How is banana flavored milk made?

How do you make banana milk at home?

Running to the Kitchen gives this single serving recipe:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup chilled 2 percent milk
• 1/2 cup chilled water
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Add everything to a blender.
2. Blend on high for about 1 minute until smooth.
3. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then drink.

Tips

• Use a ripe banana with brown freckles and no green; an underripe banana can make the drink grainy.
• Chill the milk and water so it tastes best cold.
• Start with a small amount of sweetener; very ripe bananas may need none.
• Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother drink.
• For dairy-free, use a plant milk.

Can I store it?

The recipe says it does not keep well, because the banana can turn brown within a couple of hours, and it should not be frozen. Make it fresh.

How is the store-bought version made?

Per Tasting Table, Binggrae’s bottle lists milk (85 percent), purified water, sugar, banana juice concentrate, carotene and artificial banana and vanilla flavors. It is a manufactured flavored milk, not a blended banana.

Homemade vs store-bought

Safety

The recipe says to drink it right away; it does not keep well.

Flavor ideas

• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, as the recipe suggests.
• The recipe says a frozen banana also works.
• For dairy-free, the author likes coconut milk.