A common question floating around the internet: Is chai tea good for you? And the answer is — it depends on what’s in your cup of chai tea.
A study from the UK Tea & Infusions Association (2023) revealed that Brits drink over 100 million cups of tea every day — that’s about 36 billion cups a year. Among these, chai tea (also known as masala chai) is gaining popularity for its rich flavours and supposed health benefits. But how good is chai tea really for your health?
Let’s break it down.
What’s in a Cup of Chai Tea?
At its core, traditional masala chai is made from black tea, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger — all of which are Ayurvedic ingredients known for supporting digestion, circulation, and even your immune system.
These spices are packed with natural anti-inflammatory properties. For example:
- Ginger may help settle the stomach and support immunity.
- Cinnamon and cloves contain antioxidants and are known for their warming effects.
So, yes — if you're drinking chai tea made from whole spices and loose leaf tea, it can offer genuine wellness benefits.
Where Chai Tea Can Go Wrong
While the ingredients in chai tea are great on their own, trouble starts when sugar enters the mix.
Many chai tea lattes sold in cafés and chains are loaded with free sugars — often from syrups or concentrated mixes. Some blends can contain between 6g to 15g of sugar per serving. That’s nearly half of your recommended daily limit in one cup.
According to the NHS (2023):
- Adults should consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day.
- Children aged 7–10 should consume no more than 24g.
Exceeding this can contribute to common health issues like tooth decay, obesity, and heart problems — especially when sugar sneaks in through what you think is a healthy option.
Are All Chai Blends the Same?
Not quite. Some brands are transparent, listing their sugar content clearly. Others might label their products “low sugar” or “healthier”, but they still contain 3g to 12g per cup — sometimes even more if you’re having multiple cups a day. Always check before you sip.
For a healthier brew, skip the chain café chai tea lattes made with concentrates and try a homemade version using chai tea bags or loose leaf tea with no added sugars.
So, Is Chai Tea Good for You?
Yes — drinking chai tea can be a great habit if you’re mindful about what goes into your cup.
Look for blends that:
- Use natural spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger
- Are free from additives and preservatives
- Don’t rely on added sugars for flavour
Wild Chai’s Take on Healthy Chai
At Wild Chai, we keep things clean and simple:
- Our Monsoon Hills Masala Chai is sugar-free, relying on natural sweetness from spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
- We never use artificial additives or preservatives.
- All our blends are suitable for diabetics — no added sugar, no sweeteners, just real ingredients.
Whether you're swapping out your cups of coffee or just exploring the health benefits of chai, we’ve got something that supports your lifestyle.
Shop our sugar-free chai blends here.
In Summary
Is chai tea good for you? Absolutely — if it’s made with the right ingredients. Keep an eye on the sugar, stick with natural spices, and go for quality. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you.