens alike on how tea has impacted the region or country. 

For milk tea lovers, the day of celebration is  21st May. However, milk tea has to share its day of celebration with other varieties of tea.

26. Both The Teas Are Loved In Different Parts of The World

Black and milk tea have both been around for a long time and no doubt are loved by people across the globe. Let us now attribute them to some popular countries.

Black tea was discovered in China so it is natural for it to be a popular drink in the country. Apart from China, the drink has its takers in India, the UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Scotland, etc.

Milk Tea has been around for ages and is here to stay. Some countries where it is best enjoyed are India (The Largest Tea Society in the world), China, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, Iraq, Canada, Mongolia to name a few.

27. Black Tea Versus Milk Tea: Use of Spices

Spices are powerhouses of taste and tea has been known to be heavy on the usage of spices. Let us now evaluate the two beverages on the aspect of spices used.

Black tea traditionally isn’t dependent on the usage of spices but in order to make it a more interesting drink spices are moderately used. 

Milk tea on the other hand can be credited to being highly dependent on spices that are incorporated along with boiling water. Cardamon, cloves, cinnamon, ginger are some common spices that make a great cup of Indian Masala Chai(Indian spiced tea). 

This concludes my blog and I hope you enjoyed knowing about the ways black and milk tea differ from each other as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. Tea is the most versatile drink I know and if you are a tea fanatic like me who loves to explore it for its many aspects, then keep checking my website for your daily dose of Vitamin T. Also, if you want to ask me any questions, do drop them in the comments section below and I will gladly answer them.  

Happy Sipping!