How Much Protein Does Cha Have? A Nutritional Guide

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

The protein content of cha can range from nearly zero to several grams per serving, depending on its form. The term "cha" broadly refers to various foods and beverages, from simple brewed tea to rich, milk-based spiced drinks or even high-protein foods like chickpeas. Understanding the preparation is key to knowing the protein content.

Quick Summary

The protein content of cha varies widely by type. Plain tea contains negligible protein, while adding milk increases it significantly. Matcha offers a small amount per serving, and other foods named 'cha' can be protein-rich.

Key Points

Plain Brewed Tea: Contains negligible protein, with less than 0.5 grams per cup, regardless of whether it's black, green, or oolong.
Milk-Based Chai: Gets its protein from the milk, contributing between 1 and 3 grams per cup depending on the type of milk used.
Matcha Tea: Offers a small but measurable amount of protein because the finely ground whole tea leaves are consumed, with about 1 gram per serving.
Amino Acid Content: Tea leaves contain L-theanine, an amino acid, but the concentration in brewed tea is too low to be a significant dietary protein source.
Different Meanings of 'Cha': Other foods with similar names, such as chaach (buttermilk) or chana (chickpeas), are high in protein but are distinct from brewed tea or milk chai.
Preparation is Key: The protein content is determined by the specific preparation method, whether it involves simple steeping, adding milk, or consuming the whole leaf.

Protein in Plain Brewed Tea

For plain, brewed teas, including black, green, and oolong, the amount of protein is almost negligible. When tea leaves are steeped in water, very little of their actual macronutrient content is released into the liquid. As a result, a standard cup of black or green tea typically contains less than 0.5 grams of protein. For those seeking protein, this form of tea is not a meaningful source.

The Amino Acid L-Theanine

While brewed tea is not a protein source, the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is known for its high content of amino acids, particularly L-theanine. L-theanine is a unique, non-protein amino acid that contributes to tea's savory flavor and relaxing properties by promoting alpha brain waves. However, the small amounts that steep into your cup are not considered a dietary protein intake.

Protein in Milk-Based Chai

One of the most popular forms of "cha" in many cultures is milk-based chai, also known as masala chai. In this case, the protein comes entirely from the milk added to the tea, not the tea leaves themselves.

A standard cup of milk tea can provide between 1 and 3 grams of protein, depending on the amount and fat content of the milk used.
A cup of chai with full-fat buffalo milk, common in some regions, can contain even more protein, up to 3 grams.
The specific protein count will vary based on whether you use cow's milk, buffalo milk, or a plant-based alternative. For example, a chai made with soy or pea protein milk will have a different nutritional profile than one made with almond milk, which is lower in protein.

Protein in Matcha Tea

Matcha is a unique form of green tea because it is a finely ground powder made from the entire tea leaf. When you drink matcha, you are ingesting the whole leaf, which means you consume the protein and other nutrients that would otherwise be left behind when brewing regular tea. For this reason, a serving of matcha provides more protein than a cup of brewed tea.

Serving Size: A typical 1-gram serving (about half a teaspoon) of matcha powder contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Concentrated Nutrients: Because it is a concentrated powder, matcha contains higher levels of amino acids like L-theanine compared to brewed green tea.

Comparison Table: Protein Content in Different Forms of Cha


Type of Cha	Approximate Protein Per Serving	Key Protein Source	Notes
Plain Brewed Tea (Black/Green/Oolong)	< 0.5 g per cup	N/A (Brewing leaves)	Protein content is negligible.
Milk-Based Chai	1–3 g per cup	Milk	Protein content depends on the type and amount of milk used.
Matcha Powder	~1 g per 1 g serving	Whole ground leaf	More concentrated protein than brewed tea.
Chaach (Buttermilk)	~1.2–1.8 g per 100ml	Dairy	A distinctly different dairy product.
Boiled Chana (Chickpeas)	~8.6 g per 100 g	Legumes	A completely different, high-protein food.

Summary of Protein Sources

Plain tea: Protein is insignificant, so don't count on it to meet your daily intake goals.
Milk-based drinks: The protein is a direct result of adding milk or a protein-rich plant-based alternative.
Matcha: Provides a small, but measurable, amount of protein because the whole leaf is consumed.
Similar names: Other dishes with similar names, like chaach (a buttermilk drink) or chana (chickpeas), are completely different products and are significantly higher in protein.

Conclusion

When asking how much protein does cha have, the answer is not straightforward and depends entirely on the specific type of cha. Plain brewed tea, whether green, black, or herbal, contains negligible protein and should not be considered a source. Milk-based chai gets its protein from the dairy, while matcha contains a small amount from the consumption of the whole tea leaf. To meet your protein goals, focus on other foods and consider tea an accessory or a source of other compounds like antioxidants and calming amino acids. For a detailed look into the unique amino acid profile of tea plants, a research review provides further insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, adding milk to tea significantly increases the protein content. A standard cup of milk-based chai typically contains 1 to 3 grams of protein, sourced entirely from the dairy or plant-based milk used.

Matcha contains more protein than regular brewed tea because you consume the whole ground tea leaf, not just the infusion. However, it is not considered a high-protein food, with a typical serving providing only about 1 gram of protein.

Plain brewed black and green tea have very similar, negligible amounts of protein, typically less than half a gram per cup. Most of the macronutrients from the leaves are not extracted during the brewing process.

Herbal teas, which are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, also contain minimal to no protein when steeped. Similar to true teas, most of the protein remains in the plant matter.

Tea plants naturally contain amino acids, most notably L-theanine. However, L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid and does not provide significant dietary protein in the brewed beverage.

No, adding sugar or honey does not increase the protein content of tea. These additions only provide carbohydrates and calories, and should be considered if you are monitoring your sugar intake.

Like regular tea, decaffeinated tea contains a negligible amount of protein. The decaffeination process does not significantly alter the protein content, so it is still not a meaningful source.