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Brewing a warm and comforting chai latte is the perfect way for me to start my day. However, making one the traditional way takes time that I just do not have on a busy morning.

Ever since I got my shiny new Keurig brewer (and saw the light!) I’ve been on a mission to taste-test every chai latte K-Cup.[1]

Get yourself a chai latte beverage and join me as I break down my thoughts on my favorite chai latte K-Cups I have tried so far.

OUR TOP PICK

Café Escapes Chai Latte

Taste

5.0

Size Options

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Our Score

4.5

CHEAPEST OPTION

Twinings Chai Latte

Taste

4.0

Size Options

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Our Score

4.3

Most Popular

Grove Square Chai Latte

Taste

4.5

Size Options

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Our Score

4.3

Without further ado... here are my favorite K-Cups that produce high-quality Chai Lattes. 

Each has their pros and cons which I have highlighted below.

1. Café Escapes Chai Latte K-Cups - Editors Pick

Taste

5.0

Size Options

4.0

Value for Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

Tasting Notes

Balanced spice

Contains Caffeine?

Yes

Quantity

72 pods, 12 x 6 pack

Price Per Count

$0.67 ($47.97 for 72)

Contains Milk?

Yes - cow milk

Cafe Escapes' chai latte K Cup is one of the first on this list I tried, and I loved it. It's now a staple in my home for chai tea.

It has a pleasant flavor and a rich, creamy texture. The spice blend was complex without being overwhelming, giving the chai spicy tones and sweet background.

It tasted very similar to the Starbucks chai latte I would order while studying at university and brought back some fond memories. I also loved that it was certified kosher and that the K-Cups are recyclable.

However, I would say that you should shake the cup before inserting it so that the spices blend properly into your drink.

Pros

  • Aromatic and comforting flavor
  • Quality taste
  • Balanced spices

Cons

  • On the pricy side

2. Twinings of London Best Value Chai Latte Tea K-Cups

Taste

4.0

Size Options

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.3

Tasting Notes

Balanced spice

Contains Caffeine?

Yes

Quantity

24

Price Per Count

$0.75 ($17.99)

Contains Milk?

Yes, non-fat cow’s milk

I had high hopes for the Twinings chai latte K-Cups. I have loved Twinings tea since I was a teenager and was really excited to see that they offered my favorite drink in K-Cup form.

The spice blend was well-balanced and provided a cozy and comfortable feeling. However, my usual brew cycle rendered the drink thin and weak.

If you give this blend a try, I recommend brewing on a much smaller cycle than usual, ideally six ounces. This will really bring out all the flavors of the chai.

Alternatively, this could be a great base to get started on your own homemade chai spice mix.

Pros

  • Well-established and trusted tea brand
  • Great spice balance

Cons

  • Weak and thin
  • Expensive

3. Grove Square - Popular Chai Latte Keurig K-Cups

Taste

4.5

Size Options

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.3

Tasting Notes

Sweet, thick, and creamy

Contains Caffeine?

N/A

Quantity

24

Price Per Count

$0.67 ($15.99)

Contains Milk?

Yes, skim milk powder

The Grove Square chai latte surprised me in my first taste test. I had not heard of the brand before until some colleagues confessed it was their favorite - and for good reason, it seems.

The taste is pleasant, with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. I love that it was on the milder side, but I know that is not always right for some.

This is another kosher blend and good value for newbies looking to get started with Keurig K-Cup pods. Sweeteners and milk have been added to the blend, so I recommend taking it easy when pouring your milk and sugar.

Overall, these Grove Square chai latte pods taste great, but some chai lovers will wish it were spicier.

Pros

  • Kosher-certified K-Cup brew
  • Great value
  • Creamy and smooth

Cons

  • Could be spicier

4. Timothy's World of Coffee - Great Taste

Taste

5.0

Size Options

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

Tasting Notes

Closest to traditional masala chai

Contains Caffeine?

Yes

Quantity

96

Price Per Count

$0.81 ($74.74)

Contains Milk?

Yes

Timothy's World is the best chai latte for those looking for a more traditional experience.

Of all the ones on this list, Timothy's chai tea K-Cup felt the closest to a masala chai despite hailing from Canada. This pleasant drink is sweet, spicy, and milky, with a good balance of natural spices.

I love how easy it is to get these K-Cups in bulk, but I will note that this is the most expensive brand per count, with each pod over 80 cents.

If you prefer a more traditional chai and don't mind splurging a little, I would recommend Timothy's over other brands on this list.

Pros

  • Balanced spices
  • Traditional chai flavor
  • Easy bulk order

Cons

  • Expensive

5. Maud's Cha Cha Chai Tea Latte

Tasting Notes

Smooth, strong, and sweet

Contains Caffeine?

N/A

Quantity

24

Price Per Count

$0.62 ($14.99)

Contains Milk?

Non-dairy creamer

Maud's was initially very impressive with their recyclable and BPA-free K-Cups and solar-produced ingredients. I love that the brand is kosher and that the taste is both smooth and strong.

It was fairly sweet, which may not be the best for those without a sweet tooth.

However, I found that the same chai latte K-Cup spices I loved had settled to the bottom of my mug, leaving me with an unpleasant final note.

In addition, according to some customers, this same eco-friendly packaging was sometimes tricky for Keurig machines to pierce, which could lead to a mess.

I did not encounter this issue, but I did want to note it.

Overall, I loved the strong, smooth flavor but thought it tasted too strong for most people to enjoy.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Strong, sweet flavor
  • Recyclable pods
  • Solar-produced
  • US-based brand

Cons

  • Spices settle at the bottom of your cup
  • It can be difficult for a Keurig to pierce

6. Crazy Cups, Chai Tea Latte

Tasting Notes

Strong cinnamon flavor

Contains Caffeine?

