Starbucks vs Real Chai: Which is Better?

I feel like I've had the same conversation over and over again. It usually goes something like: “Oh, what is that you ordered?” , to which I reply “I got a chai, its my favorite drink”. This usually leads to person 1 saying, “I’m not a fan of chai, I ordered it this one time at Starbucks and it was way too sweet”.

This is usually when I go on my rant about how authentic masala chai is wayyyy different than the chai latte you get at Starbucks. If I had a chai for every time this conversation has happened, I’d be over-caffeinated and much more productive (lol).  But honestly, I think it’s so important to understand that the Starbucks rendition, or the \Americanized chai\ that many coffee stores sell doesn’t represent chai lattes as a whole. 

Now don’t get me wrong: I do enjoy Starbucks chai pretty often. It isn’t my favorite version of chai, but let’s face it, Starbucks has a drive thru and I don’t always have 30 minutes to steep and boil my own chai latte at home. The thing about Starbucks drinks is that they are always adjusted so that it would appeal to their cutomers. This leads me back to my whole \\Americanized chai \\ thing. The basic chai latte you order from basic coffee shops and the like will be more sugary and have more milk than an authentic masala chai latte. In fact, a grande Starbucks chai latte has 42 grams of sugar, but hey if that’s how you like it, then you do you. This is one of Starbucks top-selling drinks, so there are a number of people who prefer this version.

An authentic masala chai latte is going to have more tea than sugar and milk, whereas the Americanized take on it will have the opposite effect. The spices are going to also be stronger, because of the way it is prepared. A TRUE chai latte requires boiling water and allowing the tea to steep (usually) for about 10-15 minutes, which allows the loose-leaf spices to fully open up, infusing maximum flavor. The milk and sugar added is just enough to balance everything out. So personally, while I drink both all time time, my favorite is the authentic style.  

So, if you actually read to the bottom of this post, or you skimmed through and want a straight answer then here it is: Starbucks/American Chai lattes are going to be more sugary and less spicy. Real masala chai lattes are going to be more spicy, less sugary, still creamy. Now that you have this newfound chai knowledge, whatever shall you do? I don’t know. You may find yourself having the same conversation with your friends over and over. Or you may be inclined to try a REAL chai. But which one should you try first? I have a few favorites, so check for reviews coming soon!

- Chai Enthusiast