Does chai have caffeine?

Chai means tea in Hindi

Chai is a Hindi word that simply means "tea." It originates from the Chinese word "chá" (茶) and was adopted into Hindi and other Indian languages. So saying chai tea essentially means you're saying tea tea. However, chai latte makes sense because you are saying tea latte.

The origins of Chai

Chai was created in ancient India over 5000 years ago as an herbal drink made from spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, traditionally without tea leaves. During the colonization of India by the British, the colonial rulers established tea plantations in India in the 19th century, and that is when black tea was introduced, and locals adopted it by adding milk, sugar, and traditional spices creating what we know today as masala chai.

Chai gained global popularity in the late 20th century, especially in Western coffee shops, where we know the drink as a chai latte today.

Now to the important question how much caffeine is in a chai latte?

It depends on what type of chai one is drinking, as there are many different variations.

Masala Chai:

• The traditional masala chai made with black tea contains 30 to 70 grams of caffeine per 8 ounce cup the exact amount varies based on the type of like to use and steeping time.

Chai Latte

• Usually made with a chai concentrate and milk or plant based cream

• Has 20-50 grams of caffeine per 8 oz cup

• Chai concentrates (like those from coffee shops) are often diluted, reducing caffeine content.

Decaf or Herbal Chai (Rooibos or Spiced Blends)

• 0–5 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup

• Some chai blends use caffeine-free alternatives like rooibos or herbs, making them a great evening option.

Comparison to other caffeinated drinks:

• Regular Coffee (8 oz) → 95–200 mg caffeine

• Black Tea (8 oz, plain) → 40–70 mg caffeine

• Green Tea (8 oz, plain) → 25–45 mg caffeine