How to Make a Spiced Chai Latte Powder Recipe at Home

If you’ve been visiting my page before you’ll know that I love a hot drink. And just like holding a steaming cup of coffee, there’s something incredibly comforting about sipping on a warm, spiced chai latte. Whether you’re lounging on the couch while the little ones nap or need a midday pick-me-up, a homemade chai latte can feel like a little moment of indulgence. And the best part? You can make it right from your own kitchen with this super simple spiced chai latte powder recipe.

Now, I know that those cozy café chai lattes can be so tempting, but when you start making your own chai latte powder at home, you’ll realize just how easy—and fun (and cheap!) —it can be to recreate that same aromatic, spicy goodness. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, so you can make it as sweet, spicy, or mild as you like. As much as I love the idea of chai lattes, the reality of store-bought mixes or coffee shop prices isn’t quite as cozy. They’re often packed with sugar, artificial flavors, and let’s face it—those $6 lattes add up fast.

The beauty of making your own spiced chai latte powder is that it allows you to customize your drink to fit your personal taste.

Are you all about that bold cinnamon flavor? Or do you prefer a lighter, more aromatic touch of cardamom? By creating your own chai latte powder, you can experiment with different spices and find the perfect blend for your fix. It’s a great way to bring a little café magic into your home without the hefty price tag.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. A quick mix of pantry spices, and a touch of sweetener, and you’re done. It keeps beautifully in a jar, ready to sprinkle into hot water or warm milk whenever the chai craving strikes. Keep the recipe handy for the next holiday season. Homemade chai tea latte powder is a great Christmas gift for friends and family alike. 

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making your own spiced chai latte powder. I’ll also answer some common questions about chai lattes, share some tips and tricks, and even suggest a few easy substitutes if you’re missing an ingredient. Let’s dive in and get you brewing up the best chai latte you’ve ever had!

What is in a Chai Latte Powder?

So, what exactly goes into a chai latte powder? At its core, a chai latte is a blend of aromatic spices, tea, and milk (or a dairy-free alternative). When we make a spiced chai latte powder, we’re essentially combining dried spices and a little sweetener that you can just add to hot milk and brew up in no time. The powder form makes it super convenient—no steeping or mess, just scoop and stir.

A typical chai latte powder recipe includes spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. These spices not only give chai its signature flavor, but they also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. Many of the spices in chai are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, digestive benefits, and even mood-boosting effects. 

What is Spiced Chai Latte Made Of?

A spiced chai latte is made by combining your chai latte powder with milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk) and heating it until it’s nice and frothy. You can also add a bit of extra sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, if you like a sweeter chai latte. It’s all about balancing the spices with the creaminess of the milk for that perfect cup.

What sets a spiced chai latte apart from other teas or lattes is the combination of bold spices, smooth tea, and rich milk. When you sip on a chai latte, you get the warmth of cinnamon, the zing of fresh ginger, the depth of cardamom, and the slight heat from black pepper. All of these spices meld together to create a comforting, balanced flavor that’s perfect for chilly mornings or those moments when you need a little self-care in a cup.

What Do Coffee Shops Use to Make Chai Lattes?

When you order a chai latte at a coffee shop, they’re often using a pre-made chai concentrate from grocery stores or a syrup to make your drink. These concentrates are typically a blend of tea, spices, and sweeteners, and they’re super convenient for busy baristas. While these store-bought options are tasty, they can also be loaded with added sugars and artificial flavors. By mixing together your own chai spices, you get to control the ingredients and avoid those unnecessary additives. It’s so much fun to play around with your own spice blend!

What is the Difference Between Chai and Spiced Chai?

You might be wondering—what’s the difference between regular “chai” and “spiced chai”? Well, the word “chai” is actually the Hindi word for tea, so in many parts of the world, when you ask for a chai, you’re simply asking for a cup of tea! However, in Western cultures, the term “chai” has come to refer to a specific kind of spiced tea, typically made with a black tea base and infused with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. So when you see “spiced chai” on a menu or recipe, it’s really just referring to this spiced version of traditional chai tea.

What to Serve With Chai Latte?

Chai lattes are so versatile when it comes to pairing them with snacks. For a cozy afternoon treat, try a slice of homemade Hefezopf, some warm oatmeal cookies, or a buttery croissant. The warm, spiced flavor of the chai latte complements sweet pastries and baked goods perfectly. If you’re serving chai lattes for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a hearty granola bowl or a toasted sourdough with jam.

