Dirty Chai
Dirty Chai is a spiced latte that combines traditional chai tea with a shot of espresso, creating a bold, aromatic coffee-tea hybrid. It typically features black tea, warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, and is often made with non-dairy milk such as oat, almond, or soy for a creamy, plant-based twist. Originating from café culture in the West, it blends Indian chai traditions with modern espresso drinks.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Dirty Chai is generally moderate in carbohydrates from the milk and any added sweeteners, with minimal protein and fat unless using a richer non-dairy milk like oat or coconut. It provides antioxidants from the tea and spices, along with a caffeine boost from both tea and espresso, and typically ranges from 100 to 200 calories per serving depending on size and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Dirty Chai represents a fusion of Indian masala chai heritage with Italian espresso influence, highlighting global coffeehouse trends. Nutritionally, using non-dairy milk can lower saturated fat and cholesterol while adding vitamins like calcium and vitamin D, making it a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
