Easy Homemade Instant Chai Latte Tea Mix Recipe (2024)

BySheila Thigpen Updated on

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Mix up a batch of this Easy Homemade Instant Chai Latte Tea Mix and skip the coffee shop! To enjoy a steamy mug of creamy chai tea, mix the powder with hot water, then breathe in the spicy, soothing aromas of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamon with every sip!

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Fall is on its way, so it’s time to prepare for those early mornings and evenings with a nip in the air. Chilly temps are a perfect time for getting cozy and sipping on a warm mug of spiced tea, and this recipe makes it easier than ever!

Why you’ll love this 5-minute chai tea recipe!

  • No-Steep Instant Tea. In seconds, you have a steaming mug of homemade chai latte. It’s a great option on rushed days and beats a trip to the local coffee shop!
  • Save Some Cash. If a hot chai latte is a regular beverage for you, this recipe will save you tons!
  • Makes 40 Drinks. This DIY chai latte recipe makes about 40 servings, so there will be plenty of enough to share with guests or carry you through the chilliest time of the season when a cup of coffee just won’t do.
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Ingredient notes

  • Milk powder | For the creamy element of the chai tea latte, use non-fat dry milk powder.
  • Powdered creamer | Add plain, non-dairy powdered creamer and French vanilla-flavored non-dairy creamer for extra creamy notes.
  • Sugar | Add a bit of granulated sugar to sweeten the beverage.
  • Instant tea | Mix in some unsweet instant tea for the ‘tea’ component of this easy beverage recipe.
  • Spices | Bring the cozy and aromatic spices of traditional chai tea with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom.

How to make Quick and Easy Chai Tea Latte Powder Mix

Enjoy a cup of creamy and spiced Chai tea latte any time of day and anywhere with this simple mix– Just add hot water, and you have the perfect cup of tea!

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STEP 1 | Combine and store

Simply measure out and combine all of the ingredients.

STEP 2 | Combine and store

Now, take out a blender or food processor. Working in 1 to 2-cup batches at a time — blend the mixture in a food processor until it is the consistency of a fine powder.

tips

  • If desired, place all the spices — cloves, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks — in a square of cheesecloth and tie it with kitchen twine. Then, add apple slices to the cider instead.
  • For an adult version, add one-half cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to the simmering cider.
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Then store the chai mix in a tightly sealed jar. A mason jar is perfect for keeping the mixture dry between uses.

STEP 3 | Add hot water and serve!

To serve, place 2 heaping tablespoons of Chai Tea Mix into a mug. Then, add hot water and stir until the tea mixture is dissolved, making a delicious cup of instant chai tea!

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While you’re at it, check out more of my autumn-inspired recipes, like this delicious Fall Harvest Chicken Salad, decadent and easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies, and these Cinnamon Pancakes with Apple Compote!

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Frequently asked questions

What is chai latte powder?

Chai latte powder is a mix of chai spices, like cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and more, with instant tea, powdered milk or creamer, and sugar. It’s used to make a warm chai tea latte by simply adding hot water and stirring the ingredients together.

It’s easily confused with chai powder or chai spice mix, but this combination typically only includes the signature chai spices to be sprinkled on baked goods or the whipped cream or foam on top of a latte or similar beverage.

Can I make an iced chai latte with this chai latte powder mix?

Sure! First, combine the chai tea blend with minimal hot water to let the ingredients dissolve into the water. Then, pour the beverage over ice and add cold water to chill the drink– Easy!

Does chai have caffeine?

Yes– Chai tea naturally contains caffeine unless you ask for it decaffeinated. The instant tea mix in the recipe is where the caffeine comes from. If you prefer it to be decaffeinated, use decaf instant tea instead.

Do I need to refrigerate the instant chai tea latte mix?

Nope! This recipe will last for about a year when stored in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Unlike some chai tea concentrates, there’s no need to refrigerate the mix unless it’s a cup of chai latte combined with water.

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Serving suggestions for the Best Chai Latte Powder

Sip on your spicy chai latte while biting into Healthy Date Bars, my fall-favorite Apple Cinnamon Bread, addictive Cinnamon Roll Baked Doughnuts, these chewy and delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Starbucks-inspired Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes!

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Looking for more Holiday-Worthy Beverages?

There’s almost nothing better than a hot beverage during the colorful and cozy fall season. Try my classic Hot Apple Cider Recipe and rich Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha! Or, if you prefer iced drinks, no matter what the weather is, this Refreshing Blueberry Tea is definitely worth a try!

Behind the recipe: Chai Tea Lattes

“Chai” is the common word for “tea” in many parts of the world. What we’ve come to enjoy at American coffee houses originated in India as a spiced milk tea generally made up of a sweetened, rich black tea, heavy milk, and a combination of the perfect blend of warm fall-inspired spices.

Today, chai tea lattes are a popular drink choice, especially during the holiday season. You’ll find it featured at coffee and tea shops, cafes, and grocery stores throughout September through January.

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to comment below the recipe and please give it a⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️star rating!

Easy Homemade Instant Chai Latte Tea Mix Recipe (10)

Easy Homemade Instant Chai Latte Tea Mix Recipe

Author: Sheila Thigpen

It’s time to relax! Enjoy a steamy mug of Chai Tea and breathe in the spicy, soothing aromas of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom!

4.16 from 57 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Servings 40 servings

Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup non-fat dry milk powder
  • 1 cup non-dairy powdered creamer
  • 1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
  • 2 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 ½ cups unsweet instant tea
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon all spice
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir until well combined.

