A good chai latte feels like a warm hug in a cup, and we’ve brewed enough of them behind the counter to know people always ask the same thing: “How does chai latte caffeine content compare to other coffees”? Is it healthier than coffee? And can I make it at home?” So we put everything we know into one big, friendly guide. Just think of this as our team chatting with you while we swirl milk on the bar.
If you’re thinking that on the caffeine scale, where a chai latte sits, then the short answer is: it’s lower than coffee. A usual chai latte is made with black tea that has 40–55 mg of caffeine, based on how strong the tea is.
Here’s a fast sense of how it compares:
- Usual drip coffee has 90–120 mg
- An espresso shot has 63 mg
- Matcha latte has 60–80 mg
- Chai latte has 40–55 mg
Just know a chai latte gives gentle energy instead of a “my hands are shaking” type of jolt.
Does Chai Latte Have Caffeine?
Yes, as it is made from black tea: chai that is made of black tea contains caffeine naturally. But the caffeine that is released in tea is different; it’s slower yet smoother, just because of L-theanine, a lot of people say chai is calmer than coffee.
When we make chai at our café, the time it takes to steep makes a whole lot of difference. A little steep will give you a mellow cup, while a longer steep gives out a stronger tea flavor with a bit more caffeine.
Is Chai Latte Healthier than Coffee?
If healthier stands for being easier on the stomach, then yes, as a lot of people say that chai latte is a lot easier than coffee.
But the honest answer from us as coffee folks is this:
- Coffee has more caffeine
- Chai has more spices (which many people enjoy for digestion or comfort)
- Both can be healthy; it just depends on what you add to them
We personally love chai latte in the afternoon when coffee feels too strong.
Chai Latte Caffeine Vs Coffee
A chai latte naturally has a lot less caffeine than a normal coffee; normally around half. If coffee is supposed to hit you a little too hard yet too fast in the morning, then take chai as a gentle nudge instead of a push. A chai has 40–55 mg of caffeine, and coffee ranges from 90–120 mg.
One of our baristas puts it perfectly:
“Coffee knocks. Chai just slips in and says hello.”
Chai Latte Caffeine vs Matcha
Matcha usually has a bit more caffeine than a chai latte, as a Matcha latte has 60–80 mg, while a Chai latte has 40–55 mg.
Matcha gives a grassy, bright energy. Chai gives warm, cozy energy. We swap between them depending on the season.
Chai Latte Caffeine vs Latte
A regular latte depends on espresso, so it easily wins in caffeine. A standard latte one shot has 63 mg, a Chai latte has 40–55 mg.
Flavor-wise, they’re both super different, as chai contains a range of spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s like a comfort drink. Latte tastes like… well, coffee.
| Drink | Caffeine per 12–16 oz |
| Chai Latte | 40–55 mg |
| Coffee | 90–120 mg |
| Matcha Latte | 60–80 mg |
| 1 shot espresso Latte | 63 mg |
How to Make Chai Latte At Home
The easiest answer: brew strong chai + add warm milk + sweeten to taste
Here’s how we make it at the café when we want something simple:
Homemade Chai Latte (Our Method)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tea bag or 1 tbsp chai leaf
- 1 cup milk
- 1–2 tsp sugar or honey
- Pinch of cinnamon; optional
Recipe:
- Start by bringing the water to a light boil and then brew the chai for 4–5 minutes
- Then warm the milk and whisk it or shake it for froth
- Mix with milk, strain the tea, sweeten gently
- Sip while it’s warm, chai cools quickly
Our barista recommends adding a bit of vanilla only if you want the “coffee shop” flavor.
Can We Make Chai Latte Caffeine-Free?
Yes, make a chai latte with decaf black tea. A lot of spice mixes taste just like normal chai as the flavor comes from the spices, not the tea. We’ve served caffeine-free chai for years to customers who want evening comfort.
Chai Latte Calories
A homemade chai latte’s calories are based on the milk and sweetener used, so below is a table for common options:
| Milk type | Calories | Calories (1 tsp sweetener) |
| Whole milk | 150 | ~170 |
| Oat milk barista | 120–140 | ~140–160 |
| Almond milk unsweetened | 30–40 | ~50–60 |
If you go for a concentrate or a lot of syrup (like many café chains do), the calorie count can jump quickly. Our homemade version keeps things low if you choose lighter milk with a normal sweetener.
Chai Latte Caffeine Starbucks vs Homemade
Starbucks chai latte is stronger because they prefer a concentrate, instead of loose tea. A 16-oz Starbucks chai latte has 95 mg caffeine; double a homemade version. Our homemade chai latte usually lands around 40–55 mg because it’s brewed like traditional tea, not extracted.
We prefer homemade because you control the sweetness and the spice strength.
How to Make Chai Latte Powder
If you want that scooping and stirring feel, you get to make your chai powder at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp instant black tea powder
- 2 tbsp powdered milk
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- Half tsp ginger powder
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- Pinch of cloves
Recipe:
- Mix everything in a bowl
- Then store in an airtight jar
- Use 1–2 teaspoons per cup of hot milk or water
Tastes surprisingly close to store-bought mixes.
FAQs
Is Chai Latte Good for Sleep?
Yes, if it’s without any caffeine. Normal chai has tea, which can keep sensitive sleepers awake.
Is Chai Tea Safe for Pregnancy?
A lot of people can tolerate and drink it in moderation; we still say to check with a doctor because caffeine limits vary.
Is it OK to drink a chai latte every day?
Yes, if you keep sugar low and vary your milk. Daily chai with sweetener but less of both works great for many.
Will a chai latte keep me awake?
A little, but not like coffee. It gives a soft lift, not a jolt.
Is chai latte OK for weight loss?
It can be, just watch the sweetener and milk choice.
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