For a lighter option, pair your chai with a fresh fruit salad or some simple yoghurt with stewed fruit. The balance of spice and creaminess in the chai pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors.

How to Best Store Spiced Chai Latte Powder?

Once you’ve made your own chai tea mix, you’ll want to store it properly to keep the spices fresh. The best way to store your homemade chai latte powder is in an airtight container. Think canning jars, a glass jar, or a resealable pouch. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to keep the rich flavor from fading. If you’re using whole spices that you’ve ground to fine powder yourself, be sure to use them up within a few months for the best flavor.

Chai Latte Powder Recipe Ingredients

Cinnamon. An essential for our chai spice mix. 

Ginger. The perfect way to add a little spice. 

Cardamom. 

Cloves. 

Black pepper. 

Black tea. I use loose leaf tea. But you could just as easily open a few black tea bags, if that’s what you have at home. 

Sugar. Coconut sugar or maple sugar testes best, but brown sugar or any other sugar will work just as well. 

How to Make the Recipe

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Then, mix in the coconut sugar or maple sugar.
2. Grind the Tea (Optional): If you’re using whole tea leaves and prefer the mix to be a true powder, grind them lightly in a spice grinder (or coffee grinder). This will make them easier to mix into the powder. I personally prefer to strain my tea and leave the tea leaves as are. 
3. Combine the Tea and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the black tea and spice mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Store the Powder: Transfer your spiced chai latte powder into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use, or up to 3 months. 
5. To Make a Chai Latte: Add 2 tablespoons of your homemade chai latte powder to a cup of hot milk (or dairy-free milk) over the stove. Stir well and sweeten to taste, while allowing the tea to brew for 3-5 minutes. For a frothy finish, you can whisk it up or use a milk frother.
6. Strain and enjoy: Using a small tea strainer or sieve, strain your chai latte directly into a mug. Adjust to taste and enjoy. 

Why You’ll Love This Chai Latte Powder Recipe

You’ll love this spiced chai latte powder recipe because it’s so customizable and easy to make! You can easily tweak the sweetness and spice level to match your personal preferences. It’s also a huge money-saver—once you have your own version, you can make chai lattes at home whenever you want, without running to the coffee shop. Trust me, there’s nothing better than the smell of freshly brewed warm chai wafting through your house.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable: Like it spicier? Add extra black pepper or ginger. Prefer it sweeter? Toss in a bit more sugar. You’re in charge!
• Convenient: Having this dry mix on hand means you can whip up a chai latte in under a minute—no trips to your local coffee shop, steeping tea bags or boiling spices required.
• Budget-Friendly: You’ll save a small fortune by skipping those fancy café lattes. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples you might already have in your spice cabinet.
• Perfect for Gifting: Who doesn’t love homemade food gifts? It’s a thoughtful and delicious gift that’s super easy to make.

Tips and Tricks

• Spice it up: Feel free to play around with the spices in your powder. If you love ginger, add a little more! If cinnamon is your thing, go for it.
• Use Quality Spices: Since spices are the star here, make sure they’re fresh and high-quality. It’ll make a huge difference in flavor.
• Make a big batch: Since this recipe keeps well, why not make a larger batch next time and store it in a mason jar? You’ll always have chai latte powder on hand when the cravings hit.
• Blend for Finer Powder: If you want your chai latte powder to dissolve seamlessly, blend the mix in a food processor for a finer texture.
• Storage is Key: Keep your mix in an airtight container to prevent clumping and preserve freshness.

Easy Substitutes

• Tea: If you can’t find black tea, you can substitute it with green tea or rooibos tea.
• Spices: If you don’t have all the spices, feel free to leave some out or replace them with other fragrant spices like star anise, white pepper, or even vanilla. Ground nutmeg can also be a nice addition if you like a little extra warmth.
• Sweetener: If you’re not into coconut sugar, any granulated sugar will work just fine. Alternatively you can use honey, or maple syrup to sweeten your hot beverages.

With this chai latte powder recipe in your arsenal, you’ll have the perfect warm, comforting drink ready in minutes—without leaving your home. Happy brewing, and enjoy every sip!