Chai Tea Choices

Chai Is it good for you?

Many people talk to me about chai and about using it as a coffee alternative.

In Winter having a warm drink like a chai is beautiful. 

What can we learn about chai?

There is chai as syrup, chai as powder and chai as tea or what many know as a ‘wet chai.’

Some of the syrups and the powders are very high in sugar. So check the labels and ask the questions. 

Some people ignore the ingredients or check later after consumption.

Common Ingredients in some chai recipes and things to watch for:

• Spices like cardamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, cinnamon ,star anise – great for many people unless salicylate sensitive.
• Herbs like liquorice- avoid with heart conditions and blood pressure issues/ and clash with certain medications. 
• Peppercorn/ nigella seed – some recipes include these for a pepper taste
• Vanilla bean or essence – I use straight vanilla bean. Vanilla essence contains alcohol. Yet when boiling the alcohol is boiled off. 
• Black tea – still caffeinated – less if Madura or Rooibos ( Rooibos – check with your practitioner about this option) . Our recipe leaves tea out completely. 
• Sugars – white sugar, maple syrup, honey , agave – or sugars in the milk itself
• Milk – milk powder, almond mild, rice milk, soya milk or lactose free.
• Avoid adding coffee which is what people call a ‘dirty chai’
• Turmeric is added to make it more of a ‘turmeric latte’ – this is great for any inflammation

The best Chai can be one made at home choosing the ingredients right for you and the family. See Recipe

Tricks to buying a Chai when out.

When you are out know the milk to ask for with it. If needing lactose free maybe use an almond milk or rice milk. 

Generally the Wet Chai has less sugar. 

Ask to have no honey or where possible serve sweetener on the side.

Honey and Agave have a higher fructose so for some people this is best avoided.

Gradually you find the best place to buy a healthier and tastier version of chai.

If looking at sustainability sit in so you are not buying take away cups or even supply your own cup. Every decision made can help or hinder the environment or ourselves – when we all make good little decisions it all adds up to helping our future. 

Diversity – Treat chai as a treat and don’t have it every day. Rotate and have other warm drinks like herbal tea. Herbal tea is medicinal too so talk to your practitioner about the best tea for you.