What Is Taro Root Ice Cream? Taste, Benefits & How to Make It in the UK

By - Editor February 4, 2026 Comments (0) 7 Mins Read

Taro root ice cream is quickly becoming a beloved treat in the UK’s dessert scene. Made from taro, a root vegetable celebrated for its creamy texture and subtle, nutty flavour, this unique ice cream offers a delightful alternative to the usual chocolate and strawberry options. Its natural purple hue and mild sweetness have captured the attention of dessert enthusiasts across the country. As more people discover taro through bubble tea shops, Asian supermarkets, and food videos online, this once-obscure flavour is finding a growing fan base. In this article, we’ll explore what taro root ice cream is, how it tastes, its health benefits, how to make it at home, and why it’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

What Exactly Is Taro Root Ice Cream?

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Taro ice cream is made using the taro root, also known by its botanical name Colocasia esculenta. Popular across Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa, taro is often found in both savoury and sweet dishes. In the UK, its journey began through bubble tea cafés offering taro milk tea. That soft lavender colour and mellow taste soon made its way to ice cream menus—especially in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

What’s in It?

Taro ice cream combines mashed or powdered taro with other base ingredients to create its signature texture and flavour. Most recipes include:

Cooked taro or taro powder
Dairy or plant-based milk (e.g., coconut or oat milk)
Sugar or a natural sweetener
Optional flavour extracts like vanilla or coconut
Cream or condensed milk for richness

Everything is blended together, chilled, and either churned in an ice cream maker or stirred manually during freezing.

What Does Taro Ice Cream Taste Like?

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Taro ice cream has a smooth, subtle flavour, often described as a mix of sweet potato and light vanilla. It’s not too sugary, which makes it perfect for people who enjoy lighter desserts. Texture-wise, it’s silky and thick. The colour varies from soft lavender to greyish purple, depending on whether natural taro or coloured powder is used.

Here’s a concise overview of taro ice cream’s highlights:

Flavor & Texture:
A gentle blend of sweet potato and vanilla notes, with a silky-smooth yet slightly dense mouthfeel.
Color:
Ranges from soft lavender (fresh taro) to muted purple-grey (powdered taro), hinting at its natural or processed base.
Origins:
Rooted in Southeast Asian and Pacific Island cuisines (like Hawaii, Taiwan, the Philippines), where taro is used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Basic Process:
Steam and purée taro, combine with a creamy base (dairy or coconut milk) and sugar, then churn and freeze for that signature scoopable texture.

Why Is It Trending in the UK?

Here’s why taro ice cream is stealing the show:

A Taste Adventure
UK dessert lovers are eager to try something new. Taro’s gentle sweetness feels exotic but still comforting—perfect for both curious teens and classic sweet-tooths.
Picture-Perfect Appeal
That soft lavender hue practically begs to be snapped. From TikTok reels to Instagram feeds, taro scoops make every dessert post pop.
Dairy-Free Delight
Whether it’s made with creamy coconut or smooth oat milk, vegan versions of taro ice cream are winning over anyone looking for a plant-based treat—no compromise on flavor.

Is Taro Going Mainstream in the UK?

While taro isn’t yet a staple in every UK supermarket, it’s getting easier to find. Asian grocery chains like Wing Yip and Hoo Hing stock fresh taro, frozen cubes, or powder. You’ll also see it popping up in fusion cafés and dessert menus across the country.

How to Make Taro Root Ice Cream at Home

Want to try making it yourself? Here’s a simple guide.

Ingredients:

200g cooked taro (or 100g taro powder)
300ml milk or plant-based alternative
100ml double cream (optional)
75g sugar or 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

Boil the taro until soft, then mash or blend it.
Mix in the milk, sugar, cream, and vanilla.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for an hour.
Freeze in a container, stirring every 30 minutes for smooth texture—or use an ice cream maker for best results.

Vegan Version:

Use coconut or oat milk instead of dairy.
Replace sugar with agave or date syrup.
Add a pinch of salt to balance flavours.

Equipment Needed:

Blender or food processor
Mixing bowl
Freezer-safe container
Ice cream maker (optional)

Is It Healthy?

Taro itself is a nutritious root vegetable. It provides:

Fibre – aids digestion
Potassium – supports heart and muscle health
Vitamin B6 & Manganese – helps energy metabolism
Antioxidants – protect against cell damage

Taro also has a moderate glycaemic index, so it raises blood sugar more slowly than other sweet foods. However, remember that ice cream is still a dessert, so:

Use less sugar
Choose unsweetened plant milks
Skip heavy cream if watching fat intake

Taro vs. Ube: Not the Same Thing

Though they look similar, taro and ube are different:

Taro: Greyish or pale purple; mild, earthy flavour; common in Southeast Asian cooking.

Ube (Purple Yam): Bright purple; sweeter and floral; popular in Filipino desserts like ube halaya.

Where Can You Buy Taro Ice Cream in the UK?

You can find taro ice cream at:

Bubble tea cafés in cities like London, Leeds, or Cardiff
Asian supermarkets such as Wing Yip or Hoo Hing
Online retailers like Amazon UK, Starry Mart, or Loon Fung
Or simply make it at home using powder or frozen taro

Tip: Look in areas with large Asian communities for better availability and freshness.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s a rough price guide for 2025 in the UK:

Fresh taro: £3–£5 per kg
Taro powder: £5–£9 per 250g
Ready-made ice cream: £4–£7 per scoop or tub in cafés or online

Homemade versions are cheaper in the long run, especially if you enjoy making desserts regularly.

Taro Ice Cream Around the World

Taro is beloved across cultures:

Japan: Added to parfaits and mochi ice cream

Philippines: Featured in halo-halo, a famous shaved ice dessert

Thailand: Served with coconut milk and sticky rice

USA: Found in fusion cafés with toppings like boba, sprinkles, or cookies

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Make your taro ice cream more fun with these add-ons:

Toppings:

Tapioca pearls
Toasted coconut flakes
Red bean paste
Crushed biscuits or cereal

Pair it with:

Green tea or jasmine tea
Fresh fruits like mango or banana
Wafers or sponge cake

What UK Foodies Are Saying

Here’s what some UK dessert fans say online:

“Creamy, mellow, and a total surprise for a root veg.”

“Love the texture—way better than expected.”

“The colour looks dreamy, and the taste is smooth and different.”

Most people describe it as comforting, light, and refreshingly different.

Final Thoughts

Taro root ice cream is becoming popular in the UK because it’s tasty, unique, and fits many diets. It has a soft, nutty flavour and a light purple colour that makes it different from regular ice creams. Many people, including those in cities like London, Bristol, and Leeds, are enjoying it for its smooth texture and mild sweetness. It’s also a good option for people who want something vegetarian or dairy-free. Whether you make it at home or try it in a café, taro ice cream is a fun way to enjoy something new while still being simple and comforting.

FAQs

Q1: What does taro root ice cream taste like?
A: It has a creamy, earthy flavour with a hint of vanilla or sweet potato.

Q2: Is taro the same as ube?
A: No, taro is milder and lighter in colour. Ube is a sweeter, bright purple yam.

Q3: Can I make taro ice cream without a machine?
A: Yes. Just freeze and stir the mixture every 30 minutes until solid.

Q4: Where can I buy taro in the UK?
A: Asian supermarkets (like Wing Yip), Amazon UK, or other ethnic food retailers.

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