Why Is Banana Milk So Popular In Korea? Know The Fact
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Among the many interesting snacks and drinks that Korea has to offer, banana milk is a standout. Banana milk, or "Banana Mat Uyu", is more than just a drink; in South Korea, it is a symbol of their culture. Due to its appealing flavour profile, this creamy, sweetened beverage has won over both residents and tourists. 

The Korean government began producing it in 1974 to promote milk consumption. However, people's tastes did not favour flavourless milk at the time. The first company to flavour milk with bananas was Binggrae. About eight lakh banana milk bottles are sold daily in Korea due to their distinctive flavour, highly nutritious content, and clever marketing. While the drink is popular in Korea, it is also gaining traction in the USA, China, and Thailand.

History & Origin

The president of South Korea campaigned for higher milk consumption in the country after observing that German children drank a lot of milk and that the population was tall. Malnutrition was a problem in South Korea in the 1970s thus, the government pushed for increased milk consumption. However, some people had digestive problems with dairy products, while others didn't like the bland flavour of natural milk. 

Diving into the market, a popular dairy manufacturer in South Korea, Binggrae, responded by introducing banana milk in June 1974. This creative beverage addressed dietary restrictions as well as taste preferences by combining the delicious flavour of bananas with the health advantages of milk. 

Banana milk's appeal was increased because bananas were regarded as a luxury food item in Korea at the time. With its iconic wide container selling over 800,000 bottles daily in Korea, Banana Mat Uyu has become a symbol of Korean culture. Since the product's launch, around 6 billion bottles have been sold nationwide. Based on the success of banana-flavoured milk, Binggrae introduced Strawberry Flavoured Milk, Melon Flavoured Milk, and Banana Flavoured Milk Light, among other fruit-flavoured milk.

Image Credit: Flickr

Key Facts For Popularity

  1. People of all ages enjoy the soft, sweet (but not too sweet) flavour of banana milk, which usually has an 80:20 milk-to-banana ratio. People enjoy its soothing characteristics because bananas add a naturally sweet and creamy profile to the otherwise bland milk. Furthermore, bananas add to the vitamins and minerals of the milk, making it a healthier beverage.
  2. The packaging of the milk is inspired and designed from traditional Korean jars, which evoke emotion by linking to cherished memories and giving consumers a chance to go back to their carefree school days.
  3. Since Binggrae's banana milk is widely available both domestically and internationally, it has become a staple in Korea. Through its marketing campaigns and teaming up with well-known K-pop musicians and artists, the company has strengthened its public reputation.
  4. The cultural importance and widespread recognition of Korean banana milk derive from its appearances in Korean dramas, films and promotional ads. The drink's prominence as an iconic beverage has been further enhanced by photos of famous celebrities, including Jungkook, a member of the internationally popular K-pop group BTS, and IU, a well-known South Korean vocalist.
  5. For many people who grew up eating kimchi, the "chubby bottle" design—which was influenced by traditional Korean kimchi jars—is an iconic symbol. It is convenient to carry easy to hold, and consume while on the road because it comes in tiny bottles or cartons. The unique packaging design of the milk sets this product apart from other milk beverages while offering easy product identification.

Global Expansion

The first foreign market to receive banana-flavoured milk was the United States. In addition to mainland China, the product expanded its export markets to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Banana milk is highly valued in South Korea, where several cafes that specialise in this yellow beverage have opened in recent years. Other flavours like strawberry, light banana, and melon are also available.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons