Tea Lover Lessons

Does Chai Have Caffeine?

Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine?

Chai is a versatile treat. One sip of hot chai can completely transport you to a cozy fall afternoon, or it can be sweet and surprisingly refreshing year-round as an iced chai latte. While classic masala chai is typically made with caffeinated black tea, you can find all different types of chai blends today, from herbal chai to chai green tea and more. Learn all about the caffeine levels of different types of chai today!

Sips by is a personalized tea discovery subscription. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Members receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription service.


SHOP BEST CHAI

Discover the best chai teas as rated by Sips by's 600,000 tea-loving Members. Shop Sips by's best chai from multiple tea brands from around the world. Explore all types of chai to try, from classic loose leaf chai to caffeine-free rooibos chai and chai green tea blends. Discover your new favorite chai today!

Chai Shop

SHOP BEST CHAI

WHAT IS CHAI?

Chai is a beverage over 5,000 years old that originated in India and was crafted for Ayurvedic healing. In India, chai simply means tea, so when you say “chai tea” it translates to “tea tea” in Hindi. The word "chai" is derived from the Chinese word for tea, "cha." This is why it’s technically incorrect to order a chai tea latte, for example, because the “tea” is already understood. Since chai means all types of tea in India, it’s masala chai, meaning "spiced tea," that references the mix of black tea leaves and aromatic, warming Indian spices and herbs commonly thought of as just chai in the West.

Because the drink was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, original chai blends were purely made from a caffeine-free mixture of herbs and spices with tea leaves only added later on. Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional, holistic form of medicine that originated in India and has been used for thousands of years. It works toward the balancing of the body, mind, and spirit for well-rounded wellness using healing herbs and spices.

Try a caffeinated or caffeine-free chai collection to find your next cozy cuppa!

DOES CHAI HAVE CAFFEINE?

Chai and its caffeine content has evolved over time. While the original type of chai crafted for Ayurveda was made purely out of herbs and spices and contained zero caffeine, the default chai today is most likely made with a bold black tea and will contain caffeine.

A typical cup of chai with black tea leaves will contain around half the amount of caffeine as coffee, but still more than most other types of tea. Even green tea chai will have caffeine, though around half as much as a traditional cup.

However, while it's safe to assume your delicious cup of spicy and sweet chai will also give you a nice boost of energy, there are tons of alternative caffeine-free chai blends to explore. Common caffeine-free chai blends range from red rooibos chai to golden chai blends crafted with turmeric and saffron. These types of caffeine-free chai and other herbal chai tisanes might taste lighter than a black tea chai, but they still have the characteristic spices and may be mixed with warmed and sweetened milk. Authentic chai spices include cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, ground ginger, and black peppercorn. Star anise can also be added, as well as coriander or fennel. This Ayurvedic blend of spices contains tons of nutrients and adds to the overall health benefits of all types of chai.


BEST CAFFEINATED CHAI

Discover these classic caffeinated chai blends made with bold black teas and authentic masala spices, plus a few chai blends with a twist!


MASALA CHAI

Authentic masala chai spice mix includes cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, ground ginger, and black peppercorn. Star anise can also be added, as well as coriander or fennel. This Ayurvedic blend of spices contains tons of nutrients and adds to the overall health benefits of a cup of chai.


FLAVORED CHAI

While we love a classic cup of chai, sometimes it's fun to mix it up! Try out these unique chai blends layered with tasty flavors like chocolate and vanilla.


GREEN TEA CHAI

Green tea is associated with freshness and purity, a high antioxidant content, and other beneficial properties. Flavors can range from mellow and sweet to vegetal and grassy, with nutty, floral, buttery, roasted, fruity, herbaceous or oceanic notes that are enhanced by classic chai spices.


BEST CAFFEINE-FREE CHAI

Wish you could drink chai all day and still get a good night's sleep? Now you can with these delicious caffeine-free teas blended with the aromatic chai spices you love! Discover the best caffeine-free and herbal chai from red rooibos to turmeric blends.

HERBAL CHAI

Curl up and enjoy these comforting and innovative caffeine-free herbal chai blends all day long.


ROOIBOS CHAI

Rooibos, also known as “red bush tea,” is a caffeine-free herbal tisane made from the needle-like leaves of the South African red bush, Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos has a naturally smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet taste making for a delicately balanced chai blend.


TURMERIC CHAI

Turmeric is a healthy golden-hued spice derived from the Curcuma longa root. Turmeric contains potent antioxidants, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and is a natural antiseptic that may help fight infections.


* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

CHAI COLLECTION

Are you a chai fiend? Does the thought of a hot and spicy mug make your heart beat faster? Does cardamom flow through your veins? We're here to help spice up your life. We’ve curated a collection of our favorite chai blends with enough tea to keep you warm all winter.

Chai Collection

CHAI COLLECTION


Interested in trying these teas and others? Subscribers receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription service.

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About Sips by: We’re a female-founded and led startup that makes discovering tea fun, personalized, and affordable. The Sips by Box is the only multi-brand, personalized tea subscription box. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Based out of Austin, Texas, we are adept at savoring a hot mug even when it’s seasonally inappropriate. 

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