Chai lattes are becoming increasingly popular, especially around the autumnal seasons, due to being a spicy, creamy and comforting alternative to coffee. But as delicious as they are, one may wonder: is a chai latte healthy? Keep reading as we reveal all, exploring the ingredients, health benefits, as well as how to make healthier versions at home.

• How Popular Are Chai Lattes?

• What is in a Chai Latte?

• Is a Chai Latte Healthier Than Coffee?

• Are Chai Lattes High in Sugar? 

• What are the Health Benefits of Chai Lattes 

• How to Make a Healthy Chai Latte 

• Types of Chai Latte 

How Popular Are Chai Lattes?

The popularity of chai lattes is on the rise. The global tea market is predicted to reach $266.7 billion in revenue by 2025 and there also appears to be a consumer behaviour shift towards purchasing more healthy options with a recent study finding that 50% of consumers call healthy eating a top priority. This has led to more consumers opting for tea-based drinks like chai and chai lattes. 

What is in a Chai Latte?

A traditional chai latte is a combination of brewed black tea and a mix of warming spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. The spiced team is then mixed with steamed milk, both dairy and plant-based milks work well, to create a creamy, warming drink. Depending on the blend and personal preference, sweeteners like honey or coconut nectar can be added to balance the overall flavour. 

The flavour and content of a chai latte will vary between brands and cafés, due to the blend they use, their choice of spices and the type of sweetener they add. Therefore some may be considered healthier than others. 

At Sweet Revolution, our chai latte blends don’t contain black tea, making them the perfect warming drink to enjoy before bed or for those sensitive to caffeine. 

Is a Chai Latte Healthier Than Coffee?

If you are an avid coffee drinker, you may be thinking that switching your morning or afternoon cup of coffee with a chai latte could be a healthier option. The truth is, that when comparing the health benefits of chai lattes and coffee, it all comes down to how they are prepared and consumed. For example, coffee is often considered a go-to morning drink due to its caffeine content and antioxidant properties. However, when coffee is consumed in excess or with heavy amounts of sugar and milk, it can lose its health appeal.

On the other hand, chai lattes can provide a more balanced caffeine boost due to their black tea content (or no caffeine if they don’t contain black tea). Therefore containing less caffeine than coffee, chai lattes can be gentler on the nervous system making them a good option for those who feel jittery or anxious when consuming too much coffee. 

In addition, the spices in chai lattes can provide some great health benefits that we’ll get into a bit later, making them arguably healthier than coffee, or at least have more potential health benefits. 

Are Chai Lattes High in Sugar? 

A common concern with chai lattes is their sugar content. While the basic ingredients—black tea, spices, and milk—are generally healthy, many chai latte recipes, especially those from commercial coffee chains, are packed with sugar.

We know that excess sugar is not good for us, it can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes and increased risk of heart disease. However, when you make a chai latte at home, you have control over the amount and type of sweetener you use.

At Sweet Revolution, our chai latte blends use organic raw crystallised coconut nectar, a natural sweetener, and are free from artificial ingredients, making it easier to enjoy the drink without worrying about your sugar intake.

What are the Health Benefits of Chai Lattes 

Apart from their delicious flavour, chai lattes offer a variety of health benefits, primarily due to the spices used. 

Anti-Inflammatory 

Spices like ginger and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk or symptoms of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Boosted Immunity

Cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon have antimicrobial properties that can support the immune system, potentially helping to ward off colds and other infections.

Improved Digestion

The inclusion of ginger and black pepper aids digestion, helping to reduce bloating and stimulate digestive enzymes.

Antioxidant-Rich

Black tea and spices like cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can contribute to overall health, supporting the heart, skin, and brain.

Regulated Blood Sugar

Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. This makes chai lattes (especially when consumed without added sugar) a potentially good option for those managing blood sugar levels.

How to Make a Healthy Chai Latte 

Making your own chai latte at home is the healthiest option, as you know exactly what is going into it! Here are some ways you can still enjoy a chai latte but with a healthier twist. 

Sweeteners

Adding too much sweetener can quickly turn your chai latte into not the most healthy of options. Choose a blend without artificial sweeteners, opting for one with a touch of natural sweetener, like honey or coconut nectar. These won’t spike your blood sugars like regular sugar. 

Milks

The milk you choose to pair with your chai lattes can also impact their healthiness. You could opt for low-fat or non-dairy milk to lighten your drink whilst still enjoying a creamy texture. Options like oat, soy, almond or coconut can also each bring our unique flavours. Our Chai Latte Instant Blends all use organic coconut milk powder.

Types of Chai Latte

There are so many types of chai lattes available, from more traditional blends to those with added ingredients and unique health benefits. Here are the two blends of chai latte we offer at Sweet Revolution.

Blue Chai Latte with Spirulina 

Our take on a traditional chai tea, this blend combines the amazing spices of cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, cloves, cardamom and orange peel. We’ve also added a little Blue Spirulina for a boost of super goodness, which is known for its antioxidant qualities. 

Chai Latte with Reishi 

This chai latte combines the spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper. We’ve also added a little Reishi mushroom, an adaptogen used to enhance the immune system and aid stress relief and relaxation.

Both our chai latte blends are caffeine-free and are slightly sweetened with coconut nectar, offering a healthy and nourishing chai latte every time. 

View our full collection of wellness drinks for yourself!