How to Make Starbucks Vanilla Chai Latte – Copycat Recipe

The bond between the Starbucks vanilla chai latte and me has been growing strongly for seven and more years. When I was doing the corporate job, my tea breaks were mostly attracted to the Starbucks nearby. Even though it is very expensive, I just love it and spend more for it. But when I quit my job, it was not that easy to reach a Starbucks shop and have my favorite tea. 

So, I just tried the Starbucks vanilla chai latte recipe and it became a success. All I miss is that logo of two tailed mermaid.

What is really a vanilla chai latte?

This is something similar to a latte like espresso, but it is made with chai tea concentrate instead of the espresso. The real origin of this tea is from India. The drink is very popular in different places in Europe and it is made with very strong dark colored black tea. My sister always like to mix the vanilla chai latte with espresso and some around the US also like this mix called dirty tea. Most of them opt for the real vanilla chai tea.

I like the real, a little spicy, and energetic vanilla chai more than other types of fusions.

Is Chai Latte with Vanilla Good?

A vanilla chai latte is perfect for all the right reasons! Let us tap into the rich spice flavor profile of a chai latte by incorporating vanilla syrup provides a harmony of strong spices over a smooth and sweet undertone. It gives a comfort note to the natural spiciness of the tea. This makes pure, straight-forward tea a brew more accessible for those who find plain chai too intense. 

Alternatively, it is suitable for super-sweet drink fanatics that should be able to provide a punch of complex flavors. The vanilla complements the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom in chai; the flavor is soothing and delicious.

Is a Vanilla Chai Healthy?

Even though there are some unhealthy ingredients, vanilla chai latte includes some good things from the black tea. It has spices that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also to be understood that Starbucks’ is chock-full of sugar and calories, especially if using regular vanilla syrup and 2% milk. 

You can make it a bit healthier by choosing a smaller size, using sugar-free vanilla syrup, or opting for a lower-calorie milk option like almond or skim. When enjoying this drink in moderation, you can satisfy your craving while still getting some nutritional perks.

Starbucks  Recipe Ingredients

If you don’t have to put so much effort and money, choose this easy recipe method. It can lessen your work and get the perfect chai.

The only three ingredients they need are the Tazo chai tea latte base, vanilla syrup, and milk. You can find this base in most supermarkets and on many online sites. I usually purchase such things at Walmart. I shop for vanilla syrup from there, not only for the chai tea latte base. My neighbor has a diabetic issue, and once, I tried the chai with sugar-free vanilla syrup for her. Walmart is very near to me, and I get most of the needed things in one shopping trip. When it comes to milk, skimmed milk or dairy-free milk will be perfect options.

How Much Caffeine in Chai Latte at Starbucks?

The caffeine content varies for a Starbucks Chai Latte depending upon size and flavor. A standard 12-ounce (Tall) Starbucks Chai Tea Latte has approximately 70 mg of caffeine. You’re going to get around 95-120 mg of caffeine if you order a bigger size, such as a Grande (16 ounces) or Venti (20 ounces), since it contains the chai concentrate. Also known as chai, it is made with black tea and  it naturally contains caffeine. This may be the reason why so many fans love its special  flavor. If you have a sensitive stomach to caffeine, you can ask them to make it half-sweet or stick with decaf alternatives that do not contain caffeine.

Things To Do Before Start

Before going to the recipe, there are certain basic  things you should know about the Starbucks vanilla chai latte recipe. You should take these pre-tasks first then can go to the recipe.

Preparing Milk

Preparing Milk

Initially I thought that the milk is the majority content of Starbucks recipes. But researching and drinking more from them, I realized that only 2% milk is used. It also can be made with different types of milk and even use dairy free milk like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk or coconut milk. Of all these, my personal favorite is oat milk.

Preparing milk is the first step towards the recipe. To get a taster and the perfect texture of the Starbucks vanilla chai latte recipe, you have to froth the milk. You have to make beautiful foam with the milk. There are certain types of methods to froth, and my personal favorite is using a milk frother. I brought these products in online. When I shared the fish stick recipe in air fryer,  most of you are keep asking me where am I brought these things. If have discounts, I prefer stores, otherwise will order online from amazon. It will help to get better steam without that much effort. If you don’t have it, I will give you alternative ways.

  • Coffee press: Adding hot milk to the press and pump for 15 minutes. You will get the perfect foam milk.
  • Whisk: It is more time consuming but people can try if they don’t have any tools for frothing. You have to whisk the milk until the foam forms.
  • Espresso Machine Steamer: This can be pretty much expensive. If you already have one like this, you can use the steamer to warm up and form froth.

Which should buy Chai Tea Latte Co concentrator Chai Tea Bags?

The chai tea latte concentrate is ready to use. Only we have to add milk to it. But when it comes to the tea bags, you have to concentrate by boiling it with water. If you are making this occasionally, tea bags are better. But in my case, I am a huge fan of this drink and will be helpful if it is ready to use. So I mostly prefer to concentrate.

How to make Starbucks Vanilla Chai Latte Recipe

The Starbucks recipe is very confidential and the recipe will not be shared with anyone. But as a chai lover, I tried this recipe from each guess of my taste buds given.  Don’t think about the ingredients and all other luxuries. Just drink a sip and you can’t identify it’s not from Starbucks. 

