Is Chai Black Tea?
Chai is an aromatic blend of spices, tea leaves and sometimes milk. But is the tea that is part of chai black?
What Is Chai?
The blend of spices used in chai is called masala chai. It usually includes a combination of some or all of the following:
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Black peppercorns
- Fennel seeds
These spices are normally added to a base of whole or powdered black tea or English tea. After the spices are added to the tea blend, the mixture is boiled with water or milk. This creates a fragrant and spicy beverage that you can enjoy hot or cold.
Is Chai Black Tea?
Chai is made with a base of black tea, which is why it is often referred to as black tea chai or just chai tea. However, some forms of chai are made with green or oolong tea instead of black tea, so not all chai contains black tea.
If you’re not sure whether a particular type of chai contains black tea, you can check the ingredients list on the packaging or contact the store or manufacturer.
The Bottom Line
Chai is an aromatic blend of spices, tea leaves and sometimes milk. The tea that is used in chai is usually black, but some forms of chai are made with other types of tea, such as green or oolong. If you’re not sure whether a particular type of chai contains black tea, you can check the ingredients list on the packaging or contact the store or manufacturer.
