The “So Delicious” Drink That Replaced Coffee as My Morning Boost

Britt Franklin
Britt FranklinAssistant Shopping Editor
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to…read more
published Jan 23, 2025
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Clöud Café Collagen Infused Royal Milk Tea Instant Tea Powder in a mug.
Credit: Britt Franklin

No matter where I am, I don’t feel like my day has really started until I’ve had a glass of water followed by coffee or tea. Most days, it’s one of the many flavors of black tea that’s in my kitchen. It’s not that I always have a hard time getting up in the morning, but sometimes I just don’t have the energy to get moving. What makes it easier, however, is tricking my brain with a little treat.

As much as I love a latte, coffee is often a gamble. I’m never sure if it’s going to agree with my stomach or if I’m going to want a nap from the caffeine boost. Tea doesn’t steer me wrong, but sometimes I want to dress it up a bit more than usual. Fortunately, I’ve found a new favorite drink that tastes great, doesn’t leave me tired, and is ready in minutes: the Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea.

What Is the Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea?

The Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea is a gluten-free, black tea-based instant powder drink that can be made with water or milk, hot or iced. It’s premixed with skim milk powder, sugar, and plant-based creamer, so there’s no need to make any adjustments. Made in Korea, the milk tea comes as a box of 10 packets that you can make at home or on the go, and they can be ordered as a one-time purchase or as a subscription — the latter of which will score you a discount per unit.

When it comes to flavor, the Royal Milk Tea uses Earl Grey extract, which gives it a similar taste to a rich London Fog latte. More specifically, it tastes like Earl Grey milk tea (sans boba tapioca pearls) and is just as delightfully sweet. Other ingredients include marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and a multivitamin blend for immune support. 

Credit: Britt Franklin

Why I Love the Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea

As much as I love a good cup of coffee in the morning, I don’t always have the energy to go through the process. It’s what drew me to tea and instant lattes in the first place, and the Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea is the best of both worlds. Not to mention, it’s my favorite flavor of milk tea to buy whenever I visit one of my local boba cafes.

Although the Cloud Cafe milk tea requires hot water to initially dissolve the powder, I always make it hot with almond milk using my BaristaMaker electric milk frother. I can confirm that the milk tea is delicious when it’s iced, but having it hot with a layer of foam always sets my day on the right track. It’s creamy, sweet, and really feels like a treat any time of the day when I’m looking for a little burst of energy. I also love that I don’t experience the crash that can sometimes come after drinking coffee. 

Credit: Britt Franklin

For another coffee alternative that’s not as sweet as the Royal Milk Tea, Clöud Café offers a Matcha Latte that you can enjoy iced or hot. Like the milk tea, you can make it with water or milk. However, it preserves a hint of the bitterness that comes with using green tea leaves. Even cooler is that the Matcha Latte is made with matcha from Jeju, an island renowned for its green tea.

Whether you choose the Royal Milk Tea, Matcha Latte, or both — this pair of Clöud Café offerings has my stamp of approval. I liked them so much that I shared packets with family just to have someone to rave about them with. So, don’t just take my word for it, try them out for yourself!

Buy: Clöud Café Royal Milk Tea, $20; Clöud Café Matcha Latte, $20

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