Milk tea may be one of your favorite drinks (it is one of mine, too). As refreshing as it is, it can be surprisingly filling, which may mean you can’t finish it all at once. That begs the question: how long does milk tea last in the fridge? Here’s what you need to know for safe storage and consumption!
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Tips For Storing Bubble Tea
Here are all the tips for storing milk tea for optimal taste and freshness!
Freshly Made
If you have made your own milk tea for your family, the best way to preserve it is by storing it in an airtight container or jar in your fridge. Generally, it will be good for about 2 to 3 days, though the sooner you consume it, the better it will taste.
With Toppings
Milk tea with toppings such as grass jelly, coffee jelly, popping boba, fruit jelly, tapioca pearls, and the like should be treated a bit differently. While they should be safe to consume later on, they may lose their texture sitting in your fridge. You can strain them out and refrigerate them separately, though plan on drinking the rest of your milk tea with toppings within 8 to 10 hours.
Store-Bought Bubble Tea
While I love making my own milk tea fresh, there are certainly times when I’ve grabbed a bottled milk tea from the store. When you have this type of milk tea, it will be fine until it is opened. After that, you will need to seal it tightly by closing the lid, stowing in the fridge, and finishing it within 3 days maximum.
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The Impact of Different Plant Milk and Tea Types
Different plant milks and tea types can bring up concerns for the stability of your milk tea, especially with the milk proteins and the tea polyphenols. The interaction between these ingredients can cause it to separate or curdle if it isn’t properly balanced.
Some plant milks, particularly oat milk or soy milk, provide better stability because they have a higher protein content. Almond milk tends to separate more easily, depending on the tea type and how it is brewed. Essentially, using the right airtight storage can help minimize oxidation and keep your milk tea fresh.
Significance of Proper Storage
Properly storing your milk tea is one of the most important things, as it can make you sick if it spoils. Make sure that you have put it in a sealed, airtight container inside your refrigerator. It’s best to put it on the top shelf and ensure that the temperature setting is below 40°F. Trust your instincts if you detect an unpleasant odor or it tastes strange. Do not drink it if you notice curdling, separation, or any change in its texture.
My Favorite Boba Tea Recipes
If you are looking for homemade milk tea recipes, I’ve got you covered.
- Oolong Milk Tea Recipe: Enjoy this distinct and delicious taste of Oolong milk tea.
- Classic Milk Tea: Drink up this classic milk tea made vegan, blending strong black tea with smooth oat milk.
- Matcha Milk Tea: Make this energizing flavor of pure ceremonial-grade matcha made into milk tea.
- Brown Sugar Milk Tea: Try this brown sugar milk tea made with black tea and oat milk.
- Coffee Boba Recipe: For coffee lovers, this unique twist combines espresso with tasty tapioca pearls and oat milk.
- Jasmine Milk Tea Recipe: Enjoy this floral-packed jasmine tea paired with the lightness of oat milk and tapioca pearls.
- Taro Milk Tea Recipe: Try this flavor-packed taro bubble tea recipe. It is one of my favorites!
FAQ
Boba milk tea can last anywhere from 1-3 days in the fridge. It will depend on the type of tea, milk, and any additional toppings, but the best rule of thumb is to finish it as soon as possible.
That depends…if you left it out on the counter DO NOT DRINK IT! It could have harmful bacteria that will make you sick. If you have properly put your leftover milk tea in the fridge during those 12 hours, then it will be safe to drink, though it may not be quite as delicious as it was when it was fresh.
No, it’s not ok to drink yesterday’s tea when it has been sitting out. If you have refrigerated your leftover tea in an airtight container, then it should be safe for consumption. Be prepared that the flavors will be different if you try it.
Final Words
When it comes to milk tea, it is truly best to enjoy it as quickly as possible while it is at its freshest. If you take the right steps to separate toppings and seal any leftover milk tea in a proper container in your fridge, you can get more longevity out of it.
However, since milk tea is super simple to make in just minutes, you can always whip up a fresh batch. In other words, I’d advise only making what you need and making more as needed. Certainly, don’t make a party-size quantity of milk tea for just you and your family to drink, or it will go bad before you can enjoy it all.
