Do you put milk in chai tea? The short answer: it depends on your preference and the type of chai you’re drinking. In India, masala chai is traditionally brewed with milk, creating a rich, creamy beverage that balances the boldness of black tea and aromatic spices. However, some chai varieties - like spiced black chai or herbal chai—are best enjoyed without milk to preserve their natural flavours.
So, is adding milk to chai the right choice? Let’s explore when milk enhances chai, when it’s better to skip it, and which milk options are best for different types of chai.
Traditional Chai vs. Modern Chai
Traditional Indian Masala Chai
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Made by boiling black tea, spices, milk, and sweetener together.
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Served hot and enjoyed throughout the day.
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Usually made with full-cream milk for a rich texture.
Explore more about Masala chai in: What is Chai: All Things You Need To Know
Western Chai Lattes
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Often made using pre-made chai syrups or powders (which may contain added sugar).
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Served in cafés with steamed milk, similar to a latte.
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Sometimes topped with cinnamon or frothed milk.
Western-style chai lattes are much sweeter and creamier than traditional masala chai, often resembling a dessert-like beverage. If you enjoy a bolder spiced flavour, you might prefer brewing chai from loose-leaf tea or chai tea bags without added syrups.
When Should You Add Milk to Chai Tea?
Adding milk to chai can soften the boldness of the tea and spices, creating a smoother, creamier drink. These chai varieties work best with milk:
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Masala Chai – The classic Indian chai, always made with milk.
Chai Latte – A café favourite, made with steamed milk.
Spiced Black Chai – Works well with a dash of milk for creaminess.
So from this, you can understand that milk enhances the natural sweetness of cinnamon and cardamom, making chai more indulgent and comforting for you to enjoy, especially you’re a first-timer trying chai for the first time.
Explore more: What Does Chai Tea Taste Like? A Flavour Guide for First-Time Drinkers
When Should You Skip the Milk?
Milk is a common addition to chai, but not all blends benefit from it. In some cases, leaving out the milk allows the natural flavours of the tea and spices to stand out, providing a more balanced and authentic experience. Here are some chai variants that you can consider skipping milk for:
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Herbal Chai – Caffeine-free blends like rooibos chai develop a full-bodied, earthy flavour without the need for milk. Adding dairy can mute its natural sweetness and complexity.
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Black Chai Tea – Without milk, black tea-based chai has a brighter, more refreshing taste, letting the spice blend take center stage.
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Delicate Chai Blends – Green tea-based chai has subtle floral and grassy notes that can be overwhelmed by milk, making it best enjoyed on its own.
Drinking chai without milk also has potential health benefits. Based on scientific research, tea polyphenols - natural antioxidants - are better absorbed when not bound to milk proteins, meaning black chai may provide a stronger antioxidant boost for your skin (1). Choosing to skip the milk isn’t just about taste - it’s about appreciating the tea’s full depth and potential benefits.
Best Milk Choices for Chai Tea (With Calories!)
If you’re adding milk to chai, you might be wondering which option is best for flavour, and how many calories are there in chai tea. Here’s a quick breakdown for you:
1. Dairy Milk (Full-Cream & Skim)
✔️ Full-Cream Milk – The traditional choice for masala chai. It’s rich and creamy, adding depth to the spices.
✔️ Skim Milk – A lower-calorie option that still creates a smooth texture.
🧾 Calories in chai tea latte with skim milk: Around 90-110 kcal per cup (depending on sugar content), which is lighter than full-cream milk but less creamy in terms of flavours..
2. Almond Milk (Dairy-Free & Low-Calorie)
This option can brings about a nutty, slightly sweet flavour that complements chai well. And it works best for chai lattes without overwhelming the spices.
🧾 Calories chai latte almond milk: 30-50 kcal per cup (unsweetened).
Explore more: Unexpected Benefits of Chai For Weight Loss
3. Soy Milk (Creamy & High-Protein)
Soy milk can be thicker than almond milk with a natural creaminess, and if you’re into nutty flavour, consider choosing this since it adds a subtle nutty taste that pairs well with chai.
🧾 Chai latte calories soy milk: 80-100 kcal per cup (unsweetened).
4. Oat Milk (Extra Creamy & Naturally Sweet)
✔️ Creates an extra frothy, velvety chai latte.
✔️ Slightly sweet on its own, so you may not need extra sweetener.
🧾 Calories chai latte oat milk: 100-120 kcal per cup (higher than almond but very creamy).
If you're watching your calories, unsweetened almond milk is the best choice, while oat milk is great for creaminess yet only with slightly higher calories intake.
FAQs
1. Can you drink chai tea without milk?
Yes! Black chai tea is full of bold, warming spices without milk.
2. What is the best milk for chai tea?
Full-cream milk for a traditional taste or almond milk for a lighter option.
3. Is chai tea with milk healthy?
Yes, but it depends on the milk choice! Dairy adds protein, while plant-based options are lower in calories.
4. Does chai tea have caffeine?
Yes, if made with black tea. But herbal chai blends (like rooibos chai) are caffeine-free.
Explore more: 4 Reasons to Consider Switching from Coffee to Chai
5. What’s the difference between chai tea and chai latte?
Chai tea is traditionally brewed, while chai lattes are made with steamed milk and sometimes sweetened syrups.
Final Thoughts: Should You Add Milk to Chai Tea?
Whether you add milk to chai tea depends on your taste preference. Traditional masala chai is best enjoyed with rich, creamy milk, while black or herbal chai tastes better without it. If you prefer a lighter, spicier chai, try skipping the milk - or experiment with different plant-based alternatives for a unique twist.
✔️ For creaminess, go with full-cream milk or oat milk.
✔️ For low-calorie options, almond or skim milk are best.
✔️ For the boldest spice flavours, enjoy chai black!
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If you’re searching for the best chai tea in Australia, look no further than Monk’s Chai. Made with premium organic ingredients, Monk’s Chai delivers an authentic, full-bodied spiced chai experience - whether you prefer it with milk or without.
Whether you’re a chai lover in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia, Monk’s Chai offers the perfect blend for your next cup.
