When you are counting calories, it is important to think about what you drink as well as what you eat. Certain beverages may have a high-calorie content without providing many nutrients such as protein. Iced chai tea typically contains black or green tea, milk, spices and sweeteners. The calorie content of a chai iced tea depends on a variety of factors, including type of milk, size of the drink, and the amount and type of sweeteners.
History
The word chai means tea in both Sanskrit and Hindi. Over time, chai has come to mean a sweetened, spiced tea blended with hot milk. This tradition developed in India approximately 2,500 years ago, when trading began with China. Chai has become popular in Western countries, with cafes often referring to chai drinks as chai latte in recognition of the drink's milk content.
Ingredients
The base of a chai drink is usually a black tea, although green tea may also be used. Different milks, sweeteners and spices may be added. Some people prefer chai drinks to be made with soy or rice milk, rather than the more common dairy milk. Culinary Teas says spices most commonly used in chai preparation include ginger, cloves, pepper and cinnamon.
Calorie Values
The calorific value of a chai iced tea depends on the size and ingredients of the drink. A 12-ounce serving of Tazo iced chai tea latte contains 180 calories, 3 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein and 33 grams of carbohydrates when prepared with 2 percent milk. The calorie content of the drink can be reduced by using skim milk and choosing a smaller size.
Variables
Sweetening chai iced tea with sugar or honey will increase its calorific value. A larger drink size, or use of whole milk, will also increase the calorie content of the chai iced tea. Chai can be made with either caffeinated or decaffeinated tea. According to the Mayo Clinic, caffeinated chai may give a temporary boost to your metabolism, and may aid calorie burning through metabolism and increased physical activity.
Warning
Consumption of caffeinated drinks, including iced drinks derived from chai, should be limited. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to headaches, shakiness, heart palpitations and insomnia. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should drink no more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine each day.
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