Most people make chai latte with dairy milk. But, if you are a vegan, or you are looking for a healthier option, you might be wondering if you can still enjoy a chai latte without cow’s milk.
The answer is yes! We will discuss the best milk alternative for chai and the different types of milk you can use to make a chai latte.
The perfect cup of chai is made with a combination of warm milk, spices, and tea. One of the best ways to add a layer of complexity to your chai is by switching up the type of milk you use.
And while there isn’t a wrong way to make chai, there are a few ways to make it better.
While most people would assume that skim or 2 percent milk is the best option, non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and soy cashew milk are the top milk alternatives for chai.
Here are the 6 best Milk Alternatives for Indian Chai:
- Coconut Milk
- Almond Milk
- Oat Milk
- Soy Milk
- Cashew Milk
Milk Alternatives Nutrition Chart
| Coconut Milk | Almond Milk | Oat Milk | Soy Milk | Cashew Milk | Hemp Milk | |
| Calories | 50 | 30 | 120 | 131 | 156 | 80 |
| Carbohydrate (Total) | 2 g | 16 g | 15 g | 15 g | 10.5 g | 1.3 g |
| Fats (Total) | 57 g | 3 g | 15 g | 4.3 g | 11 g | 7.3 g |
| Potassium | 631.2 mg | 160 mg | 389 mg | 286.7 mg | 101 mg | |
| Protein | 5 g | 1 g | 3 g | 8 g | 4.5 g | 4.7 g |
| Sodium | 36 g | 5 mg | 101 mg | 123.9 mg | 100 mg | 110 mg |
| Sugar | 8 g | 7 g | 7.01 g | 10 g | 3 g |
6 Best Milk Substitutes for Chai
It is always challenging to find healthy, fresh, and tasty chai latte made with non-dairy milk. Starbucks has got you covered. Start buck chai lattes are made with 2% reduced-fat milk.
But if you’re a vegan, Starbucks uses soy, oat milk, coconut milk, and almond milk as milk substitutes for their chai latte. These milk substitutes are also good alternatives if you are a vegan or lactose intolerant.
1. Coconut Milk [My top pick]
Coconut milk tastes great. It has a sweet flavor and a creamy texture, enhancing any chai latte. It’s an excellent option for those who are lactose intolerant or on a dairy-free diet and looking for a milk alternative for chai tea.
If you want to enjoy your chai without cow milk, you can also try using non-dairy milk like soy milk or almond milk. Coconut milk is enriched with vitamins and minerals, and other essential nutrients. It helps prevent chronic heart diseases.
2. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular plant-based alternative to traditional dairy milk. It is made by soaking almonds in water and straining their juice to produce a creamy, milky liquid that is lower in calories, fat, and sugar than traditional cow’s milk.
Almond milk has a nutty taste and substitutes cow’s milk in chai lattes. You can also use unsweetened almond milk.
Almond milk is also high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin D, phosphorus, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Almond milk is also high in protein and an excellent alternative for those who have a dairy allergy.
3. Oat Milk
Oat milk can be used as an alternative to dairy milk in a chai. Oat milk is a great alternative because it adds a smooth and creamy texture to the chai; however, it’s high in calories.
Oat milk is high in protein and calcium, contains more B vitamins, and has a sweeter taste than other dairy milk.
If you are looking for a healthy milk alternative to make chai rich in nutrients, try oat milk. Oat milk is healthier than regular cow’s milk because it is lower in fat and has higher levels of potassium and antioxidants.
It is non-dairy, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and has no cholesterol.
4. Soy Milk
Soy milk has a mild taste and is a good substitute for cow’s milk in chai latte milk. Soy milk is enriched with protein and healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids) and has a creamy texture which makes it a good substitute for milk.
However, if you use soy milk for chai, you may need to add more sweeteners to your drink to make it taste good.
5. Cashew Milk
We all know that cashew milk is one of the best low-calorie alternatives to milk for a chai. Cashew milk contains magnesium and potassium, which are essential for cardiovascular health. It also has a high content of antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
It is an excellent source of protein and helps maintain a proper balance of nutrition. Besides, it has a low glycemic index, which has a very low impact on blood sugar.
6. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is the light and healthy milk alternative for a chai latte. It is enriched with nutrients and is much healthier because of its high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (immunity boosters) and a good amount of calcium. It has a nutty flavor and can be enjoyed without adding sugar.
The type of milk you use will affect the overall taste of your chai. Some milk substitutes to use if you do not want to use milk for your chai recipe. Many of them are not as rich as milk, so you may need to add more sugar or honey to your chai, but they will work.
In a recent article, I discuss the benefit of drinking chai without milk.
Best Milk Substitute For Chai Latte
For me, nothing beats the taste of a freshly prepared chai latte. It’s not just about the spices that go into it; it’s about the warmth and the experience.
It is a delicious, robust, and spicy tea, a great alternative to coffee. Although chai is made with milk, you can substitute the milk in the chai recipe with milk alternatives.
There are many milk alternatives for a chai latte, such as almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, etc.
Of all the non-dairy options out there, almond milk and coconut milk are the best milk alternatives for a chai latte.
This substitution works well with Starbucks beverages. I find their brand of coconut milk really good.
Final Words
Chai is one of those drinks that has acquired a cult following. It is a favorite not just for its unique taste but also for its health benefits.
It is an excellent source of antioxidants and has immense anti-inflammatory properties. It’s not just the taste and aroma that makes chai so popular; it’s the health benefits that make it even better.
Photo altered by dejittr.com | Photo attribution: The Humble Co.
