Banana Craze! Mixue, Luckin, and Chayan All Bet on the “Old-Fashioned” Fruit

Recently, bananas have unexpectedly become the star of the beverage world. Mixue Ice City launched three banana drinks at once, Chayan’s banana beverages ranked top three in test stores, and Luckin Coffee released banana lattes and silk milk blends in collaboration with Minions. From tea to coffee, cold to hot drinks, bananas are becoming the “opening hit” of the year.

Mixue’s banana drinks feature 0 tea, 0 coffee, combined with taro balls and other toppings, appealing to all ages with rich flavor and natural banana taste. Chayan’s products use red tea or fruit tea bases with banana mousse or coconut water, creating warm, sweet, and refreshing flavors. Test data show strong sales, confirming banana’s market potential.

Bananas were once a “minor player” in bubble tea: prone to oxidation and seen as having an “old-fashioned” flavor. Today, however, bananas are highly recognizable, suitable for all ages, naturally sweet, nutritious, and highly compatible with dairy, chocolate, coffee, and tea. This makes them a strategic choice for brands.

Brands are also upgrading presentation and experience: banana mousse tops, Basque banana balls, creative hot drinks, and playful puns—all adding visual appeal for social sharing.

Challenges remain: browning, ripeness control, and strong flavors can overpower drinks. Solutions include balancing with sour, salty, or tea bases and using frozen banana purée or banana milk for consistent quality.

In short, bananas, with their high familiarity, versatile flavor, and healthy image, are experiencing a renaissance in the beverage market thanks to innovation and standardization.