Drinking a chai tea latte from time to time is an excellent way to add some variety and “spice” to your healthy beverage consumption.
What is a Chai Tea Latte?
A chai tea latte is a beverage that is prepared by blending chai tea and its assorted spices with sweetened or condensed milk. This creates a frothy and smooth beverage that has a good amount of spice and a very pleasant earthy flavor. Similar to how a traditional latte uses coffee, a chai tea latte uses chai tea. This drink originated and was popularized in India and other Asian countries, but it has now become more popular in the United States and Europe. Some variations on this tea latte also include adding chocolate and other sweet flavors to further alter the drink. [1]
Since chai tea is made from a blend of black tea and spices, it will contain caffeine, but only between 30-40 milligrams, about 1/3 the amount you would get from a cup of coffee.
Homemade Chai Tea Latte is the perfect easy fall drink recipe. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Chai Tea Latte Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, a chai tea latte has slightly more calories than regular chai tea, due to the addition of sweetened or condensed milk. It also contains all of the active ingredients and compounds from common spices in chai tea, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, depending on your particular recipe. The tea itself contains catechins and polyphenolic compounds, and the addition of milk also boosts the overall protein and fat content of the beverage. [2]
Chai Tea Latte Benefits
Chai tea lattes can have a number of excellent effects on your health, due to its caffeine and antioxidant content, including reducing inflammation, preventing chronic disease, supporting your digestive health, preventing blood sugar fluctuation, strengthening bone mineral density and aiding in weight loss efforts. [3]
Chai Tea Latte Side Effects
Due to the presence of caffeine in this drink, it can cause elevated blood pressure and increased anxiety. In large quantities, it can also cause gastrointestinal distress, constipation, and may worsen nervous disorders. [4]
