Cozy up to this warmly spiced vegan chai latte recipe. It’s got all the classic chai spices and no caffeine! You can make this single-serving treat in about 5 minutes with wholesome plant-based milk. Perfect for bedtime or anytime you want a sweet and creamy beverage!

Just the words chai latte feels special. It makes me think of sitting cross legged on a Himalayan Mountain sipping peacefully from a steaming cup. Or, more practically, pouring overly sweet coffee shop-style chai mix from an aseptic carton. So, what is a chai latte anyway?

Masala chai originated in India thousands of years ago as a medicinal drink. It’s a beverage of massive cultural significance which now has worldwide popularity. Masala chia, meaning spiced tea, is made from black tea, milk, and spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The modern-day chai latte is a fusion of masala chai and frothy steamed milk. To make it caffeine-free and vegan we skip the tea and use plant-based milk.

You can read all about the history of chia here.

What milk should I use in this Vegan Chai Latte Recipe?

When choosing milk, the first thing to decide is how rich you want your latte to be. The richer the milk, the creamier the latte. I tested this recipe with soy milk which is thick and foams up nicely.

Next, choose milk that you really like because it’s the main ingredient. So, if Oatly is your favorite brand, go with that! I feel it would be delicious with my homemade almond milk as well.

Choose unsweetened. But, if sweetened is your only option, or what you have on hand, forge ahead and reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon. You can test it to see if it’s sweet enough before adding more.

How do I make it frothy?

I’ve got two easy options for you, and both are very satisfying.

The jar method is almost too good to be true. Just add all your ingredients to a jar that is large enough to accommodate some serious foam. Heat it in the microwave until it’s hot but not scorch-your-tongue hot. Secure the lid and shake with the intensity of outrunning an on-rushing bear.

You’ll see the milk magically foam up as you shake the jar. Carefully unscrew the lid and pour into your favorite mug, scooping any precious remaining foam on top.

For the more traditional stovetop method, add all your ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Use a whisk, or better yet, a milk frother, to whip up the milk into foam as it heats. When it’s pleasantly warm but not boiling, pour it into your favorite mug, scooping the foam on top.

What spices are in a chai latte?

The most common spices are cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. But some recipes will include nutmeg, allspice, anise, vanilla, and pepper, among others, depending on the region in India. This recipe features a balance of the most common spices. Using ground spices makes the recipe quick, easy, and flavorful.

What sweetener is in this chai latte?

Remember those boxes of Oregon Chai? Don’t worry, this recipe has way less than 31 grams of sugar per serving! Two tablespoons of maple syrup make it sweet enough to brighten the spices and feel like a treat without the gut bomb. Pure maple syrup has just the right amount of caramel flavor too.

Serving Suggestions:

Vegan Chai Latte is delectable on its own but is a match in heaven with:

Vegan Almond Shortbread, probs my favorite cookie of all time!

Almond Cacao Biscotti, which just begs to be dipped into a warm beverage.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Blender Muffins are the perfect pair to the warm spices in chai.

If I ever find myself sitting cross-legged on a majestic mountain, you can bet I’ll be sipping this chai latte and peacefully smiling. This recipe is:

Caffeine-free
Vegan
Dairy-Free
Sweet
Creamy
Warmly spiced
Quick and easy

Here are a couple more cozy drink recipes for your cup!

Cashew Golden Milk

Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix

Keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions with photos!

Ingredients for Caffeine-Free Vegan Chai Latte

Single serving recipe Makes about 12 oz.

1½ cups (355 ml) of unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger (¼ teaspoon for spicy)
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of salt

How to make this recipe:

Microwave directions:

1. Add all of your ingredients to a 16 oz. (or bigger) glass jar without the lid. Microwave until very warm but not piping hot, 1½ minutes.

2. Secure the lid and shake like your life depends on it. You’ll see the spices mix into the warm milk which will turn foamy.

Stovetop directions:

1. Add all of your ingredients to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Use a whisk or a milk frother to blend the ingredients. As it heats up, a thick foam will form on the top.

2. Remove from the heat when very warm, but not boiling.

3. Pour into your favorite mug, spooning any extra foam on top. Garnish with whatever makes your heart happy!

How to store:

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

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Yield: 1 Serving

Author: Carol Clayton