Chai latte & chai tea: the spiced favourite – without sugar
Chai is more than a trend drink – it has a history in India going back thousands of years, where «masala chai» (spiced tea) is drunk every day. As a creamy chai latte, the blend of black tea, milk and spices has long been a favourite in Switzerland too – unfortunately usually with a lot of hidden sugar. Here you will find everything about chai: its effects, the classic recipe, the quick sugar-free version and what to look for when buying.
TEABALLS Bio Chai Latte
Chai latte in 60 seconds instead of 20 minutes: drop the tea balls into hot water or hot milk, done. Organic certified, no tea bags, no sugar.
CHF 9.90
Order nowWhat is chai latte – and what is chai tea?
The word «chai» simply means «tea» in Hindi. The Western term «chai tea» is therefore a duplication – but today it stands for the spiced Indian preparation with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper. Chai latte is the creamy version of it: a concentrated chai infusion topped up with frothed milk – the café classic.
Important: ready-made chai latte powders from the supermarket and many café versions contain alarming amounts of sugar – often 10–15 grams per cup, sometimes over 20 g in a large cup. Homemade chai is therefore not only more aromatic but also considerably healthier.
Chai effects – what do the spices do?
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most potent ingredients in chai. Studies show that gingerols – the active compounds in ginger – have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Ginger warms from within and can ease nausea. You can read more about the effects of ginger tea in our guide.
Cardamom
Cardamom belongs to the ginger family and is considered the «queen of spices» in Ayurvedic medicine. It supports digestion, has a fresh, slightly menthol-like taste and contains essential oils with antibacterial properties.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can help stabilise blood sugar levels. That makes it particularly interesting for anyone keeping an eye on their sugar intake – and it fits the philosophy of a sugar-free chai latte perfectly.
Black tea & caffeine
The base of classic chai is usually Assam or Darjeeling black tea. It provides caffeine – though less than coffee – and, together with L-theanine, a sustained, focused energy without the jitters. Depending on strength, a chai latte contains around 30–50 mg of caffeine per cup (coffee: 80–120 mg).
Classic chai tea recipe – made without sugar powder
Ingredients for 2 cups:
- 400 ml water
- 200 ml milk (or a plant-based alternative: oat, almond, coconut)
- 2 tsp black tea (or 2 tea bags / a strong black tea infusion)
- 4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3–4 slices of fresh ginger
- 3 cloves
- 4–5 black peppercorns
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or a pinch of stevia to sweeten
Method:
- Bring water, spices and ginger to the boil in a pan and simmer for 5 minutes
- Add the tea and steep for a further 3 minutes (do not boil!)
- Pour in the milk and heat briefly, without boiling
- Strain through a fine sieve into cups
- Sweeten to taste
Making chai latte – the creamy version
For a classic chai latte, prepare the infusion a little more concentrated and top it with frothed milk (or oat milk). The result beats any café chai – and comes without hidden sugar when you make it yourself.
Chai latte in 60 seconds – no boiling, no sugar
Not in the mood to simmer spices for 20 minutes? With TEABALLS Bio Chai Latte the sugar-free version takes one minute: drop 2–3 tea balls into hot water or straight into hot (oat) milk – they dissolve without residue. Every spice note, no tea bag, no sieve, no sugar. At the office or on the go, too. If you like chai with a chocolate note, the Bio 3-piece set FEEL GOOD includes the Choco Chai variety.
Chai iced tea – chai for summer
Chai is a treat cold as well: let the infusion cool, pour it over plenty of ice and finish with a little lemon juice and mint. If you prefer uncomplicated sugar-free iced tea, reach for TEABALLS – ready in seconds, no cooking required.
Buying chai tea – what to look for
Ready-made chai blends are available loose or in bags. Look for:
- No sugar in the tea blend itself (sugar is only added when sweetening)
- Organic certification for spices and tea
- Real spices rather than «chai flavouring» – a mark of quality
For anyone who wants tea without lengthy preparation, TEABALLS are an elegant solution: organic certified tea in small balls – simply drop them into water, no bag, no sieve.
Further reading: Matcha tea – effects, preparation and buying in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions about chai latte
What is the difference between chai tea and chai latte?
Chai tea is the spiced black tea infusion; chai latte is the creamy version with frothed milk. Both can be made sugar-free – simmered the classic way or in 60 seconds with TEABALLS Bio Chai Latte.
How much sugar is in ready-made chai latte?
Instant powders and café versions often contain 10–15 g of sugar per cup, large cups sometimes more than 20 g. Homemade or with TEABALLS the sugar content is 0 g.
Does chai latte contain caffeine?
Yes, from the black tea – around 30–50 mg per cup depending on strength, and therefore considerably less than coffee. If you want a caffeine-free version, choose herbal varieties.
Which spices belong in a masala chai?
Classically: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper. Depending on the region, star anise, fennel or nutmeg are added.
Conclusion: chai – spiced, warming, wonderful
Homemade chai is more aromatic, healthier and cheaper than any instant powder. With the right spices and a little time you get a hot drink that warms body and soul – and with TEABALLS Bio Chai Latte the sugar-free cup is on the table in a minute.
