Milk tea, also known as bubble tea in many markets, has become a global favorite due to its rich flavor variety and customizable options. While it may appear simple, commercial milk tea production involves several controlled steps to ensure consistency, safety, and taste quality.
- Tea Extraction
The process begins with selecting high-quality tea leaves such as black tea, green tea, or oolong tea. The tea is brewed under controlled conditions using hot water, typically between 80–100°C, depending on the tea type.
After brewing, the tea is filtered to remove solids and obtain a clean tea base. This tea extract forms the foundation of the final product.
- Syrup and Flavor Preparation
Sugar syrup is prepared separately by dissolving sugar in hot water. Additional flavorings such as fruit extracts, milk flavor, or natural essences may also be added depending on product formulation.
This step allows manufacturers to create different milk tea styles, such as classic milk tea, fruit milk tea, or flavored variations.
- Mixing and Blending
The tea base is then mixed with syrup, milk or non-dairy creamer, and other ingredients in a blending tank. Stainless steel tanks equipped with agitators ensure uniform mixing and consistent taste.
Temperature control is important to maintain flavor stability and prevent separation.
- Filtration and Homogenization (Optional)
For premium products, the mixture may pass through fine filtration or homogenization to improve texture and mouthfeel, ensuring a smooth and stable beverage.
- Pasteurization
To ensure safety and extend shelf life, the milk tea is pasteurized using HTST technology:
72∘C∼85∘C for 15∼30 seconds
This step eliminates harmful microorganisms while preserving flavor.
- Cooling and Filling
After pasteurization, the product is rapidly cooled and transferred to aseptic filling machines. It is then packaged into bottles or cans under hygienic conditions.
結論
Milk tea production combines tea extraction, blending, and thermal processing to create a stable and flavorful beverage. With precise control of ingredients and processing conditions, manufacturers can deliver consistent quality and a wide variety of milk tea products to meet global consumer demand.
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