Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine? [Everything to Know]

Are you a chai lover and incapable of beginning your day without having a delicious cup?

Well, the struggle is real! Trust me, I know.

But have you ever wondered if your reliable morning cup of chai tea has caffeine in it?

In short, the answer is Yes. However, compared to regular coffee, they contain much less caffeine. So, no need to stress, my friend!

Besides, chai tea comes with a lot of health benefits that in return help you to stay more focused and energized for longer periods of time. 

Seems confusing? Don’t worry, the following article will clear up any remaining questions you have on the subject. 

Without further ado, let’s get started:

How Much Caffeine Is In A Serving Of Chai Tea?

When it comes to the caffeine level, there are several types of chai tea available, with varied resemblances to the traditional chai. Hence, the amount of caffeine will greatly vary depending on the kind of tea you are having.

Here is a helpful breakdown of the amount of caffeine available in a serving of chai tea:

Traditional Black Chai

The Black chai is one of the most classic and traditional ones, with caffeine levels ranging between 50 to 100 milligrams. They are an excellent choice to have in the early morning as they will awaken all your senses and give you that much-needed kick to be on top form throughout the day.

Rooibos Chai

This is a herbal tea that typically doesn’t have any caffeine. Hence, if you are looking for a type of chai tea that will help to lessen your caffeine intake either before bedtime or during pregnancy, then this red chai is the perfect one to choose.

Green Chai 

Green chai is certainly one of the healthiest drinks that even doctors suggest drinking. They are relatively lower in caffeine, ranging between 30 to 50 milligrams in a standard cup. 

Perfect for a light booster in the morning and afternoon!

Chai Latte

The amount of caffeine in a chai latte significantly varies from one person to another, as there are hundreds of different variations when making them. 

This means the caffeine level of your chai latte will totally depend on the way you are planning to make it. They are as follows:

• Steeped Chai Tea

If you are planning to make a chai latte that is super creamy, and frothy, with a bit of spice – then you have to use the traditionally steeped black tea along with some milk. In this case, your chai latte will have almost the same caffeine levels as a regular cup, with the amount of added milk being the main difference. 

• Chai Powder 

Chai lattes made using chai powder are relatively known to have about 25 to 55 milligrams of caffeine levels.

• Chai Concentrate

The chai lattes that are popularly made using chai concentrate can have anywhere between 30 to 35 milligrams of caffeine. They are basically the easiest and most convenient option!

• Chai Syrup 

Whenever the chai flavor comes exclusively from chai syrup, it is most likely to be a caffeine-free drink. 

Caffeine Levels in Chai Compared to Other Types of Tea?

Just as a group of friends may have different tastes and varying personalities, similarly, specific kinds of tea have their own caffeine level to offer.

So, if you are wondering how these caffeine levels compare to your favorite cup of chai, take a look at the helpful points listed below:

Chai vs. Oolong

First off, we have the Oolong tea.

They have about 37 to 55 milligrams of caffeine level in each of their servings. So, in comparison, oolong tea has about half the caffeine content of black chai tea at its strongest. 

Chai vs. Green 

Next up, we have the yummy green tea. This variety of tea contains 35 to 45 milligrams of caffeine in about an 8-ounce cup. 

Chai vs. White

White tea is probably the freshest and finest version of tea, where every sip offers a different level of vibrant taste and aroma. However, when compared to the chai, they certainly contain much less caffeine, with only about 15 to 30 milligrams in a cup. 

Chai vs. Herbal

Despite being known as herbal tea, in reality, this concoction is not technically tea at all. As a result, they don’t contain any naturally occurring caffeine and are generally compared to the rooibos variety (which is also mostly caffeine-free) in terms of caffeine levels.

Factors Affecting Chai Tea Caffeine Levels

Several factors can play a significant role in affecting your chai tea caffeine level. For example, the kind of tea, the brewing process, and other ingredients that are sometimes added. 

Not quite clear yet? Let’s explain in more detail:

The Kind of Tea

Usually, chai is made using black tea, green tea, and even white tea as well. Out of all these, black tea has the maximum amount of caffeine content in comparison to green tea and white tea.

