Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine? The Truth About This Popular Spiced Drink

Let’s start with the basics: the word "chai" means tea, so "chai tea" literally means "tea tea." Masala chai comes from India and has been enjoyed for centuries.

It’s a blend of black tea with warming spices like:

• Cinnamon – adds sweet, cozy warmth

• Cardamom – gives a fresh, slightly sweet aroma

• Ginger – adds a spicy, lively taste

• Black pepper – balances sweetness with a little heat

• Star anise – brings a sweet, licorice-like flavor

These spices not only make chai tea taste special—they also give it its unique flavor and aroma, which many people find comforting and enjoyable.

Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine?

Here’s the quick answer: yes, chai tea contains caffeine. Traditional masala chai uses black tea leaves, which naturally have caffeine. But how much caffeine you get depends on the tea type, steeping time, and water temperature.

Typically, an 8-ounce cup of chai made with black tea contains about 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine. That’s less caffeine than a cup of coffee, which usually has about 95 mg, and much less than espresso shots.

If you use green tea instead of black tea, the caffeine amount will be a bit lower. And if your chai is made with rooibos or herbal teas, it usually has no caffeine at all.

Some people believe that tannins in tea may affect how caffeine is experienced, often describing it as a more gradual effect.

Many tea drinkers say this is a gentler and more gradual lift compared to the sharper effect they feel with coffee.

Caffeine Content Comparison Table

Beverage Type	Typical Serving Size	Caffeine Content (mg)	Notes
Black Tea Chai (Masala Chai)	8 oz	30 - 70	Traditional chai with black tea leaves
Green Tea Chai	8 oz	20 - 45	Slightly less caffeine than black tea
Rooibos Chai (Herbal)	8 oz	0	Naturally caffeine free
Chai Tea Concentrate	8 oz (prepared)	20 - 50	Varies by brand and concentration
Coffee	8 oz	95	Typical brewed coffee
Espresso Shot	1 oz	63	Higher caffeine concentration

Factors That Affect Caffeine in Chai Tea

Not every cup of chai tea has the same caffeine amount. The amount can vary depending on how you make it, the tea you use, and the brewing method.

Here are the main things that affect how much caffeine you’ll get:

1. Type of Tea Leaves Used

The tea base is the biggest factor in caffeine content. Traditional masala chai uses black tea leaves, which have more caffeine than other teas.

Green tea chai has less caffeine, and rooibos or herbal chai has none. So, if you want to avoid caffeine, choose a caffeine-free base.

2. Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags

Whether you use loose leaf tea or tea bags matters. Loose leaf tea usually has bigger, higher-quality leaves that release more caffeine.

Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaves that steep faster but might have less caffeine. Also, using more tea leaves will naturally increase caffeine.

3. Steeping Time and Water Temperature

How long you brew your chai and how hot the water is will affect caffeine extraction. The longer you steep, the more caffeine you get. Hotter water pulls out caffeine better than cooler water. So, if you want more caffeine, steep longer with near-boiling water. If you want less, steep for a shorter time.

4. Brew Strength and Concentration

The strength of your brew makes a difference too. A chai made with lots of loose leaf tea will have more caffeine than a lighter brew. Chai tea concentrate, which is used in chai tea lattes, can have different caffeine levels depending on how strong it is.

Store-bought concentrates and powders might have less caffeine than fresh loose leaf chai, so always check the label.

5. Additions Like Milk and Sugar

Adding warm milk doesn’t reduce caffeine, but some people say it makes the drink feel smoother. The fats and proteins in milk can make the drink feel smoother, which some people simply describe as a different drinking experience. Sweeteners like honey or sugar don’t change caffeine but can affect how the drink impacts your energy and mood.

Knowing these factors means you can adjust your chai tea just the way you like it—whether you want a bold, strong cup or a lighter, relaxing one.

Caffeine in Chai Tea vs Coffee

Wondering how chai tea compares to coffee? A regular cup of coffee usually has about 95 mg of caffeine, and espresso shots have even more. A typical cup of chai tea offers about 30–70 mg, depending on how you brew it.

If you want less caffeine but still a gently stimulating drink, chai tea is a great choice. Many people describe its caffeine as more gradual compared to coffee while offering the rich, creamy texture of a chai latte, making it a comforting and flavorful option.

FAQs

Can I make caffeine-free chai?

Yes! Use rooibos tea or herbal tea bases instead of black tea to enjoy caffeine-free chai tea.

Does adding milk reduce caffeine?

Milk doesn’t change the amount of caffeine but may affect how the drink feels to you.

Can chai be enjoyed at night?

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, choose caffeine-free chai tea. Otherwise, moderate drinking tea at night is usually fine.

Conclusion

So, does chai tea have caffeine? Yes—most traditional versions made with black tea do. But with much less caffeine than regular coffee, chai offers a gentler, more gradual effect for many people along with fantastic flavors and plenty of ways to enjoy it.

Whether you brew it from loose leaf tea, tea bags, or enjoy a chai latte from your local barista, chai is a versatile drink for anyone—from those preferring a milder option to those avoiding too much caffeine.

Whether you’re savoring a warm, spicy cup at home or grabbing a latte on the go, chai is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition, a flavor journey, and a delicious way to enjoy tea every day.

Ready to explore the rich world of chai tea? Visit our online tea store to discover a wide selection of premium chai blends, from traditional masala chai to caffeine-free herbal options, perfect for every taste and occasion.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences with caffeine and tea may vary.