There is a lot of confusion about the difference between Chai tea and Thai tea. Some people think they are the same, while others believe they are two completely different drinks. So, what’s the difference? And which one should you be drinking?
This blog post will discuss the differences between chai and Thai tea, the ingredients of both teas, and how much caffeine is in Thai tea vs. chai tea to help you decide which one is right for you!
Also from here on in, I will be referring to Chai tea by its proper name, Masala Chai, or just chai. Chai means tea so when you say Chai tea you’re saying tea tea. Masala means spice.
Masala Chai Vs. Thai Tea
Do you adore both Thai Tea and Chai Tea? If so, you’re probably wondering about the difference between chai and Thai tea.
Both tea’s are trendy, but they have some distinct differences. Both teas are made with spices that give them a unique flavor, but they are different. Here we will explore the differences between these two types of tea. Keep reading to find out!
Masala Chai Vs. Thai Tea: The Battle of the Teas
Masala Chai consists of a black tea base with milk, spices, and sweetener (sugar or honey). The spices used in Masala Chai vary by region but usually include cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
Thai tea is one of the most popular tea varieties globally. Thai tea is a blend of black tea, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, evaporated milk, and sugar.
If you are looking for a flavorful and aromatic tea that will warm you up on a cold day, chai is a perfect choice! Its combination of spices will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
If you are looking for something a little sweeter and more indulgent, Thai tea is the right choice for you. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
One of chai tea’s main ingredients is milk. This helps to add a creamy consistency that will coat your tongue in luxurious comfort! The milk also aids in creating the perfect cup of Masala Chai by balancing out all of those intense spices!
Not only does chai taste great with cow’s milk, but it also goes well with milk alternatives like coconut, almond, oat, soy, and cashew milk
While Masala Chai can be served hot or cold, most people prefer to drink it warm because it allows the spices to release their flavors.
If you are looking for something even richer than chai but still want an authentic taste, try making Thai iced tea instead. It has similar properties to chai tea, like sweetness from condensed milk (or half-and-half), creaminess due to cream or evaporated milk, and orangey hue from food coloring added to Thai Black Tea.
Main Ingredients in Masala Chai Vs. Thai Tea
Thai tea is a type of tea that originated in Thailand. In contrast, Masala Chai typically refers to a blend of tea, spices, and milk that originated in India. Although both are made with black tea, the ingredients used in Thai tea and Masala Chai vary significantly.
Masala Chai Ingredients
Masala Chai is a spiced tea that is a popular drink in India and Southeast Asia. It is typically found in homes as a daily drink in India and is also served in many Indian restaurants.
In the United States, Masala Chai is a trendy drink in coffee shops and cafes.
Masala Chai typically contains black tea, milk, and spices like cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and ginger. Chai is most often brewed with black tea, and it can be sweetened with sugar or honey.
Check 2 of our popular masala chai guides: How to make Masala chai tastier & how to make masala chai concentrate.
Thai Tea Ingredients
Thai iced tea is a unique drink that is popular throughout the world. When you drink Thai iced tea, you will taste the creamy sweetness of the evaporated milk and the smoothness of the black tea.
Thai tea is also made from black tea, but it contains additional ingredients like star anise and tamarind paste.
It is typically served with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated sugar, giving it a sweeter flavor than chai tea.
You might be wondering which tea is high in caffeine. We’ve got you covered! The following section will discuss the Main Ingredients in Masala Chai Vs. Thai tea and the caffeine content of both teas. Stay with us to learn more about Masala Chai and Thai tea!
How Much Caffeine in Thai Tea Vs. Chai Tea?
Caffeine content for chai and Thai are different due to their ingredients and brewing methods. The caffeine content of chai is lower than that of Thai tea. Masala Chai contains about 26 mg of caffeine in an 8oz serving.
The caffeine content in the average cup of Thai tea made with 8oz of black tea is about 47mg.
The caffeine content can vary depending on how strong the black tea is brewed, how many different teas are added when manufacturing Thai Tea and how long it steeps.
Although Masala Chai is known as sweetened milk tea, Thai tea is much sweeter because of sugar. If you are looking for less caffeine and less sugar, go for Masala Chai instead of Thai tea.
What Makes Thai Tea Look Orange?
When you order Thai tea from a local shop, you will see Thai tea’s vibrant orange color. This color is because Thai tea makers usually add food coloring to make Thai tea look orange. This gives the tea a more attractive appearance and a darker hue.
What Is Thai Tea Similar to?
The question is, what exactly is Thai tea and what is it similar to? Thai tea is a sweetened black tea that’s often served cold.
Thai tea is similar to another beverage that’s served cold and sweetened: bubble tea. Both beverages are served cold, have a thick texture, and are made with a good bit of sugar.
They are both made with black tea and milk. Thai tea is a lot sweeter and thicker, with a distinct taste that is hard to describe.
Thai tea is made by adding condensed milk to the tea, while bubble tea is made with a tea base, milk, and sugar.
Thai tea is also similar to another sweetened tea that’s served hot: chai tea. Both are made with black tea, milk, and sugar.
You drink Thai tea on its own, while bubble tea is more like a dessert that you can add toppings to (tapioca bubbles).
What Is the Difference Between Thai Tea and Milk Tea?
Thai tea is popular in Thailand, and it’s commonly consumed in the US as well. There are different types of Thai tea, but the two most common are Thai iced tea and Thai milk tea.
Thai iced tea is often served cold, while Thai milk tea is usually served hot. Thai milk tea is a mixture of black tea, spices, and a generous amount of sweetened milk.
Iced Thai tea includes black tea, spices condensed, and evaporated milk. The tea is brewed, and then another layer of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk is added.
Or add some evaporated milk on the top for a frothy kick. The sweetness of the condensed milk dominates the taste of Thai tea, but the tea leaves also add a pleasant aroma to it.
It’s a sweet, milky tea often served with cream or milk froth on top, a sweetener, and a selection of toppings like popping bubbles.
Final Words
It all comes down to personal preference! If you can’t decide between chai and Thai tea, why not try both?
You may find that you love them both equally! So sit back, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of tea! So next time you are in the mood for a delicious cup of tea, be sure to give Chai or Thai tea a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Photo altered by dejittr.com | Photo attribution: Mae Mu, Drew Jemmett licensed under CC2.0
