12.16.2017
Chai Substitute
Easy substitutes and a simple recipe to recreate chai masala at home. Tips for baking, vegan swaps, spice ratios, and storage.
- Chai spice blends vary but usually include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and star anise.
- Quick pantry substitute: mix cinnamon + ground ginger + cardamom + pinch cloves and black pepper; adjust to taste.
- Basic chai method: simmer spices with milk and strong black tea for about 10 minutes, then strain and sweeten.
Indian spiced tea, also known as chai masala, is rich and milky with a deep color and spiced flavor. In North America, chai tea is often sold in pre-made tea bags and has a lighter flavor than traditional chai.
While chai translates to “tea”, masala translates to “spice” and is what most Americans are referring to when they mention chai. Chai spice is great in so many recipes, from beverages, both hot and cold, like this masala tea and chai spiced milkshake, to baked goods like this chai pound cake. If you’re looking to make a great chai spiced recipe, but don’t have chai spice on hand, use the substitutes here to recreate the chai flavor we love.
Substitutes for Chai Spice
Chai spice is warming and comforting with a spicy finish. All of these qualities make it perfect for winter recipes. All chai spice blends contain different amounts of each spice, but most chai blends contain the following spices:
- Cinnamon
- Anise seed
- Peppercorns
- Vanilla
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Nutmeg
- Clove
- Allspice
- Green cardamom
- Basil
- Star anise
- Fennel seed
You can use more or less of any of these spices to adapt to your liking.
Common Chai Substitute Questions
What Is The Best Way To Make Chai (Masala Tea)?
Our favorite combination of spices for chai is:
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
- 12 whole cloves
- 1 large piece of ginger
- 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Combine all of these ingredients with 4 cups of milk and 8 bags of black tea and boil for 10 minutes. Strain into a mug and serve with a drizzle of honey or a pinch of brown sugar.
What Is Chai Spice Made of?
Every family recipe is different, but the most common spices included are cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and star anise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use as a chai spice substitute?
Mix spices you have on hand. A simple stand-in is 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch each of ground cloves and black pepper. If you have star anise or fennel, add a small pinch. Use this blend in the same amount the recipe calls for chai spice.
How do I make authentic chai masala at home?
Combine 2 star anise, 2 tablespoons ground cardamom, 12 whole cloves, 1 large slice of fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper, and 2 bay leaves in 4 cups of milk with 8 black tea bags. Bring to a boil, simmer 8 to 10 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey or brown sugar to taste.
Which tea is best to use with chai spices?
Choose a strong black tea like Assam, CTC black tea, or a bold Darjeeling. These hold up to the milk and strong spices. Use about 2 tea bags per cup or follow the recipe that uses 8 bags for 4 cups.
Can I use chai spice in baking and how much should I add?
Yes. For cakes or quick breads try 1 to 2 teaspoons of chai spice per standard recipe, depending on how strong you want the flavor. For cookies or muffins start with 1 teaspoon and taste the batter if possible before baking. Reduce other warming spices so the chai blend does not overpower the recipe.
How do I reduce the heat or make chai milder?
Cut back on black pepper and fresh ginger to lower the heat. Increase cinnamon, vanilla, or a touch of cardamom for a sweeter, milder profile. Sweeteners like honey or brown sugar also soften the spicy edge.
How should I store homemade chai spice and how long does it last?
Keep your blend in an airtight container away from heat and light. Ground spice blends keep best for about 3 to 6 months for full flavor. Whole spices last longer. Grind only what you need for the best aroma.
Can I make chai masala dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Replace dairy milk with full-fat plant milks like oat, almond, soy, or coconut. Simmer the spices with your chosen plant milk and tea the same way. Full-fat options give a creamier mouthfeel similar to cow milk.
What can I use as a chai spice substitute?
Mix spices you have on hand. A simple stand-in is 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch each of ground cloves and black pepper. If you have star anise or fennel, add a small pinch. Use this blend in the same amount the recipe calls for chai spice.
How do I make authentic chai masala at home?
Combine 2 star anise, 2 tablespoons ground cardamom, 12 whole cloves, 1 large slice of fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper, and 2 bay leaves in 4 cups of milk with 8 black tea bags. Bring to a boil, simmer 8 to 10 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey or brown sugar to taste.
Which tea is best to use with chai spices?
Choose a strong black tea like Assam, CTC black tea, or a bold Darjeeling. These hold up to the milk and strong spices. Use about 2 tea bags per cup or follow the recipe that uses 8 bags for 4 cups.
Can I use chai spice in baking and how much should I add?
Yes. For cakes or quick breads try 1 to 2 teaspoons of chai spice per standard recipe, depending on how strong you want the flavor. For cookies or muffins start with 1 teaspoon and taste the batter if possible before baking. Reduce other warming spices so the chai blend does not overpower the recipe.
How do I reduce the heat or make chai milder?
Cut back on black pepper and fresh ginger to lower the heat. Increase cinnamon, vanilla, or a touch of cardamom for a sweeter, milder profile. Sweeteners like honey or brown sugar also soften the spicy edge.
How should I store homemade chai spice and how long does it last?
Keep your blend in an airtight container away from heat and light. Ground spice blends keep best for about 3 to 6 months for full flavor. Whole spices last longer. Grind only what you need for the best aroma.
Can I make chai masala dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Replace dairy milk with full-fat plant milks like oat, almond, soy, or coconut. Simmer the spices with your chosen plant milk and tea the same way. Full-fat options give a creamier mouthfeel similar to cow milk.
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