How Much Sugar is in a Chai Tea Latte?
Chai tea lattes are a delicious way to enjoy the aromatic spices of chai tea. However, for those looking for a healthier latte option, it can be difficult to know how much sugar is packed into your beverage.
Sugars in Chai Tea Bases
Chai tea mixtures can contain a variety of different added sweeteners. Here are common sugars used:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
Generally, most chai tea mixtures do not contain added sugars, but this varies depending on the brand or type of chai tea you purchase. It is important to read the nutrition label to see the exact amount of added sweetener.
Sugars in Chai Lattes
Chai lattes are a combination of brewed chai tea, milk and sweetener. Most cafes will use milk with low fat content for their latte base, which can contain some natural sugars. The added sweetener will usually be in the form of simple syrup or a combination of honey,brown sugar and/or granulated sugar.
The amount of added sweetener varies drastically between cafes and the exact beverage you order. For example, a small café latte can contain anywhere from 10g-30g of added sugars. This does not take into account any natural sugars found in the milk.
Choosing a Healthier Latte Option
If you are looking to reduce the amount of added sugars in your latte, here are some tips:
- Select a chai tea with minimal added sweeteners.
- Ask your café to reduce the amount of added sweetener or substitute it with another low sugar alternative.
- Use almond, oat, or soy milk to replace regular dairy milk. This can reduce the amount of natural sugars in your latte.
- Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger to your latte. The warming spices will cover any bitterness from a reduced sugar content.
- Opt for an iced chai latte, as cold temperatures make the sweetness less noticeable.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, low sugar chai latte.
