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Masala Chai is a fragrant, spiced tea beverage originating from the Indian subcontinent, made by simmering black tea with a blend of aromatic spices and milk. Its core ingredients typically include black tea, milk, sugar, and a warming spice blend often featuring cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
A standard cup is moderately high in carbohydrates from milk and added sugar, with a small amount of protein from the dairy. It provides antioxidants from the tea and beneficial compounds from the spices, with a typical calorie range of 70-120 kcal per serving depending on preparation.
Culturally, it's a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality across South Asia, with each family often having its own secret spice blend. Nutritionally, the spices like ginger and cinnamon are celebrated in traditional systems for their potential digestive and warming properties.