Easy Caffeine Free Chai Latte Mix

This Caffeine-free Chai Latte is a warm and cozy drink you can enjoy any time of day since it’s made without the caffeine buzz. All you need is a few common spices for the chai tea mix, plus your favorite milk of choice, and you can have this comforting drink in your mug (and in your belly) in no time.

You’ll love how easy this drink is to make, plus how frugal it is as well. No need to buy fancy chai tea bags; just grab some spices from your spice cabinet and let the warming comfort begin.

This mix is super easy to make and use. Store the chai tea mix in a jar and break it out whenever you want the delicious taste of chai. It’s caffeine-free, so you can have it any time of day: morning or night.

Or both, if you’re like me.

What do Chai, Chai Tea, Chai Latte and Masala Chai Mean?

“Chai” means “tea” in Hindi. So technically saying “chai tea” means “tea tea”, which is kind of silly. 

Chai is really tea with milk, while masala chai is tea with milk, sweetener, and spices.

So, how is this a Caffeine-free Chai Latte if there’s no tea in it? Good question.

Though it’s not completely logical, chai latte’s core is really the spices and not the tea. The tea adds depth to the chai and also the kick of caffeine.  So technically you could make this drink with decaf tea, but this version just focuses on the spice portion and not the tea. 

The difference between chai latte and masala chai is that masala chai is made with milk, while chai latte is a westernized version of masala chai with a lot of focus on the creaminess. 

Chai Latte Without Black Tea

Yes, you can make chai latte without black tea. Though traditional chai lattes use black tea, other options are to use green tea or rooibos, a decaffeinated tea, or no tea at all, like this version does. 

Feel free to make this chai latte with no tea or with any of the above tea options and see which one you like best!

Ingredients

• cardamom
• allspice
• nutmeg
• cloves
• cinnamon
• vanilla beans or vanilla powder
• coconut milk or dairy-free milk of choice. I recommend full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and a rich drink.

Directions

Simply grind the vanilla beans, if using, and combine the spices.

Add warm water to the spice blend and then add warmed coconut milk, or whatever milk you’re using, along with sweetener, if desired. Stir or blend, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• If you’d like to add tea, cut the hot water and dairy-free milk in half and use a little over half a cup of tea in its place and add sweetener to taste.
• Add all ingredients to a blender or use an immersion blender to make a frothy latte.
• Toast the spices for more intense flavor.
• Only make one batch at a time so the spices are fresher and more flavorful.
• If using tea, opt for loose leaf, if possible, as it typically has better flavor.

How to Make an Iced Chai Latte

To make a decaf iced chai latte, simply follow the directions and then let the drink cool either at room temperature or place in the fridge, or add ice for faster cooling. 

Important: Though it’s tempting, don’t skip heating the milk. It’s important for infusing the spices into the milk.

To save time, make a double batch or more and keep it in your fridge for up to 4 days. Pour over ice to serve.

Variations

Here are some great ways to change up your chai latte to something special.

• Tea Options: Try rooibos, hibiscus, green, or white tea instead of water or black tea.
• Dirty Chai: Add a shot of espresso for an intense caffeine kick.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix in pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice for fall.
• Vanilla/Caramel/Almond/Hazelnut: Add flavored syrups or extracts for sweetness.
• Chocolate: Add cocoa, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
• Mocha: Add cocoa powder and coffee or coffee extract.
• Spiced Up: Increase ginger, or add black pepper, cayenne, or star anise, or any combination for more heat and depth.
• Floral/Fruity: Infuse with lavender or hibiscus, or add dried or freeze-dried fruit like raspberry, cranberry, or mango.
• Golden Chai: Add some turmeric for extra depth and benefits.
• Citrus: Add some orange or lemon peel, possibly with some black pepper for some kick.
• Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar-free options like stevia/monk fruit.

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To Make One Latte

• Add the water and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix to a glass or blender for mixing.

• Pour in the warm milk and mix or blend until smooth and creamy.

• Top with whipped cream and cinnamon, cocoa powder, or other topping of choice.

• If you don’t have vanilla pods or vanilla powder, add 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to each chai latte you make.
• Change up the amount of spices you use if you want a different flavor. 
• Depending on how finely they are ground, some of the spices may settle at the bottom of the mug. You can stir them into the milk as desired. Using a blender or immersion blender will help more evenly disperse the spices into the milk. 

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.