If you’ve ever wished you could bring the cozy warmth of a chai latte into your kitchen without brewing a whole pot of tea every time, then a chai latte powder is your new best friend. We love it because it’s quick and ends up making every cup taste like it was made by a barista, and the best part? Once you make your own blend, you’ll never go back to the store-bought overly sweet versions again.
What Is a Chai Latte Powder Made of?
A chai latte powder is made of ground black tea, warming spices, powdered milk, and a touch of sugar so that it mixes instantly with hot milk or water.
At its heart, it’s basically a shortcut to masala chai, traditional Indian spiced tea, but in a form that saves you time. Instead of simmering spices and tea leaves on the stove, you’ve got a ready-to-use mix that dissolves beautifully.
When we make ours, we go heavy on cinnamon and cardamom, keep ginger sharp but not overpowering, and add a pinch of nutmeg for a little sweetness. Our barista recommends grinding your spices fresh if you can, it makes the powder so much more fragrant compared to pre-ground store-bought spices.
Is Chai Latte Powder Good for You?
Yes, chai latte powder can be good for you, as most of the health benefits come from the spices.
Ginger helps with digestion, and cloves contain antibacterial properties. Moreover, black tea itself has many antioxidants, which is overall supporting health with a bit of caffeine kick. The catch? Pre-made chai powders at the grocery store contain a lot of sugar and fillers, the reason why we always recommend DIY. It gives you flavor and benefits without the sugar crash.
Our barista recommends: sweetening lightly in your powder recipe and letting each person add more sugar or honey in their cup if they like. That way, the mix works for everyone.
Does Chai Latte Powder Have Caffeine?
Yes, chai latte powder does contain caffeine as it’s made with black tea. One serving has 30–50 mg of caffeine, which is about half of what you’d get in a regular cup of coffee.
That makes it the best “afternoon pick-me-up” drink. It’s energizing but won’t keep you awake all night, and if you want to go caffeine-free, you can use rooibos tea powder instead of black tea as rooibos keeps the same warm, earthy flavor but without caffeine, making it perfect for late-night sipping.
How to Make Chai Latte Powder Mix?
Since many people ask: “how do I make my own chai latte powder at home?”, let’s break it down step by step:
- Choose your base tea by using instant black tea or you can grind strong black tea leaves into a powder
- Select your spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg are classic and you can also go for allspice or star anise for variation
- Then to add creaminess, use milk powder or dairy-free coconut milk powder which gives the latte its signature richness
- After that, sweeten slightly with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even stevia if you want it lower-calorie
- Blend together until fine and uniform. Store in an airtight jar
Our barista recommends toasting whole spices in a pan before grinding them. This simple trick intensifies the flavors and makes your chai latte powder taste like it came straight from a café.
How to Make a Chai Latte Using Powder?
To make a chai latte using powder, stir 2 tablespoons of powder into 1 cup (8 ounces) of hot milk or water with milk until fully dissolved.
Here’s the ratio we use:
- 2 tbsp chai latte powder
- 1 cup hot milk
Whisk these and make it frothy, then sip and enjoy. For an iced chai latte, mix the powder in hot water, pour it over cold milk and ice.
Our barista recommends: adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that café-style finish.
How to Store Chai Latte Powder
Store chai latte powder in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. When it is properly sealed, chai latte powder lasts 2–3 months at room temperature, and if you’ve added milk powder, you can increase freshness by keeping it in the fridge. Just make sure it is dry because moisture is the worst enemy here.
We love storing ours in a mason jar with a little scoop inside, so every time we make a latte, it feels like part of the ritual, and to keep an even fresher taste, try using a glass jar with a tight lid.
Calories in Homemade Chai Latte Powder Recipe
One serving of our homemade chai latte powder recipe (about 2 tablespoons mixed with 1 cup milk) has roughly 120–140 calories, depending on the type of milk you use.
Here’s a closer look:
- Spices + tea = ~10 calories
- Powdered milk = ~60–70 calories
- Sugar (1 tsp) = ~16 calories
- 1 cup whole milk = ~50 calories
You can compare this to other chai lattes from different cafes, which can easily hit up to 250–300+ calories. Then you will be able to say that making your own at home is not only healthier but also a tastier version.
The Final Sip
A jar of chai latte powder is like having instant comfort within reach. We love this because it balances ease with flavor, while you’re not giving up on quality for speed. Each scoop is an invitation to slow down and enjoy something warm made just the way you like it. Our barista recommends keeping a jar ready for busy mornings or even as a thoughtful gift for a fellow chai lover. Once you start making your own, you’ll never go for store-bought again. Plus, experimenting with different spice blends means no two batches are exactly the same, your chai can truly tell your story.
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