Caffeine-free Chai Latte Mix

Love Chai Lattes, but not the caffeine? This Caffeine-free Chai Latte Mix is going to change everything. With it, you'll can have this warm and cozy drink any time of day without the caffeine buzz. All you need is a few common spices plus your favorite milk of choice, and you can have this comforting drink in your mug (and your belly) in no time.

You'll love how easy this drink is to make, plus how frugal is, and the many ways you can use the spice blend as well.

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

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this mix. While you might likely have everything you need in your pantry, I've added substitutions for the least common spices.

• cardamom (can substitute cinnamon and cloves, or allspice and ginger adjusting amounts to taste. Try starting with 1/2 tsp cinnamon with 1/4 tsp cloves for each teaspoon of cardamom.)
• allspice (can substitute 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves for 1 teaspoon of allspice. Alternatively, you could use just ground cloves, nutmeg, or mace, but start with less because they are stronger.
• 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 caffeine-free 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, I recommend not skipping the step where you heat up the milk. It's important for infusing the spices into the milk. You can do it, but believe me, you'll like it better this way.

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.
• Stress Relief: Add 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon ashwagandha (fabulous adaptogen) to each cup (3/4 – 1 1/2 teaspoons for the whole recipe).
• 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.

Ways to Use This Chai Spice Blend

Here are some great ideas to try:

• Stir into homemade chocolate recipes like this Homemade Chocolate Bar, this Healthy Chocolate Bark, or these Homemade Chocolate Chips.
• Add to scones or biscuits.
• Sprinkle on brie or feta.
• Toss onto popcorn.
• Add to seasoned nuts.
• Mix into yogurt or add to granola.
• Add to or sprinkle on ice cream or pudding.
• Add into to a rub or marinade for chicken or pork.
• Blend to a smoothie.
• Add to whipped cream.
• Add into your cookies like these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.
• In coffee or a coffee substitute, or tea. It would taste great in turmeric tea.
• Sprinkle on a fruits like apples, pears, oranges, grapefruits, or even berries.

More Healthy Drink Recipes

• Homemade Coffee Substitute
• Protein Hot Chocolate
• Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate
• Dairy-free Sugar-free Hot Chocolate
• Whole Lemon Lemonade
• Sugar-free Limeade
• Low-Carb Adrenal Cocktail