Brewing Procedure

Next up, we have the brewing process. 

That is, the method you use for brewing can also greatly affect the caffeine content of your chai tea. In other words, the longer the steep times, the more powerful and caffeinated it will become.

Water Temperature

The temperature at which you are boiling your water is also quite important. In general, chai tea must be prepared with boiling water (approx. 212 degrees). In fact, the hotter the water, the more caffeinated your tea will become.

Additional Ingredients

Although the traditional recipe for the chai only needs some black tea, milk, spices, and sweeteners, you are always free to add other ingredients to lessen the caffeine level.

For instance, when adding more milk, you can use herbal tisanes, such as rooibos or honeybush, instead of black tea. This, in return, will lower the caffeine.

Health Benefits Of Chai Tea

If you think that chai tea is purely for boosting your senses or enjoying a delicious blend of spices, think again, my friend. Chai tea comes with tons of health benefits, which can come as a great surprise.

Let’s have a look at some of the remarkable health benefits that you will get to experience upon having chai tea:

Improved Cognitive Functionalities

Have the habit of drinking tea every day? Well, good news for you, as this beverage can significantly sharpen your memory and overall concentration.

Lower The Risk of Heart Disease

It may come as a big surprise to you, but black tea is pretty effective in reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels. Ultimately, lowering the potential risk of being affected by cardiovascular diseases.

Work As A Protective Sheild Against Cancer

Chai tea contains numerous antioxidants that can put up a tough fight against various kinds of cancers affecting the colon and prostate.

Good For Digestion 

Do you have a problem with your digestive system? Well, make the habit of drinking chai tea on a regular basis and keep your tummy working like a well-oiled machine. 

Reduces Inflammation

Some Chai tea spices, like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, contain anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in lessening any inflammation you may be suffering from. If you find yourself with any of the symptoms, then chai tea is here to the rescue!

How Much Chai Is Safe to Drink?

Chai tea is a very safe beverage to drink. 

However, as the famous proverb goes: “Too much of anything is bad.”

If you have the habit of drinking too much tea, then obviously, it’s not good practice and could lead to a few health problems.

As per the FDA recommendation, on average, a person is suggested to have at most 400 milligrams of caffeine consumption per day. Whenever this benchmark is crossed, it will ultimately start affecting their health.

However, certain factors specific to the person can greatly affect how much caffeine level you should consume. They are as follows:

• Metabolic rate
• Various kinds of medical conditions
• Particular medication interactions
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it is suggested that every mother (or soon-to-be one) must consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is almost half the amount of an average person. 

How To Make Chai Tea Easily At Home?

Don’t know the correct way to make chai tea at home? 

Well, have no fear. The simple tips listed below will help you create the perfect cup of chai tea. Only then will you be able to experience the wonders of this nutritious and tasty drink! 

• Gather all your ingredients, like tea leaves, milk (dairy/non-dairy), water, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cloves, etc.)
• Next up, take a saucepan and toss in a few crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, a couple of cloves, and small slices of ginger. 
• Afterward, pour in about 1-2 cups of water and simmer this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes. 
• Now, it’s time to add the black tea. Let it sit for another 2 to 3 minutes; if you want a stronger brew, you can increase the timespan accordingly. 
• Once the tea is steeped, just add in the milk of your preferred choice. From dairy milk to almond and oat – whatever you desire!
• If you want your chai tea to be sweeter, then it’s time to add sugar, honey, or any other sweetener. In case you don’t want to add any sweeteners, you can skip this option and move on to the final step.
• Grab your favorite mug and strain the chai properly, unless you want the spices popping in your mouth. 

And just like that, your fresh and delicious chai tea is all ready! 

FAQs

Final Words

Chai tea is undoubtedly one of the most flavorful and magical beverages we love to consume. From helping us to relax to increasing our overall focus and energy – it’s really one of a kind!

No wonder its popularity is growing and growing across the continents!

Now that you know the answer to “Does chai tea have caffeine?”, You’ll be primed and ready for any kind of chai tea questions thrown your way.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get brewing a cup of chai and indulge ourselves in that signature blend of spices, adding a healthy caffeine kick to the mix!