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Instant Chai Latte Recipe

Chai lattes are one of the most popular coffee drinks. Not only do they taste delicious, but they can also be made in a variety of different ways – like using homemade chai latte powder! This chai latte powder recipe will show you how to make a perfect cup of chai latte using your homemade chai coffee powder.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have an amazing cup of chai latte in no time. So get ready – let’s make the perfect chai latte!

I make this chai latte dry mix every fall. I know chai isn’t technically just a “fall” beverage, but the spices in the ingredients do lend themselves to the season. 

Chai Latte

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What is chai latte powder

Chai latte powder is a dry mix that includes the ingredients for a chai latte. It typically includes ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and sometimes cloves or even black pepper. The ratio of spices used for each recipe will vary depending on the individual’s taste preference.

This chai latte powder can then be mixed with hot milk and honey or sweetener to make a delicious cup of chai. 

Why make your own powder

  • Making your own powder is an easy way to save money 
  • It’s super simple to customize your drink to fit your personal flavor preferences. 
  • Plus, it’s much healthier than store-bought mixes that often contain added sugars and preservatives. 
  • You only need some basic pantry staples and you’re ready to make your own custom cup of chai at home! 
  • If you’re a true chai lover, you’ll enjoy making a cup with your own chai spice mix for sure

What does a chai latte taste like? 

A chai latte is a combination of sweet, creamy and spicy flavors. It’s made from black tea, milk – usually either cow’s or plant-based – and the traditional spices which can vary. The result is a unique flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.

You can adjust the amount of spices to your taste preference; some prefer a more subtle flavor while others like it more intense. The sweetness comes from either added sugar or honey depending on your preference. All in all, it has a complex flavor profile that appeals to many palates!

What are the common chai spices? 

The most common spices used to make a traditional chai latte are cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper. Each of these spices brings its own unique flavor and aroma.

Cinnamon is sweet with a warm, woody note; cardamom adds a slightly herbal zest; ginger has a peppery bite; cloves give a slight sweetness with an earthiness; and black pepper adds spiciness and complexity.

Together these aromatic spices create the unique flavor that so many enjoy in their chai lattes. If you want to add any of these spices to your easy recipe that we don’t always use, you absolutely can!

Ingredients Needed

Get all the info on these ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom for the best chai powder.

  • powdered sugar
  • unsweetened iced tea powder
  • ​powdered French vanilla nondairy creamer
  • powdered nondairy creamer
  • brown sugar- you can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile
  • ​nonfat dry milk powder
  • ​ground cinnamon
  • ground nutmeg
  • ground cloves
  • ground allspice

How to Make Chai Latte Powder 

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well until thoroughly combined. Then store your homemade chai tea latte powder in a proper container.

Storage 

Storing homemade chai latte powder is easy. Just make sure to keep the powder in an airtight container, like a glass jar with a lid or a mason jar.  

You can store it at room temperature or in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard for up to 6 months a year or more. 

The spices and nonfat milk and creamers don’t really spoil, they just lose their potency and flavor. They don’t go bad and become unsafe to use, they just won’t be as delicious and flavorful in your mug of hot water or milk. 

Chai latte powder typically does not need to be refrigerated.

How to use this chai mix

You just combine 1/4 cup of the dry mix with hot milk and you’ve got the yummiest Chai latte that rivals that of your favorite coffee shop! I like to add some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top to make it a little fancy and decadent!

Chai Latte Mix

Where do you find nonfat dry milk powder in the grocery store? 

Non-dairy milk powder can usually be found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store or organic food market. It’s worth noting that some brands may also carry this item in their refrigerated section. Look for words like “powdered” or “non-dairy” on the packaging and you’re sure to find it!

If you still have trouble, most stores also offer an online option for ordering so that you can get it delivered right to your doorstep. 

Or you can always order your dry milk powder from an online retailer.

Where do you find nondairy creamer? 

Typically this is found by the coffee and tea section of your grocery store. Non-dairy creamer is usually powdered but may be in other forms as well. For this recipe, we want to use the powdered kind.

Is instant tea powder the same as the black tea in the black tea bags? 

No, instant tea is not the same as the black tea found in traditional black tea bags. Instant tea powder is a mixture of dried black tea leaves and other ingredients and flavorings. It can be prepared more quickly than regular brewed black tea, but it doesn’t have the same flavor or aroma as freshly-brewed black tea. 

What is a dirty chai? 

A dirty chai is a type of latte that combines espresso and spiced tea (chai). It is usually made with a strong concentrate of brewed chai, which is then combined with steamed milk and a shot of espresso.

The espresso adds an additional layer of flavor to the drink, which makes it more complex and interesting. This combination is incredibly popular in coffee shops around the world and may be something you would like to enjoy at home with your powder mixture. 

Tips and Variations

  • You can use any milk to make your drink using your powder. Soy milk, cashew milk, dairy cows milk, almond milk, and even coconut milk will all work well with this chai latte mix.  
  • Feel free to add any other of your own chai spices that you enjoy. 
  • If you want to make this mix like a really fine powder, it may be helpful to use a food processor when combining ingredients for this chai tea mix. 
  • You can sweeten up your chip of tea by adding sugar, a drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup. You may also want to try a dash of vanilla extract when mixing your hot chai tea.
  • For an even more delicious cup of tea the next time that you make one, stir the milk and powder together with a cinnamon stick.
  • If you like a chilled iced chai latte, you can add a few ice cubes when mixing this chai latte recipe. 
  • You can use fresh ground spices by using a spice grinder when making this. 

The best part about this DIY chai latte powder is it’s super customizable and you can make it in a matter of minutes. You’ll never run out since this is made from common pantry staple ingredients too! 

 

Yield: 32 servings

Chai Latte Powder Recipe

Save money by making your own homemade Chai Latte Powder with this super simple 2 minute recipe.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups unsweetened iced tea powder
  • ​1 1/2 cups powdered French vanilla nondairy creamer
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered nondairy creamer
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ​ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

    1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well until thoroughly combined. Then store your homemade chai tea latte powder in a proper container.

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Vanessa

Friday 11th of December 2020

Thanks for sharing! There are so many fun ways you could package this as a gift too!

Suzanne

Friday 11th of December 2020

This looks so good! What a fun gift to make for friends at Christmas!

Vivian

Monday 8th of October 2018

Oh my, I cannot wait to make the Chai Latte!!

DAnielle

Sunday 7th of October 2018

This looks so delicious. I used to always get chais with my roommate at college. I'm pinning so I can make this at home. Love the enamelware as well.

Dawn

Sunday 7th of October 2018

I’m with you, so thankful for cooler temps. I’m over the summer heat and humidity. I drink chai tea every morning I’ll have to try your recipe. Have a wonderful Sunday :)

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