I will give you instructions to brewing tea. The very first step is to pour one cup of base concentrate into a mug and add one cup of frothed milk with vanilla syrup. Mix well and the vanilla chai latte is ready to drink.

Spice Up with Water.

One of the popular rumors of Starbucks is they are adding water to get spicy tasty. I tried adding half cup milk and half cup of water. I also felt the tea was more spicy and refreshing. But, I always prefer without water. I want the authentic taste of it.

Is a chai tea latte good for you?

The chai can act as an energy booster. I used to drink a chai tea latte while doing my readings and working. It has many antioxidant properties. My best part is it contains spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom that have anti-inflammatory properties. If we are drinking it in moderation, this will not be a problem. Also, it can be high in sugar and calories, especially if made with sweetened syrups and whole milk, so it’s best to enjoy it mindfully.

Is there caffeine in the Chai Tea Latte?

Is there caffeine in the Chai Tea LatteYes, a Chai Tea Latte contains caffeine because it is made with black tea, which naturally has the ingredient caffeine. The caffeine content in chai tea can vary depending on the quantity you are adding and the quality of the black tea used in it. Mostly, I should avoid such drinks at night before sleep. If you want to drink, you can have it while doing work and in the morning time. 

How Much Sugar in Chai Latte at Starbucks?

It can be rather surprisingly high in sugar for a Starbucks Chai Latte. If you order a Grande Chai Tea Latte, it contains about 42 grams of sugar mainly due to the sweetened chai concentrate. You can ask for fewer pumps of chai or use unsweetened vanilla or almond milk to reduce the sugar content. 

Another option is to order an identical drink for yourself at home and adjust the amount of sugar to your own liking, or have the “light” version, where they use fewer pumps of chai. That’s one of the best ways to enjoy all the flavor without all the sugar.

Starbucks Vanilla Chai Latte Calories

The calorie count in a Starbucks vanilla chai latte may wonder you. This can also be due to the calorie count in a Starbucks Vanilla Chai Latte, especially if milk and sweet syrups are involved. The Grande-sized vanilla chai latte, made with 2% milk, has almost 240-250 calories. 

Moreover, with more pumps of vanilla syrup involved to enhance the taste, the calorie count shoots up rapidly. In an effort to save calories, you could opt for skim or non-dairy milk alternatives. But even so, the sweet chai concentrate would turn this drink into a calorie-rich beverage. If you’re monitoring your calories, you can order a smaller size, or you could ask for fewer pumps of syrup.

Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Calories with Oat Milk

The oat milk is creamy and a bit sweet. It is so super and more popular in these days. When you replace the 2% milk with oat milk in your Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, a Grande will be approximately 240-250 calories, almost like the normal version. While oat milk is still a more calorie-dense drink than almond milk or skim milk, the taste pairs nicely with the spice flavorings in chai, giving it a nutty richness that enhances this beverage. It’s a great compromise for those who desire creaminess without using dairy.

Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Calories with Almond Milk

The choice of almond milk is the best option to cut the calories with a Grande Starbucks Chai Tea Latte sitting at an approximate 190-200 calories. This can make a significant difference from the 2% milk version, which stands at about 340 calories. The oat milk is more fluid and less creamy compared to the almond milk but works pretty well with the warm spices of chai. Great for anyone looking for a dairy-free, lower-calorie chai latte with big flavor.

Also read my recent frozen ravioli recipe, I promise you that you’ll blown away with this.

FAQs on Starbucks Vanilla Chai Latte Recipe

How many pumps of vanilla are in a venti vanilla chai latte?

It is always good to add four pumps of vanilla to a venti vanilla latte. If you are adding brown sugar syrup, then add four pumps of brown sugar and two pumps of vanilla.

What is a dirty vanilla chai?

Dirty vanilla chai is a vanilla-flavored chai tea latte mixed with a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick. It combines the sweet, spiced flavors of chai with the boldness of coffee.

What is the best drink at Starbucks?

The best drink at Starbucks depends on your taste.  In Starbucks,  many people love the Caramel Macchiato drink for its perfect balance of espresso, milk, and caramel. Another most popular drink is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, especially during the fall season.

Is Vanilla Chai Hot or Cold?

You could enjoy your vanilla chai hot or cold, as you wish. A hot vanilla chai is often made by combining brewed chai tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla syrup for this warm, spicy taste just right for the chilliest of days. 

Your iced vanilla chai is mixed together with cold-brewed or chilled chai tea, milk, and vanilla over ice. As a cold version, it’s refreshing, with warm flavors especially in hot weather.

What is Vanilla Chai Flavor?

The flavor of a vanilla chai latte is the warm, earthy spice as blended with the smooth sweetness of vanilla. Conventional chai spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger give it this complex, slightly spicy profile, balanced by creamy milk and sweet vanilla syrup. This helps to create a drink that is bold and soothing. It also rich with hints of spice and a gentle vanilla finish. Comforting and fragrant that rich with the spice of chai tea, combined into a classic vanilla taste.

Blogger and creative entrepreneur, former marketer and strategist. I’m devoted to helping women boost their impact, master their money, and better themselves so that they can unlock their most meaningful lives. Proud Canadian hailing from Toronto, ON.