Chai and caffeine: everything you need to know
Chai is much more than just an aromatic hot drink - it is a blend of spices, tea and tradition. But many people wonder: does chai contain caffeine? What effect does it have? And are there caffeine-free alternatives? In this article, we answer all the important questions about chai and caffeine.
Does chai contain caffeine?
Yes, chai contains caffeine in most cases, as it is traditionally based on a tea such as black tea, green tea or mate. The exact caffeine content depends on the type of tea used and how it is prepared.
However, there are also caffeine-free chai variants that are based on rooibos, herbs or decaffeinated tea and are ideal for enjoying in the evening or for people who are sensitive to caffeine.
How much caffeine do the different types of chai contain?
The classic base for masala chai is black tea, usually Assam or Ceylon. Black tea naturally contains caffeine - a cup of chai can contain around 20-50 mg of caffeine. By comparison, a cup of filter coffee has around 80-100 mg of caffeine.
Chai based on green tea also has caffeine, but in smaller quantities than black tea. The caffeine content is between 15-30 mg per cup, depending on the type of tea and brewing time.
Mate chai
Yerba mate is a popular alternative to tea and contains a high amount of caffeine. One cup of mate chai can contain 50-80 mg of caffeine.
How does the caffeine in chai work?
The caffeine contained in chai differs significantly in its effect from that in coffee. While coffee usually provides a quick, intense energy boost, the caffeine in tea is released more slowly and evenly.
This is due to the tannins (tannins) that occur naturally in tea. These bind the caffeine and ensure that it is gradually absorbed by the body. As a result, you don't experience a sudden energy boost followed by a performance slump ("caffeine crash"), but a long-lasting effect.
Is there chai without caffeine?
Yes, there is. It differs in the tea base used. On the one hand, decaffeinated bases, such as decaffeinated black tea, and on the other, caffeine-free bases, such as rooibos tea, can be used:
- Rooibos chai - A naturally caffeine-free variant with a smooth, malty taste.
- Spice chai (masala chai without tea) - A pure blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, infused only with hot water or milk.
- Honeybush chai - Similar to rooibos, but slightly sweeter and also caffeine-free.
Black tea base - With caffeine
Combines strong black tea with aromatic spices to create an intense drink. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the traditional taste of masala chai with a moderate caffeine content.
Green tea base - With caffeine
David Rio's green tea chai offers a milder, fresh alternative to the classic black tea chai. With less caffeine, but ideal for anyone who doesn't want to miss out on caffeine.
Black tea base - Decaffeinated
This variant combines the classic taste of black tea and spices, but without the effect of caffeine. Ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the full chai flavor without the caffeine.
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.337 kg (€38.43* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.456 kg (€28.40* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.337 kg (€38.43* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
