Do you often find yourself thinking about your next caffeine fix? A lot of us rely on coffee or energy drinks to get our daily dose – which can be unhealthy. But if you’re looking for an alternative that still packs a punch, why not try a chai tea latte? Chai has been around for centuries and its complex flavors make it the perfect drink for those wanting something new while still getting as much caffeine as your regular cup of joe. So does a chai tea latte have caffeine? Read on to find out.
What Is A Chai Tea Latte?

A chai tea latte is a popular variant of the traditional Indian drink called chai. It typically consists of black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. This mixture is then steeped together to create a flavorful base for the latte. The word “chai” actually means tea in many languages, so when we say “chai tea latte”, we are technically saying “tea tea latte”. This highlights the global popularity of this drink and its long-standing history.
The Difference Between A Chai Tea Latte And A Chai Tea
Chai tea traditionally contains caffeine, as it is brewed from a mix of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Chai lattes, on the other hand, typically also contain caffeine when made with black tea as the base. However, some cafes may offer a decaffeinated version for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Additionally, chai lattes can also be made with alternative bases such as rooibos or herbal teas which do not contain caffeine.
Does A Chai Tea Latte Have Caffeine?
“Does a chai tea latte have caffeine?” Chai tea lattes do contain caffeine. The caffeine content may vary depending on the ratio of brewed tea to milk, but generally, chai tea lattes are slightly lower in caffeine compared to traditionally prepared chai tea. This is because the milk in a chai tea latte dilutes the strength of the brewed tea. However, the caffeine content in a chai tea latte can still give you that much-needed energy boost without the jitters or crash that may come with coffee.
Where Does The Caffeine In The Tea Latte Come From?
Yes, masala chai (chai latte) contains black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and inhibits adenosine, a brain chemical that induces drowsiness. The caffeine in a chai tea latte helps keep you alert and focused, making it the perfect alternative to coffee for those busy mornings or midday slumps. Plus, the blend of spices in chai also provides additional health benefits such as improved digestion and boosted immunity.
How Much Caffeine Is In Chai Tea Latte?

A chai tea latte typically contains about 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. Comparatively, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has around 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. However, dirty chai lattes, which incorporate a shot of espresso, may have at least 135 milligrams of caffeine per serving. So while a chai tea latte does have caffeine, it may not offer the same level of energy boost as a cup of coffee.
What Are The Ingredients In A Chai Tea Latte?
The ingredients in a chai tea latte can vary depending on the specific recipe, but generally it will include black tea, milk (dairy or non-dairy), and a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Some recipes may also include sweeteners like honey or sugar for added flavor. Additionally, some cafes may also offer unique twists on the traditional chai tea latte, such as adding a shot of espresso or using alternative milk options like almond or oat milk. Regardless of the ingredients, chai tea lattes are known for their creamy, spicy, and comforting flavor profile.
How To Make Chai Tea Latte?
To make a chai tea latte at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 black tea bags or loose leaf black tea
- ¾ cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- â…› teaspoon of ground cloves
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea into the pan and let it steep for about 5 minutes.
- While the tea is steeping, add milk, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a separate saucepan.
- Heat the milk mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Once the tea is done steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaf tea.
- Pour the brewed tea into a mug and top it off with the hot milk mixture.
- Add sweetener of your choice if desired.
- Stir well and enjoy your homemade chai tea latte.
How To Reduce Caffeine In Tea Latte Bottles?
If you’re concerned about the caffeine content in store-bought or pre-made chai tea latte bottles, there are a few ways to reduce it:
- Opt for decaffeinated versions: Some brands offer decaffeinated versions of their bottled chai tea lattes. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavors of chai without the caffeine.
- Choose alternative bases: Look for chai tea lattes made with herbal or rooibos tea instead of black tea. These alternatives do not contain caffeine, making them a great option for those sensitive to caffeine.
- Dilute with milk or water: If you already have a bottle of chai tea latte but want to reduce the caffeine content, try diluting it with water or milk. This will help decrease the concentration of caffeine in each serving.
- Make your own: As mentioned earlier, making your own chai tea latte at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the caffeine content to your liking. You can choose decaffeinated tea or use alternative milk options to reduce the caffeine in your homemade chai tea latte.
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Tips For Making The Perfect Chai Tea Latte At Home
- Experiment with different spice blends to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Use a milk frother for an extra creamy and frothy latte.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for an added kick.
- Adjust the sweetness and amount of milk based on personal preference.
- Don’t overheat the milk as it can lead to a curdled texture.
- Consider using loose leaf tea instead of tea bags for a more authentic flavor.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or ground spices for an aesthetically pleasing latte.
FAQ: Chai Tea Latte
Are chai tea latte high in caffeine?
Yes, chai tea lattes do contain caffeine. However, compared to coffee, an 8-ounce cup of chai latte typically has around 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, whereas an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 100 to 200 milligrams.
Does chai tea latte make you awake?
A chai tea latte does contain caffeine. Black teas, including chai tea, provide a moderate amount of caffeine to give you a pick-me-up without the unwanted side effects of excessive caffeine consumption.
Is chai tea latte healthier than coffee?
Chai tea lattes generally contain caffeine, which can vary depending on the type of tea used and the method of preparation. It’s worth noting that while chai tea latte is typically lower in caffeine compared to coffee, it still contains a moderate amount that may affect individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Nia Grace is the owner and head chef of The Underground, a new quick-service restaurant in Memphis. After surveying the area’s dining landscape and speaking with local residents, she determined that there was a lack of restaurants offering international cuisine. Drawing on her own multicultural background (her parents are from Guyana and Jamaica), Nia has created a menu that features dishes from all over the world. Her goal is to provide Memphians with a variety of flavorful options that reflect the city’s diverse population.