You Won’t Believe What’s Inside Your Chai—Does It Have Caffeine?

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:26:40 +0000

# You Won’t Believe What’s Inside Your Chai—Does It Have Caffeine? If you’ve ever sipped a warm bowl or latte of chai, you’ve probably assumed it’s loaded with caffeine—after all, black tea is the main star ingredient. But here’s something you probably didn’t expect: what’s really inside your chai might surprise you. Does chai always contain caffeine? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no—but let’s break it down. ## What Exactly Is Chai, Anyway? Chai isn’t just one type of drink—it’s a spiced tea tradition rooted in South Asia, especially India and Sri Lanka. Authentic chai combines black tea with a rich blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. These spices don’t just add flavor—they create a symphony of taste and texture.