How To Make Milk Foam For Bubble Tea (With Vegan Options)

Milk foam is a creamy and frothy topping that can be added to the top of boba drinks to provide a sweet, rich, and tangy flavor. You’ll find this topping called sea salt cream, sea foam tea, milk cap, or even cheese cap tea and cheese foam (even though the cheese ones are a different recipe, see cheese foam recipe). My favorite is to have it with jasmine green tea or oolong tea (featured below!). You can even top it on your matcha drink.

In this blog post, we’ll share a recipe for making milk foam at home and provide tips for how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor to go with your favorite bubble tea. Milk foam is usually made from dairy ingredients, but there are also vegan and dairy-free options available for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based alternatives.

The Ingredients Needed to Make Milk Foam (Dairy and Nondairy Versions)

Classic Ingredients

• Heavy cream: This is a thick, high-fat cream that is used to add richness and body to the foam. 
• Whole Milk: This is used to thin out the foam and make it easier to whip. You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk or skim milk.
• Sugar: This is used to sweeten the foam and balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Sea salt: This is used to add a salty, savory flavor to the foam.

Vegan Version Ingredients

• Full-fat coconut milk: This is used to add richness and body to the foam, similar to heavy cream in the non-vegan version.
• Unsweetened almond milk: This is used to thin out the foam and make it easier to whip, similar to milk in the non-vegan version.
• Agave syrup: This is a natural sweetener that is used to sweeten the foam and balance out the tanginess of the vegan cream cheese.
• Sea salt: This is used to add a salty, savory flavor to the foam, just like in the non-vegan version.

Optional Alternatives

• Evaporated milk: You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk.  The evaporated milk will give the foam a slightly caramelized flavor and a creamier texture than regular milk alone.
• Condensed milk: If you would like to incorporate condensed milk into the sweet and salty cheese foam recipe, you can use it as a substitute for the sugar.  By using condensed milk instead of sugar, the foam will have a sweeter and richer flavor. The condensed milk is a thick and sweet dairy product that will add richness and sweetness to the foam, as well as a creamier texture.

Milk Foam for Bubble Tea Recipe

This recipe is inspired by 85 degrees cafe. I first tried it as a sea salt coffee and was hooked. It was a thick layer sea foam creaminess on top of the coffee that slowly trickled down into deliciousness. They also make this topping with jasmine green tea and it’s perfection. This drink goes great with anything boba.

You can make your milk foam using a hand mixer, a cold foam frother or a blender.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of whole milk
• 1/4 tsp of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, add the whole milk, heavy cream, sea salt, and sugar.
2. Using a hand mixer, cold foam frother, or blender, start mixing on a low speed. Gradually increase the speed to create more foam. Move in an up and down motion first, then circular. Keep mixing until the milk has thickened and formed a foam. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
3. Once the milk foam forms with a medium peak, it is ready. Spoon it on top of your bubble tea drink.

Vegan Sea Salt Milk Cap (Bonus Recipe!)

So full disclosure, the almond milk you use may have a big difference. Almond milk is very thin so it may make it runny and you won’t get the consistency. If you find it still too runny, feel free to add a little more tapioca flour, whisk it up until you get the consistency you like.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon tapioca flour

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, agave syrup, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender or use a hand mixer to blend the mixture until it becomes light and frothy.
3. Once the sweet and salty vegan foam is whipped to your desired consistency, it is ready to use! Add it to the top of your favorite boba drink and enjoy.

Note: You can adjust the amount of agave syrup and sea salt to your liking, depending on how sweet and salty you want the foam to be. Be careful not to add too much sea salt, as it can quickly overpower the flavor of the foam. 

Putting it Together for Milk Foam Bubble Tea

Once you have created the milk foam, it’s time to add it to your bubble tea drink. Pour the foam on top of the drink, making sure to leave some space at the top of the cup for the boba balls.

If you want to create a milk cap, pour the brewed tea and boba balls into the cup first, then add milk foam onto the top of the cup. This will create a layer of foam on the top of the drink, which you can mix in as you drink.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Milk Foam for Bubble Tea

Practice makes perfect for the best milk foam taste and texture for your drink. Here are the three necessary things you want to achieve for your milk foam.

• Texture. Achieving the right texture is key. For a medium peak, use a cold foam frother or a hand mixer on medium speed. For a thicker texture, use a hand mixer on high speed or add more milk powder to the recipe.
• Sweetness. Adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste. Use a little bit of brown sugar syrup or add a little bit of the cheese foam to the top of the drink for a sweeter taste.
• Flavoring.  Experiment with different ingredients and flavorings. Add a little bit of sour cream or orange blossom water for a tangy flavor, or use cream cheese powder for a creamy and indulgent taste.

How to Store Fresh Milk Foam

Milk foam is best served immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it again, simply re-whisk it to create the foam texture.

Conclusion

Making milk foam for bubble tea is a fun and easy way to elevate your favorite tea drink. Whether you prefer a salty cheese foam or a creamy milk foam, there are endless possibilities for customizing your drink.

By following the tips and step-by-step guide in this blog post, you can create your own delicious milk foam at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavorings to find your perfect combination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Milk Foam for Bubble Tea

Q: Is whipped cream healthy?

A: While whipped cream does contain dairy and fat, it can be a delicious treat in moderation. To make a healthier version, try using alternative milk options such as almond or coconut milk and reducing the amount of sugar.

Q: What dairy ingredients can be used to make milk foam for bubble tea?

A: Whole milk and sour cream are common dairy ingredients used to make milk foam for bubble tea. However, you can also try using alternative milk options such as almond or coconut milk for a vegan version.

Q: How can I adjust the sweetness level and other ingredients in my milk foam?

A: To adjust the sweetness level, add more or less sugar to the recipe. You can also experiment with different flavorings such as vanilla extract or orange blossom water. If you prefer a thicker texture, try adding cream cheese powder to the mixture.

Q: What are some common names for cheese foam drinks?

A: Some common names for cheese foam drinks include cheese cap tea, salty cheese foam, and cheese mousse. These drinks have become increasingly popular in Asian countries and can be found at boba shops worldwide.

Q: How can I achieve a medium peak or thicker texture for my milk foam?

A: To achieve a medium peak, use a cold foam frother or hand mixer to whip the milk until it becomes frothy and airy. For a thicker texture, try adding cream cheese powder to the mixture.