Simple Vanilla Chai {Dairy Free Alternative }

Vanilla chai takes your tea to a new level. Simmer your favorite black tea with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a splash of pure vanilla. This dairy-free chai is sweet, spicy, frothy, and perfect for your self care routine.

Vanilla Chai

I was first introduced to chai by my cousin-in-law’s mother, Nani. Nani is from India, and when I came to the U.S., I spent a lot of time with Nani, caring for my cousin’s children. Nani made it whenever she visited and it was so delicious. I stood in my cousin’s Brooklyn kitchen and watched her add spices to a pot of water, bringing it to a boil, then finally, adding milk. And like magic, the creamiest and most delicious warm beverage came from that pot.

I can never get my vanilla chai to taste like Nani’s but this recipe is the closest thing I have to those days. I will forever treasure those memories. I

Looking for another hot beverage? Try Caribbean Cocoa Tea next.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Chai Recipe

• Better than Starbucks: This beverage is better than any coffee shop replica. Places like Starbucks use a heavy, super-sweet concentrate but this recipe uses whole spices and tea bags for a lighter, tastier drink.
• Quick & Easy: Make vanilla chai from scratch with this simple recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to make.
• Customizable: This drink is so easy to customize. Enjoy homemade chai iced or hot, with or without dairy, Whole30 approved, or as sweet as you like.
• Cozy Drink: At night when my children are in bed and I am winding down for the night, nothing is better that a comforting cup of tea and a good book.

What is Chai?

Chai, or masala chai, is a blend of spices used to make traditional Indian tea. It is a spiced tea, enriched with milk and sugar. It is cooked in a saucepan rather than a teapot.

What’s the difference between Chai and Chai Tea?

The only difference between chai and chai tea is the terminology. “Chai” is the Hindi term for “tea.” So if you say chai tea, you are essentially saying “tea tea.” It works in the U.S., but in India, you might receive a chuckle in response to a request for “chai tea.”

Ingredients for Vanilla Chai

Rich, creamy, and naturally sweet, make this beverage Whole30 friendly.

• Water: This is the liquid base of the beverage.
• Nut Pod Creamer: This recipe is a Whole30 recipe so naturally I am using a non-dairy Whole30 Approved creamer. My creamer of choice is the Nut Pod Creamer. I am using the original and a bit of vanilla extract here but you can also just use the French Vanilla flavor and skip the vanilla extract. You may choose any creamer you like. If doing Whole30 check to ensure it is compliant.
• Vanilla extract: This is what makes it vanilla chai!
• Tea bag: Traditional masala chai is made with loose tea leaves but I use a decaffeinated black tea bag for my chai. However, feel free to use any black tea blend you like.
• Whole Spices: I use cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, whole cloves, and nutmeg (grated works too).

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Vanilla Chai

Add water, a tea bag and spices to a small saucepan on medium to high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then continue to boil for another 10-20 minutes (depending on how strong you want the flavor to be).

Then add the creamer and vanilla extract and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat, then strain off the spices and tea bag. Finally, pour the chain into your favorite tea cup or mug and enjoy warm!

Sugar in your tea?

Did your parents cool tea like this when you were little? I love doing this to my chai to add a bit for airy, frothiness to the chai. I am usually a plain tea type of gal, except for when I am making vanilla chai and even then I don’t add sugar.

The only time I sweeten my tea is when I am making iced tea or an Arnold Palmer in the summer. Oh summer days, where are you? If you are not on a Whole30 round you can feel free to sweeten your tea with your sweetener of choice.

Make it your own

The longer the spices boil in the water, the deeper and richer the flavor of the tea. At night I like a mild spiced, more creamy flavored chai but if I have this tea in the morning, I let it boil for quite some time and then let it cool and sit for a few more minutes (often, it is because I am busy with the kids and I’ve forgotten about the tea). You can boil it for however long you like. Want just a hint of spice flavor, bring it to a boil and let it boil for 10 minutes. Want more richness? Let it sit overnight after boiling and enjoy it in the morning. There is no right or wrong way to spice or make chai.

Recipe Substitutions & Variations

• Spices: For more flavor, try adding fresh ginger, star anise, or black pepper.
• Sweeteners: This drink has a subtle sweetness but if you want it sweeter (and aren’t on Whole30) add maple syrup, agave, honey, or sugar.
• Iced Vanilla Chai: Place the mixture in the fridge for at least 10 minutes and then pour it over ice.

Tips for the Best Chai

• I add whole spices to the brew but if you want a stronger flavor, use ground spices. Use a mortar and pestle to crush.
• Using too little or too much milk will change the taste of the tea. A good ratio of water to milk is 3:1.
• Add the creamer/milk after boiling the tea mixture. This prevents the tea from curdling. It also allows the spices to infuse the water for a stronger flavor base.
• If you choose to add sugar, mix it in after turning off the heat.
• Taste test before adding sweetener.

Frequently Asked Questions