Is Chai Tea Considered Caffeinated? Unpacking the Truth

January 12, 2026 •

2 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard 8-ounce cup of black tea contains an average of 47 mg of caffeine, confirming that traditional chai tea is indeed considered caffeinated due to its black tea base. However, the exact amount can vary widely depending on the preparation and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

This article explains that traditional chai tea contains caffeine from its black tea base. It explores the factors that influence caffeine levels, compares it to other popular beverages like coffee, and discusses low-caffeine and caffeine-free chai alternatives.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: Traditional chai contains caffeine because it is made with a black tea base.
Lower Than Coffee: An 8-ounce cup of chai typically has 25-50 mg of caffeine, significantly less than a regular cup of coffee.
Gradual Boost: The tannins in tea slow the absorption of caffeine, providing a more sustained and less jittery energy boost than coffee.
Factors Impacting Content: The amount of caffeine can vary based on the type of tea used (black, green, rooibos), brewing time, and whether a concentrate or loose leaf is used.
Decaf Alternatives: Caffeine-free chai options exist, including blends made with naturally decaf rooibos or decaffeinated black tea.
L-Theanine Benefit: Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a calm, focused state and counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Decoding the Caffeine in Traditional Chai

Traditional masala chai is typically made with black tea and spices. Because black tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, traditional chai is naturally caffeinated. An 8-ounce cup of black tea-based chai usually contains about 25-50 mg of caffeine, which is significantly less than the 95-165 mg in an 8-ounce cup of coffee.

Caffeine from tea is released more slowly due to the presence of tannins, resulting in a more gradual energy boost compared to coffee's rapid effect. The L-theanine in tea also promotes calm focus.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in Chai

Several factors affect the caffeine content of chai:

Tea Base: Using black tea, green tea, or herbal bases like rooibos (which is caffeine-free) changes the caffeine level.
Brewing Time: Longer steeping extracts more caffeine.
Tea Leaf Size: Smaller leaves in tea bags release caffeine faster than whole leaves.
Concentrates: Chai concentrates and powders can have higher caffeine than standard infusions.
Serving Size: Larger drinks, like a Starbucks grande chai latte (around 95 mg caffeine), contain more caffeine.

Caffeine Comparison: Chai vs. Other Popular Drinks

Here is a comparison of caffeine levels in various beverages per 8-ounce serving:


Beverage	Average Caffeine Content (per 8 oz)	Notes
Drip Coffee	95-165 mg	Higher caffeine concentration.
Chai Tea (Black Tea Base)	25-50 mg	Lower than coffee, offers a gentle lift.
Black Tea (Plain)	~47 mg	Base for traditional chai.
Green Tea (Plain)	20-45 mg	Milder option than black tea.
Espresso (Single Shot, 1 oz)	63 mg	High concentration in a small volume.
Herbal Tea (e.g., Rooibos)	0 mg	Naturally caffeine-free.

Exploring Low-Caffeine and Caffeine-Free Chai Options

For those sensitive to caffeine, several alternatives exist.

Herbal and Rooibos Chai Blends

Herbal chai often uses naturally caffeine-free bases like rooibos, which pairs well with chai spices. These options are ideal for avoiding caffeine completely.

Decaffeinated Tea Bases

Decaffeinated black tea provides the traditional flavor with minimal caffeine. Methods like CO2 extraction remove caffeine while preserving taste. Decaf tea contains trace amounts, typically less than 4 mg per serving.

Conclusion: A Caffeinated, Yet Milder, Option

Traditional chai made with black tea is caffeinated, offering 25-50 mg per cup, a milder alternative to coffee. Caffeine-free options using herbal bases like rooibos or decaffeinated black tea are available, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavors of chai.

To explore more about tea varieties and their caffeine levels, check out this guide on Art of Tea's blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional chai tea is not caffeine-free, as its base is typically black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. However, caffeine-free versions made with herbal teas like rooibos are available.

On average, a standard 8-ounce cup of chai tea made with a black tea base contains approximately 25-50 milligrams of caffeine. This is significantly less than the caffeine found in an average cup of coffee.

Yes, a chai latte from a coffee shop usually has caffeine. Most are made with a concentrated chai base that uses black tea. A grande (16 oz) chai latte from Starbucks, for example, has about 95 mg of caffeine.

Yes, the type of tea base is the primary determinant of caffeine levels. Chai made with black tea has the most caffeine, green tea chai has less, and herbal bases like rooibos are naturally caffeine-free.

Yes, decaffeinated chai is widely available. Many brands offer versions made with decaf black tea or naturally caffeine-free herbal bases such as rooibos, allowing you to enjoy the flavor without the stimulant effects.

Chai has considerably less caffeine than coffee. A cup of chai provides a more gentle, sustained energy boost, while coffee offers a more potent and immediate kick, often with a more noticeable crash later.

Yes, you can reduce the caffeine in homemade chai by decreasing the steeping time, using less tea base, or opting for a naturally caffeine-free herbal base like rooibos.