Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Price calories

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Cup Smiling

The Starbucks Chai Tea Latte is a steaming, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet—the Starbucks Chai Tea Latte is a fan favorite for a reason. This cozy blend of black tea, warm spices, and velvety milk has been fueling caffeine lovers for years. But here’s something surprising: the version you sip at Starbucks isn’t a traditional chai at all. In fact, it’s a Western twist on an ancient Indian beverage that’s been enjoyed for centuries.

So, what exactly is in a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte? How does it compare to authentic masala chai? And—most importantly—can you make one at home that tastes just as good (if not better)? Let’s break it down, sip by sip.

Chai Tea Latte

Chai Tea Latte

The Starbucks menu serves as a satisfying exploration of flavors and choices at Starbucks. The menu includes coffees and refreshing teas, including their famous chai tea. This beverage blends the rich, spicy flavors of chai with the creamy smoothness of milk.The chai tea latte is made by blending milk, water, and chai tea concentrate.

This drink provides a satisfying energy boost with 95 mg of caffeine per serving and contains 240 calories. It is a popular alternative to coffee. Nutritionally, it contains 4.5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of which are saturated fat, and has 20 mg of cholesterol. The beverage contains 115 mg of sodium, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein. It provides a good source of energy without excessive fats or sugars, making it a balanced indulgence.

Ingredients


Milk, Water, Chai Tea Concentrate [An Infusion Of (Water, Black Tea, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Natural Flavors, Star Anise), Sugar, Honey, Ginger Juice, Natural Flavors, Vanilla, Citric Acid]

Available Sizes


Starbucks Sizes - TallStarbuck Sizes - GrandeStarbuck Sizes - VentiStarbucks Sizes - Trenta
Short
(8 Oz)
Tall
(12 Oz)
Grande
(16 Oz)
Venti
(20 Oz)

Nutrition


Calories 240Calories from Fat 40
Total Fat 4.5 g6%
Saturated  Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 20 mg 7%
Sodium  115 mg5%
Total Carbohydrates 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 0g3%
Sugars 42 g
Protein  8 g
Caffeine 95 mg

Allergens


Milk

Chai Tea Latte Price calories

What’s in a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte?

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte

The Starbucks Chai Tea Latte is made with a chai tea concentrate, which is a pre-brewed mix of black tea, spices, sugar, and other ingredients. It’s combined with steamed milk (or your choice of milk alternative) to create a creamy, spiced drink. You can order it hot or iced, and if you need an extra kick, you can make it a “dirty chai” by adding a shot of espresso.

But here’s the catch—Starbucks’ version is sweeter and less spicy than traditional Masala Chai. A grande (16 oz) Starbucks Chai Tea Latte contains around 42 grams of sugar. That’s more than a can of soda! If you love the drink but want to control the sweetness, making it at home might be a better option.

How Does It Compare to Authentic Chai?

Authentic masala chai is a staple in many Indian households. Unlike Starbucks’ chai, it’s brewed fresh with black tea, whole spices (like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), milk, and just a touch of sugar. The spices are simmered together, creating a bold, aromatic flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.

Starbucks’ version? It leans more on the sweet side and lacks the depth of flavor you get from freshly brewed spices. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—just different. If you want something closer to the real deal, making your own chai latte at home is the way to go.

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe, How to Make it at Home?

Stabrucks Chai Tea Latte 3

Want to recreate the Starbucks Chai Tea Latte experience but with more control over sweetness and spice? Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose black tea)
  • ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • A pinch of black pepper (optional, but adds depth)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

  1. In a small pot, bring the water to a boil and add the tea bag. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove the tea bag and add the spices. Stir well.
  3. Pour in the milk and sweetener, then heat gently until warm but not boiling.
  4. Use a milk frother or whisk to create foam (optional but gives it that Starbucks texture).
  5. Pour into a mug, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, and enjoy!

Want it iced? Just brew the tea and spices as usual, then pour it over ice before adding milk.

The Verdict

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte is a delicious treat, but it’s not quite the same as traditional masala chai. It’s sweeter, milder, and made from a concentrate rather than fresh ingredients. If you love it but want more spice and less sugar, making it at home is an easy and rewarding alternative. Plus, you get full control over every ingredient—no syrupy surprises.

So next time you’re craving that spiced, creamy goodness, why not try making your own? Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

FAQ

1. How to make a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte?

To make a Starbucks-style Chai Tea Latte at home, follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of milk (whole, oat, almond, or your choice)
  • ½ cup of water
  • 1-2 chai tea bags (or 2 tbsp of loose-leaf chai)
  • 1-2 tbsp of chai concentrate (optional for stronger flavor)
  • 1 tbsp honey or vanilla syrup (optional for sweetness)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the water in a pot until it’s hot but not boiling.
  2. Steep the chai tea bags for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a separate pot, warm the milk (do not boil) and froth it using a milk frother or whisk.
  4. Remove the tea bags and mix in honey or vanilla syrup (if using).
  5. Pour the chai tea into a cup and top it with the frothed milk.
  6. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top and enjoy!

2. How do you make a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte?

This is the same as the first question, but if you want it exactly like Starbucks, they use a Tazo Chai Concentrate mixed with steamed milk.

  1. Heat ½ cup of Tazo Classic Chai Concentrate.
  2. Steam ½ cup of milk (or heat and froth it).
  3. Combine them in a cup and stir.
  4. Add sweetener if desired and top with cinnamon.

For an Iced Chai Tea Latte, just mix the Tazo Chai Concentrate with cold milk and pour over ice.


3. How much caffeine is in a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte?

The caffeine content depends on the size:

  • Short (8 oz): 50 mg
  • Tall (12 oz): 70 mg
  • Grande (16 oz): 95 mg
  • Venti (20 oz): 120 mg

4. Does Starbucks Chai Tea Latte have caffeine?

Yes, Starbucks Chai Tea Latte does contain caffeine because it is made with black tea, which naturally has caffeine.


5. How much caffeine is in a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks?

This is the same as question #3. Here’s a summary again:

  • Short: 50 mg
  • Tall: 70 mg
  • Grande: 95 mg
  • Venti: 120 mg

6. What kind of Chai does Starbucks use?

Starbucks uses Tazo Chai Concentrate for its chai-based drinks, specifically the Tazo Classic Chai Concentrate. This is a black tea blend infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, and cloves.

However, some stores have transitioned to using Teavana Chai Concentrate, which has a slightly different flavor profile but still contains a mix of black tea and spices.

For a Chai Tea Latte, Starbucks combines this chai concentrate with steamed milk (or a milk alternative) and tops it with foam. The Iced Chai Latte is the same but served cold.

If you’re trying to recreate the Starbucks Chai Latte at home, you can buy Tazo Classic Chai Latte Concentrate (available at most grocery stores or online) and mix it with milk in a 1:1 ratio.

John Tolley

John Tolley

John Tolley is a seasoned writer with over 20 years of experience. He has contributed to various platforms, including McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and the Big Ten Network. His writing interests include culinary history, the hospitality industry, and spirits. Currently, he is working on a book that explores the cultural food landscape of Western Michigan. This book explores unique regional dishes, including the Wet Burrito and Olive Burger. The author, John, previously managed the literary webzine ‘Girls with Insurance,’ where he wrote a series called ‘Lunches’ that chronicled his everyday meals in Chicago’s Loop. He also contributes to starbucks-menu-with-prices.com .