Chai tea, chai latte – what’s the difference? If you’re wanting to know what’s what when it comes to chai, you’ve come to the right place, as we distinguish the differences in flavour, preparation and ingredients. 

• What is Chai Tea?

• The History of Chai 

• What is a Chai Latte?

• What’s the Difference Between Chai Tea and a Chai Latte?

• Health Benefits of Chai Tea and Chai Lattes

• Chai Tea vs Chai Latte

• Chai Latte Blends with Sweet Revolution 

What is Chai Tea?

Chai tea, traditionally known as “Masala Chai” in India, refers to a spiced tea blend. The word “chai” actually means “tea” in Hindi, so we technically shouldn’t call it chai tea, as that translates to ‘tea tea’, but simply chai (however, for the sake of understanding, we’ll be saying chai tea to refer to this specific spiced tea). The word “masala” refers to the mixture of spices used to brew this flavourful drink. 

Chai consists of brewed black tea with a combination of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, creating a comforting, spicy drink. It can be taken with a dash of milk and sweetener, just like any other black tea drink.

The History of Chai 

Chai has been a part of Indian culture for centuries and is often enjoyed without milk or sweeteners. Chai was initially used as a medicinal concoction, blending spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon for healing purposes, but later evolved into what we know as Masala Chai or Chai Tea, by adding black tea leaves during British colonial rule in the 19th century. 

Research suggests that over 66% of India’s population regularly consume chai, with the average person consuming 3 cups per day. This equates to an impressive nationwide consumption of over 1 billion cups of chai every day!

What is a Chai Latte?

The chai latte is a modern take on a chai tea, taking it to a whole new level with the addition of steamed or frothed milk, which transforms a traditional chai into a creamy, latte-style drink that could rival a regular latte. 

A chai latte is typically prepared by steeping chai tea (or using a chai blend) and mixing it with a larger portion of steamed milk. This results in a creamier, smoother drink compared to chai tea, which is often served black or with just a splash of milk. Chai lattes can also be topped with milk foam or dusted with cinnamon for added flavour.

What’s the Difference Between Chai Tea and a Chai Latte?

Here are the main differences between chai tea and a chai latte:

Preparation

How chai tea and chai lattes are prepared is one of their biggest differences. 

Chai tea is made by simmering loose-leaf black tea with a blend of spices in water. The spices are often fresh and include whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cardamom pods. Depending on preference, a little milk and sugar can also be added.

In contrast, a chai latte is prepared by brewing a concentrated chai tea or powdered blend, and then mixing it with frothed, hot milk, similar to making a coffee latte. Sweeteners can also be added to chai lattes to suit varying tastes.

Flavour 

Chai tea is often a stronger and more concentrated flavour, with the spices standing out more and overall is thought to have an earthier taste. Some may experience a more spicy kick, depending on the type and amount of spices used and is ideal for those who like strong flavours and a more traditional tea drinking experience. 

On the other hand, chai lattes are much creamier in texture and smoother in flavour, due to the higher milk content. The spices are still present but are slightly more muted. Depending on the blend or coffee shop, chai lattes do tend to have sweeteners added that can make them a more indulgent choice. The choice of milk used will also impact the flavour, especially with plant-based milks like coconut and almond, which can really alter the overall taste. 

Caffeine Content

Any caffeine in a chai tea or chai latte comes from the black tea base, a natural source of caffeine. However, the caffeine content can vary depending on the amount of tea used. 

It is thought that chai tea can have a slightly higher caffeine content, around 30-60 milligrams per cup, similar to a regular black or breakfast tea, due to it being brewed using tea bags or loose tea leaves. The longer the tea is steeped or brewed, the higher the caffeine concentration. 

Alternatively, chai lattes still contain caffeine, but slightly less if it is prepared using a powdered or concentrated blend, as the black tea becomes more diluted with the larger quality of milk added. A typical chai latte will contain 20-50 milligrams of caffeine. 

Health Benefits of Chai Tea and Chai Lattes

Both chai tea and chai lattes offer a range of health benefits due to the spices used in the chai blend. Some of the health benefits include:

Anti-inflammatory

Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom have natural anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis.

Digestive support

The ginger and black pepper found in chai can aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing bloating or indigestion.

Antioxidants

Black tea is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which help fight free radicals in the body and support heart health. The antioxidants in tea may also help improve skin and overall wellbeing.

Immune support

Chai spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon have antimicrobial properties that can help support the immune system and protect against infections.

Chai Tea vs Chai Latte

If you’re still deciphering between a chai tea or chai latte, we think it’s best to consider a chai tea as a traditional spiced tea brewed in water, offering a bold and spicy flavour. Whereas, a chai latte is a creamier spiced drink that offers a more indulgent experience. 

Whether you prefer the robust taste of chai tea or the comforting creaminess of a chai latte, both drinks bring the warmth and health benefits of chai spices to your cup.

Chai Latte Blends with Sweet Revolution

At Sweet Revolution, we’re passionate about crafting delicious and health-conscious wellness drinks. Our chai latte blends are caffeine-free, as they don’t contain black tea, making them a nourishing addition to your bedtime routine or great for those sensitive to caffeine. Made from high-quality, organic ingredients, free of artificial flavours and sweeteners, try our instant blends when you’re on the go, or our barista blends for an at-home treat.

Discover our full range of wellness drinks by clicking here.