How Much Caffeine is in Chaiwala Tea?

December 17, 2025 •

2 min read

An average 8-ounce cup of black tea-based masala chai typically contains anywhere from 20 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, significantly less than a standard brewed coffee. Understanding how much caffeine is in chaiwala tea is crucial for managing your daily energy and avoiding unwanted jitters.

Quick Summary

The caffeine level in chaiwala tea, or spiced milk tea, is not fixed and depends on the base tea, brewing time, and preparation method. Homemade brews and cafe concentrates can have varying concentrations.

Key Points

Variable Content: The caffeine in chaiwala tea ranges from 20-70mg per 8oz, depending on the preparation method and ingredients.
Lower Than Coffee: A cup of chai has significantly less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee, providing a gentler energy boost.
Black Tea Base: The primary source of caffeine in traditional chai is the black tea leaves; spices like ginger and cardamom contain none.
Preparation Matters: Brewing time, water temperature, and tea quantity directly affect how much caffeine is extracted into the final beverage.
Homemade vs. Cafe: Homemade chai offers full control over caffeine levels, whereas cafe concentrates provide a standardized amount that varies by brand.
Gentle Lift: Due to tannins in the tea, caffeine in chai is absorbed slowly, resulting in a more sustained energy without the jitters.
Herbal Options: For a completely caffeine-free experience, chai can be made with herbal alternatives like rooibos.

The term "chaiwala tea" refers to the spiced milk tea, known as masala chai, commonly sold by street vendors in South Asia. The caffeine content in this popular beverage is not standardized, varying based on preparation methods. Traditional chai is made by boiling black tea leaves, milk, water, and spices together. The black tea is the source of caffeine, as the spices themselves do not contain it.

Factors Influencing Chai's Caffeine Level

Several elements contribute to the final caffeine concentration in chai:

Type of Tea Base

While traditional chai uses black tea, alternative versions may use lower-caffeine green tea or caffeine-free herbal options like rooibos. Choosing a different tea base is an effective way to control caffeine intake.

Brewing Process

Steeping time and water temperature are key. Longer simmering or hotter water extracts more caffeine. Chai's stovetop preparation often involves prolonged simmering, potentially leading to higher caffeine levels than quick-steeped teas.

Tea Quantity and Leaf Size

Using more tea leaves increases caffeine. Broken leaves in tea bags release caffeine faster than whole loose leaves.

Preparation Differences

Homemade chai allows control over brewing time and tea quantity. Cafe chai lattes often use concentrates with standardized caffeine (around 30-50mg per 8oz). Adding espresso creates a "dirty chai" with significantly higher caffeine.

Chai vs. Other Caffeinated Drinks


Beverage (8oz / ~240ml)	Average Caffeine Content (mg)	Comparison Notes
Brewed Coffee	95-165mg	Provides a more intense and rapid energy boost than chai.
Black Tea	40-70mg	Chai's base, influenced by added milk and spices.
Green Tea	20-45mg	A lighter option, suitable for lower-caffeine chai.
Chaiwala Tea (Masala Chai)	20-70mg (Variable)	Caffeine varies based on recipe and preparation.

Tips to Manage Caffeine in Your Chai

Reduce Brewing Time: Simmer homemade chai for a shorter period.
Use Loose Leaf Tea: Whole leaves release caffeine more gradually.
Decrease Tea Amount: Use less black tea in your recipe.
Add More Milk: Diluting with milk lowers the caffeine concentration per serving.
Consider Herbal Bases: Use rooibos for a caffeine-free alternative.

How Chai's Caffeine Affects You Differently

The caffeine in tea is absorbed slower than coffee caffeine due to tannins. This often leads to a smoother, more sustained energy boost and less of a crash.

Conclusion

The caffeine content in chaiwala tea is highly variable, primarily determined by the type and amount of black tea and the brewing method. It typically contains less caffeine than coffee, offering a more gradual energy lift. To control caffeine intake, adjust brewing at home or choose alternative tea bases. Understanding these factors allows for a more mindful enjoyment of this flavorful beverage. For more details on factors affecting tea caffeine, consult sources like The Spruce Eats.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all chai has caffeine. While traditional masala chai is made with caffeinated black tea, herbal variations using ingredients like rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and still contain the classic spices.

Chai has considerably less caffeine than coffee. A typical 8-ounce cup of chai contains 20-70mg of caffeine, while a similar-sized coffee has 95-165mg.

The variation is due to several factors, including the type of tea base (black vs. green), the brewing time, water temperature, and the ratio of tea leaves to other ingredients.

Yes, you can. To reduce caffeine in homemade chai, simply use less black tea, shorten the steeping time, or use a green tea base instead.

Not necessarily. A cafe chai latte, often made from a concentrate or powder, typically has 30-50mg of caffeine per 8oz. This may be less than a strong, long-brewed cup of traditional homemade chai.

A 'dirty chai' is a chai latte with a shot of espresso added. This significantly boosts the caffeine content, combining the stimulant from both the black tea and the coffee.

It depends. Homemade chai brewed with a strong hand can have a higher caffeine content than a standard cafe chai concentrate. However, homemade caffeine levels are fully adjustable.

Milk doesn't affect the amount of caffeine, but it can slow down the body's absorption of it. This contributes to the smoother, more sustained energy boost experienced with chai compared to coffee.