How Many Calories Are In A Chai Latte? (Less Than Coffee?)

I’m mainly a coffee drinker but sometimes enjoy a chai latte. As a middle-aged man watching his weight, I also watch my calories too. So if I switch from black coffee to chai latte how many calories will it have, and is it more than coffee?

The average 100-gram cup of chai latte has 200 calories, 1 calorie for the chai itself and 199 from the milk (regular or condensed), spices, and sweeteners. An average cup of black coffee has 2 calories, rising to 30 with milk and sugar.

Now that my mouth is watering, let’s dive down into a warm, tall glass of chai latte – and discover what makes it so delicious…

How Many Calories Are In A Chai Latte?

How Many Calories Are in a Chai Latte?

Chai latte is a popular drink that’s served hot, with spices, and it comes in many different varieties. It’s growing in popularity both in coffee shops and for those making it at home.

While the exact amount of calories varies depending on what you put in your chai latte, the average cup will have around 200 calories.

Chai on its own has virtually no calories, so 100 grams of chai will only have one calorie.

Where did the other 199 calories come from? It’s the extra milk (regular or condensed), spices, and sweeteners.

For example, one cup of milk has more than 100 calories in it while one teaspoon of condensed milk has around 20 calories. Any added spices, such as cinnamon, contain an average of 5 to 10 calories.

So, it’s no surprise that with all the extra trimmings a chai latte can add up to quite a few calories.

Are Chai Lattes Healthy?

A ‘naked’ Chai latte with nothing added to it is definitely a healthy drink. In fact, it’s one of the most antioxidant-rich teas you can drink—and we all know how important antioxidants are for our health.

Chai spices are also high in antioxidants—they’re the ingredient that gives it its unique kick. Plus, if you feel tired, a chai latte contains enough caffeine to give you a boost of energy when you need it most.

Given everything I’ve just said, are there any reasons not to drink chai lattes? Well, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before drinking chai because it contains caffeine and could affect your baby.

Is Chai Latte High in Calories?

Technically, this depends on your perception of high-calorie content – and everything is relative right? 200 calories may sound like a lot to some people while not so much to others. 

Plus, let’s not forget that the calories in chai lattes are dependent on the amount of sugar, honey, or other sweeteners you use. Plus, milk plays a significant role in skyrocketing the calorie count. 

When you compare a cup of chai latte to a regular cup of latte, for example, it would seem like just another drink. After all, they both almost have the same average calorie count.

In the end, it would seem that a chai latte can be a low-calorie beverage; if you skip the extra sweeteners. So go ahead and enjoy your drink and don’t worry about the calories.

After all the love I’ve thrown at them in this article, if you’re itching to get started making a chai latte now, this video will help (I know I am!)…

Is Chai Latte Healthier Than Coffee?

We all know that coffee is a great way to start your day, but it does have its downsides. It can give you a buzz that makes you feel jittery and unable to focus.

It can also lead to headaches and stomach pain, especially when you drink too much of it. 

When consumed in moderation, chai latte doesn’t have any of these negative side effects. In fact, it has quite a few positive ones.

Chai contains antioxidants and polyphenols called “flavonoids,” which work together to help lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure (and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease).

In addition to being delicious (and warming), chai also contains caffeine; however, it’s less concentrated than coffee. This means you can enjoy all the health benefits of caffeine without the risk of feeling jittery.

Is Chai Latte Good for Weight Loss?

Not only are Chai lattes absolutely dee-li-cious, but they’re also packed with sugar and calories, so when you drink them in excess, they can make you gain weight.

So a 200-calorie drink full of sugar or condensed milk may not be your best option. 

The best thing to do is drink your chai tea without adding anything if you want to lose weight. Research shows that drinking three cups of black tea per day may indeed help prevent unwanted weight gain.

What’s the Difference Between Chai Tea and Chai Latte?

As we’ve established, Chai tea and chai latte are both kinds of tea – and both have gained popularity in the U.S. But what’s the difference?

Both are brewed from black tea leaves, but chai tea is made with a blend of spices (usually cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom). 

Chai lattes can also be made using those same spices, but they’re typically blended with some kind of milk or cream instead of water.

Chai tea, however, uses more water than milk when making it.

Does Chai Latte Have More Calories Than Coffee?
Does Chai Latte Have More Calories Than Coffee?

Is It Alright to Drink Chai Latte Every Day?

The short answer is yes, you can drink chai lattes every day, but you should keep in mind that they’re not healthy food. 

Yet there are plenty of things that are worse for you than a daily cup of chai latte. So if you’re looking for an indulgence that won’t wreck your diet or your health, this might be just the thing for you.

But what about all the sugar? Well, if you’re careful about how much sugar goes into each cup of chai latte, it won’t do any damage to your waistline or overall health (especially if you’re dieting).

Is Chai Latte Good for the Skin?

Chai latte has a whole host of health benefits, and it can also help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. 

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in chai help to reduce inflammation in your body, which can lead to better blood flow, improved circulation, and a glowy complexion. 

As long as you keep the amount of sugar and cream in your chai latte to a minimum, there’s no reason why it can’t help your skin!

If you want to drink chai lattes for their health benefits, make sure you’re using honey instead of sugar—honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties that can benefit your body and skin greatly.

Summary: Counting the Calories in Chai Latte

At the time of writing I’m part of the Weight Watchers program, not because I’m particularly overweight (I also exercise every day), but because I like the app to count the calories or points in my food and drink.

So while the average 100-gram cup of chai latte has 200 calories including milk and sugar, and an average cup of white coffee has just 30 calories with milk and sugar – it looks like my chai lattes may have to be an infrequent treat, as delicious as they are. 🙂