Are you curious about does Chai Tea have caffeine? If so, you’re not alone. Many of our customers have asked us this question and it’s a really important one to address. The answer isn’t as straightforward as some might think due to many factors that determine the final result. In this blog post we will be exploring chai tea; what it is, its ingredients, how it’s made and most importantly- does chai tea contain caffeine or not? Read on to find out more.
What Is Chai Tea?
Chai tea is a type of tea that originated in India and has been consumed for centuries. It’s made with a combination of black tea, milk, spices, and sweeteners. Chai tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and it has gained popularity all around the world due to its unique flavor profile.
History Of Chai Tea
Chai tea has a rich history that traces back over 5,000 years to the Assam region of India. According to legends, an Indian king blended a variety of warm spices to create a medicinal beverage.
How Much Caffeine Is In Tea?
Before we dive into whether or not chai tea has caffeine, it’s important to understand how much caffeine is typically found in tea. Black tea, which is the base for most chai teas, naturally contains caffeine. On average, a cup of black tea can contain anywhere from 11mg per 100 grams of caffeine depending on the brewing method and type of tea leaves used.

A Breakdown Of Caffeine In Chai Tea & Lattes?
A breakdown of the caffeine content in chai tea and lattes is as follows: a typical 8-ounce cup of chai latte contains approximately 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has around 100 to 200 milligrams. Dirty chai lattes, which include a shot of espresso, can contain at least 135 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
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Caffeine In Chai Tea Vs Coffee
Chai tea powder contains approximately 25 to 55mg of caffeine per cup, whereas a concentrated chai tea is more likely to have around 30 to 35mg. In contrast, an average cup of coffee typically contains about 120mg of caffeine. If you’re looking to perk up, sticking to coffee beans would be the preferred choice.

The Caffeine Content Of Other Chai Varieties
Drinks | fl oz | Calories | Caffeine (mg) | mg/floz |
Chai tea | 8 | 0 | 50 | 6.2 |
Oregon chai tea | 6 | 130 | 45 | 7.5 |
Tazo chai | 8 | 0 | 47 | 59 |
Pacific chai | 6 | 90 | 29 | 4.8 |
Big train spiced chai | 8 | 210 | 65 | 8.1 |
Benefits Of Chai Tea
- Antioxidant-rich: Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants, which reduce free radicals, promote cellular health, and help prevent degenerative diseases and certain forms of cancer.
- Heart health booster: Ingredients in chai tea, such as black tea and cinnamon, have been shown to support heart health by preventing plaque buildup in arteries and reducing harmful cholesterol.
- Digestion aid: Chai tea improves digestion and soothes stomach troubles. Black tea and ginger have positive effects on digestion, preventing gastrointestinal issues.
- Energy and alertness enhancer: Chai tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which increases energy and focus without jitters. The combination of caffeine and l-theanine in black tea promotes alertness.
- Skin-nourishing: Chai tea is rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which rejuvenate and protect the skin. Additionally, staying hydrated with tea helps maintain healthy and nourished skin.
- Inflammation reduction: Chai contains ingredients like black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help soothe muscle soreness, chronic pain, and alleviate inflammation-related diseases like arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
- Oral health improvement: Unlike other sugary caffeinated beverages, tea, especially black tea, has been found to be beneficial for oral health. Compounds in black tea help combat harmful oral bacteria, preventing plaque buildup. Additionally, ginger and cardamom possess antimicrobial properties that can eliminate oral pathogens and promote overall dental health.
- Cold prevention: Chai tea may help ease symptoms of the common cold and potentially ward off colds altogether. It contains catechins with antiviral properties found in black tea, as well as antimicrobial properties in ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. These components can help combat various illnesses and protect against infections.
- Headache relief: Black tea, due to its moderate caffeine content, is known for soothing minor headaches. The caffeine in black tea can constrict blood vessels responsible for headaches, thereby reducing pain and relieving associated symptoms.
- Cognitive function enhancement: Drinking chai tea can potentially improve cognitive function and enhance focus. Preliminary studies suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in chai tea may contribute to cognitive enhancement by reducing cognitive impairment. Moreover, ginger has demonstrated the ability to improve cognitive function as well. A cup of ginger tea can help increase concentration, focus, and energy.
- Sore throat relief: Chai tea can provide soothing relief for a sore throat. The ingredients in chai tea, such as black tea, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.
- Immune system support: Chai tea can also offer a boost to the immune system. Ginger boasts potent antibacterial properties, which can help defend against harmful pathogens and promote overall well-being. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger contribute to maintaining a robust immune system. Furthermore, black teas like chai tea contain catechins, which can reduce the risk of viral infections.
- Nausea relief: A comforting cup of chai tea can effectively calm nausea and ease an upset stomach. Ginger, known to alleviate nausea and morning sickness related to pregnancy, can help provide relief from queasiness or nausea symptoms.
- Muscle pain reduction: If you are experiencing muscle soreness, enjoying a flavorful cup of chai tea may provide relief. Ginger has been proven to alleviate pain and soothe sore muscles. A recent study found that consuming ginger can effectively treat exercise-induced muscle pain and soreness. Additionally, ginger has also shown potential in treating pain associated with chronic injuries or illnesses.

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FAQ: Chai Tea
Is chai tea more caffeine than coffee?
Chai tea contains less caffeine compared to coffee. A typical cup of black chai tea has around 60 milligrams of caffeine, while eight ounces of coffee has 120 milligrams. Additionally, tea provides a more sustained energy boost compared to coffee, which has a quicker onset but fluctuates more rapidly.
Will chai tea keep me awake?
Chai tea generally does contain caffeine, although the levels are typically not high enough to disturb sleep unless you are highly sensitive to caffeine. Additionally, chai tea also contains tannin, which helps reduce the rate at which caffeine is absorbed into the body.
Is chai tea caffeine free?
Chai tea, like all black teas, contains caffeine. While specific caffeine levels may vary between blends, it is generally considered to have roughly half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Therefore, chai tea is not caffeine-free.
Which chai tea has no caffeine?
Organic Herbal Chai is crafted with Rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free tea sourced from South Africa. For those seeking a delightful cup of chai tea without caffeine, Rooibos is the perfect choice. With its vibrant red color and pleasantly sweet flavor, it stands apart from most other teas.
Is chai tea better for you than coffee?
Chai tea is considered a healthier alternative to coffee due to its lower caffeine content. A typical cup of chai contains approximately 20-50mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee can have as much as 180-200mg of caffeine. While caffeine can have some benefits in moderation, excessive consumption may negatively impact your health.

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A grande chai tea latte has about 95 milligrams of caffeine because it is a type of spiced black tea. We use a concentrate that we water down and then add steamed milk to. In comparison, a grande latte has about 150 milligrams so one shot of espresso has about 75 milligrams.
Chai is a type of black tea, so it does have caffiene in it, but not as much as say, a cup of coffee.
I don’t know about specifically Starbucks’s chai, but I do know that chai itself has theine, wich is very similar to caffeine (I work at a local coffee house). So even if it doesn’t have caffeine on it, it is still a stimulant.
Wow. A good answer. Thank you.
Is that really so?
Thank you for letting me know this information.