How Much Caffeine Is In Chai Tea Latte?

Although caffeine can help us get through the day, too much can affect our health. In this article, we talk about how much caffeine is in chai tea latte.

How much caffeine is in chai tea latte?
Chai tea latte contains caffeine

Coffee addicts like me have to have their cup of coffee in the mornings. Otherwise, we don’t function well. But, of course, it’s the caffeine in our morning Starbucks that wakes us up. Since it stimulates the central nervous system and brain, caffeine can help you stay alert.

However, coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine. Tea and cocoa drinkers also consume caffeine, albeit in smaller volumes.

So, if you’re wondering how much caffeine is in a chai tea latte, the answer is about 50 milligrams per standard cup. Is this a lot? Read on to find out.

What Is Chai Tea Latte?

How to cold brew chai tea?
Chai tea is a traditional drink in India

In India, “chai” means “tea.” This means that when we talk about “chai tea” in the West, we’re saying “tea tea.” Although chai tea is regarded as a bit of a fancy drink in the U.S., it’s a traditional beverage in India.

This fragrant, spicy-sweet beverage is also known as masala tea. It is prepared using black tea leaves, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.

You’re bound to receive different-tasting chai tea from different coffee shops. Some like to experiment with various other spices such as nutmeg, fennel, black peppercorns, and coriander.

“Latte,” on the other hand, is the name for a hot beverage made with frothy steamed milk. Since authentic chai is almost always made with milk, it’s not so different from the chai latte we drink in the west, except that the latter receives a creamy topping of microfoam. As is the case with other hot beverages, you can sweeten your chai with honey or sugar.

How Much Caffeine Is In Chai Tea Latte?

top view of chai latte made with black tea with some spices and a separate raw black tea ingredient
Chai tea is made with black tea

Unless you’ve specifically ordered a decaffeinated beverage, your chai tea latte will contain caffeine. This is because it’s made with black tea. Black tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant typically provide about 47 milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce cup.

This means that a cup of chai tea latte made with black tea will contain approximately this amount of caffeine. Of course, if you’re making your own chai, you can always reduce the steep time, which will result in less caffeine in your cup of chai tea.

Compared with coffee, the caffeine content of tea, however, is not that high. A regular cup of coffee contains roughly 120 milligrams of caffeine. Some people like to boost the caffeine content of their cup of chai tea lattes by adding a shot of espresso or two.

This variation on the chai tea latte is called a dirty chai latte, and it contains about 135 milligrams of caffeine. If you’ve had a late night and are battling to keep your eyes open, opt for a double dirty chai, which will put a jump in your step with a whopping 198.5 milligrams.

Don’t Forget About Tannins

However, one should also consider that the caffeine in tea has a different effect on our bodies than the caffeine in coffee. This is because tea contains a substance called tannins, which slows down the body’s absorption of caffeine. Apart from the fact that tannins have a calming effect on the nerves, the slower absorption of caffeine helps one remain calm and focused without becoming hyperactive.

Because of the relaxing effect of tannins — which are also present in wine — many people find that they’re able to have a good night’s sleep, even if they enjoy a chai tea latte shortly before going to bed.

If you love chai tea, check out our vanilla chai tea guide.

FAQs about how Much Caffeine In Chai Tea Latte

Is Chai Tea Latte Healthy?

Chai tea lattes contain many substances that are good for your health. Black tea, for instance, is rich in polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds that can protect your heart, kill cancer cells, and decrease the risk of a stroke. In addition, the various spices that are added to chai tea lattes also have many health benefits. For instance, spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamon can improve cholesterol levels.

How Much Caffeine Can One Safely Consume?

According to research, you can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day without experiencing unpleasant side effects. However, if you are pregnant or have heart problems, it’s advisable not to consume a lot of caffeine.

Author

  • Niki B

    Born and bred in South Africa, Niki B now does her writing from the distant shores of South Korea. A self-proclaimed coffee addict by day, and a writer by night, she gladly shares her knowledge with fellow coffee lovers.