  • Working in batches — 1 to 2 cups at a time — blend the mixture in a food processor until it is the consistency of a fine powder.

  • Store the chai tea mix in a jar with a tight lid.

  • To serve, place 2 heaping tablespoons of the mix into a mug. Add hot milk or boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Notes

  • One of the best parts of this simple powdered mix is that it makes for a lovely holiday gift! Package it in a mason jar, add a cute tag with instructions, and that’s it!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 13mgSugar: 14g

Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Keyword chai tea, instant tea mix

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was.

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About Sheila Thigpen

Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Food Writer

Sheila Thigpen is the publisher of Life, Love, and Good Food — a Southern food blog — and the author ofEasy Chicken CookbookandThe 5-Ingredient Fresh and Easy Cookbook. After 20+ years in the publishing industry, she retired in 2018 to focus on her own creative endeavors full time. She and her husband live near the beautiful Smoky Mountains and have a precious little granddaughter who has stolen their hearts.As an influencer, Sheila has collaborated with brands like Creamette, Kroger, HERSHEY’S, Hamilton Beach, Garafalo Pasta, OXO, Smithfield, Valley Fig Growers, and more.

Easy Homemade Instant Chai Latte Tea Mix Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I make chai with water or milk? ›

Chai made with water is the traditional and original way chai was prepared in South Asia. It offers a purer and spicier taste, allowing the true essence of the spices to shine through without the influence of milk's creaminess.

What is the ratio of milk to water in a tea latte? ›

Step One: Heat

It is important to use 2 parts milk and 1 part water for the right consistency. If you're making a larger latte, simply keep these ratios consistent. I like to use soy milk for tea lattes, but feel free to use almond, rice, etc.

What's the difference between a chai latte and a spiced chai latte? ›

Authentic masala chai is often differentiated from its Western counterpart, the "chai latte." Chai lattes tend to have a sweeter, less complex flavor profile compared to traditional masala chai due to their use of sweeteners, chai syrup, or concentrates.

What kind of milk is best for chai tea? ›

"Whole milk is the best for hot chai, as it contains a lot of natural fats that create a really creamy taste," Sanyal says. While whole milk is traditional for chai, you can really use any milk you like. Switch it up with non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy, or make your chai a little lighter with skim.

What makes chai tea taste better? ›

A tip from my mom: fresh spices make the best chai. Always try and start with the purest version of each spice—like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and cardamom pods.

What is the difference between a chai latte and a tea latte? ›

In conclusion, the primary distinctions between a chai latte and a latte are the taste and flavor profiles, caffeine content, and caloric values. Chai lattes offer a warm and spicy flavor with lower caffeine, while lattes provide a coffee-forward taste with higher caffeine content.

Can you turn any tea into a latte? ›

Important: Steer clear of teas that contain hibiscus. The acidity in hibiscus makes milk curdle. We recommend going for teas that are sweet, decadent or spicy.

How much milk for 1 cup of latte? ›

Once the coffee is finished brewing, it's time to make your drink. For a traditional latte, combine 3 ounces of espresso coffee with 7 ounces of steamed milk. Stir and enjoy!

What brand of chai tea mix does Starbucks use? ›

"Tazo Chai latte is the brand served at Starbucks.

Why is Starbucks chai tea latte so good? ›

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte contains a blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other spices. The black tea provides a source of caffeine, which can boost energy levels and improve cognitive function.

What flavor should I add to my chai latte? ›

Keep it simple with just some fresh ginger or a few cracked green cardamom pods, or use both and also include cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and black peppercorns for an incredibly aromatic chai latte. Experiment with fennel seeds, coriander seeds, star anise, and nutmeg as well. I have a recipe for Chai Spice blend.

What's in a chai latte at Dunkin Donuts? ›

Treat yourself to our chai latte featuring a blend of spices including cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom, nutmeg and made with a steamed frothy milk.

What is healthier a chai latte or a latte? ›

If you want a healthier alternative to coffee, chai wins hands down. It's still comforting, tasty and hot, can be taken with or without sugar and can be made without milk or with low-fat creamer, if you're cutting down.

Is chai tea good for your stomach? ›

It May Reduce Nausea and Improve Digestion

This is about the amount of ginger you'd expect to have in one cup of chai. Chai tea also contains cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, all of which have antibacterial properties that appear to help prevent digestive issues caused by bacterial infections ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23).

Can I drink chai with water? ›

You can enjoy this type of chai tea in many ways, including iced or steamed. You can add powdered forms of chai tea to hot water or milk to match the flavor you'd like.

What is the best way to drink chai tea? ›

Ways to Enjoy Chai Tea

The blend of spices and milk creates a soothing and indulgent experience. Iced Chai Latte: For a refreshing twist, pour your brewed chai tea over ice and add a splash of cold milk. This creates a delightful iced chai latte that's perfect for warm weather.

How to properly brew chai? ›

CLASSIC BREW METHOD

Add ½ a mug of boiling WATER per person to a pot (approx. 140ml). Add 1 HEAPED tablespoon (15g) of FRESH CHAI per person to the pot. Low simmer for up to 5 MINS (warning: rapid boil kills the chai) remember to give it a bit of love with a few stirs.

Do you get chai latte with or without water? ›

I use ½ cup of boiling water and 2 chai tea bags. You can stick to one bag if you prefer, but I like the chai flavor to be nice and strong. If you prefer a super creamy latte, you can skip the water and use all steamed milk. Starbucks does use water, but some people will order chai tea lattes with "no water."

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