Yes

Quantity

22

Price Per Count

$0.74 ($16.25)

Contains Milk?

Yes, non-dairy creamer

The Crazy Cups chai line has a few different styles, but I decided to test the Creamy Cinnamon Chai.

I will admit that it is heavy on the cinnamon, which I enjoyed, but I know that not everyone loves such an unbalanced spice profile.

I love that this is kosher as well as gluten and sugar-free for my guests with dietary restrictions. Each K-Cup is recyclable, and I found pouring this chai latte over ice gave it a new distinct flavor.

I liked this batch, but I will note that it is one of the three more expensive brands of chai latte tea on this list.

Pros

  • Sugar and gluten-free
  • Amazon's choice of product
  • Recyclable cups
  • Kosher

Cons

  • Not well balanced
  • Expensive

How To Buy The Best Chai Latte K-Cups

Look At The Price Per Count (Pod)

We all have a budget, but it can be difficult to know whether one box of chai latte K-Cups is cheaper than another when there are different amounts in each box.

One way to equalize all the boxes is to divide the cost of the box by the number of chai latte K-Cups in the box - this will give you the price per count.

Knowing the price of one pod will help you figure out which is the best value for money while shopping.

On the cheaper end, aim for $0.50-$0.60 cents per pod. If you are comfortable spending more on these products, then $0.70-$0.80 per K-cup is a reasonable price. 

Flavor Profile & Taste Can Be Very Different

Part of the joy of chai is that each brew has a unique combination of flavors.

Some are sweet, some are bold, and others are more creamy; think about what you love in a chai and try to find a K-Cup chai latte that matches it.

For example, I love a sweet and spicy cup, but not too sweet, which I try to match in my chai latte options.

Caffeine Content Can Vary

You should keep it below 400 mg of caffeine daily[2], but that can be hard when caffeinated drinks are so tasty.

Chai lattes typically use black tea leaves, which contain caffeine - check the nutrition label for the caffeine level of your chai so you can stay healthy.

Most chai latte K-Cups are low to medium on the caffeine scale, with most being between 1 and 20 mg per cup.

This is significantly less caffeine than coffee, which comes in at around 80-100 mg in a standard mug.

Avoid Added Milk & Sugar 

I love pouring my K-Cup coffee over freshly steamed milk and a spoonful of honey, and this goes double for when I want to make a great chai latte.

However, some brands add milk and sugar to their K-Cup blend already, meaning that you should hold back a little when adding milk and sweetener.

Most brands use dry cow's milk, but more are choosing soy or other milk alternatives to get that creamy taste. In terms of sweeteners, some add sugar or other artifaicial sweeteners to give that sweet taste.

Organic Ingredients Are Always a Good Choice

You are what you eat, or in this case, drink. I have been really focused on trying to prioritize natural and organic ingredients in my drinks and meals.

I have learned that many brands can be full of artificial ingredients, but taking the time to find all-natural chai latte K-Cups can do your body a world of good.

Brewing A Hot Cup Of Tea Using Keurig

Check the Shelf Life

As a chai lover, I want to make sure I am stocked up at all times. Many brands sell their chai latte K-Cup flavors in bulk, which makes life so much easier.

However, you don't want to be caught out while craving a cup - make sure the shelf life is as long as possible. This ensures you always have some to hand, even if you take a break from your morning chai latte experience.

Compostable Packaging Is Preferred

Being mindful of the planet is essential in these modern times.

K-Cups are an easy way to pile up waste plastic, so I make a point of trying to find recyclable or even compostable packaged chai latte K-Cups so I can minimize harm to the environment.

Consider Your Dietary Restrictions

As chai latte K-Cups often contain cow’s milk and other common allergens, it is vital that you read the ingredients list before purchasing if you have allergies or know someone who does.

Value For Money

Value is vital while shopping for the best chai latte K-Cups - you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

As you shop, consider things like how many are in a box, how often you drink a chai latte K-Cup, what is available in your area, and so on.

Cafe Escapes Chai Latte K-Cup

What Exactly Is In Chai Latte? (Ingredients Breakdown)

In India, chai is not just a drink - it is a way of life.[3]

Chai means tea in Hindi, and the traditional way that many Westerners feel they do not have time for is the standard way of preparing tea in India.

This spiced tea is refreshing and delicious and is a labor of love to make.

To craft an authentic chai for an original chai latte, you would typically take the following and infuse them together in a pot for an extended period:

  • Finest black tea leaves
  • Whole milk (can be different, but whole milk is traditional)
  • Sugar
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Star anise
  • Cloves
  • Pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Fennel
  • Coriander

Then, froth the milk with a milk frother to get the best chai tea latte.

A latte is frothed steamed milk and is typically mixed with coffee, but it works well to elevate the chai latte beverage by adding a new texture.

Remember that the optimal flavor and the perfect drink take time!

However, not everyone has the time to craft a traditional chai tea latte experience. Chai latte K-Cups are there when you crave that comforting spicy drink but can't sit and labor over making it.

Chai Latte K-Cup At Home

Tips For Making Perfect Chai Lattes With A Keurig

The key to a good chai latte is delicious flavor, spicy taste, and careful preparation.

Keurig K-Cup brewers provide a convenient and delicious way to enjoy chai, but this wholesome tea experience can always be improved.

Here are my tips for the perfect cup of chai from K-Cup pods:

  • Choose a quality K-Cup chai blend
  • Use quality water that is either bottled spring or filtered tap
  • Heat your cup in the microwave beforehand, or use an insulated mug
  • Preheat your machine before brewing
  • Select a stronger blend via your brew button options
  • Regularly replace your filter and clean your machine
  • Experiment with your chai latte K-Cup

These tips will help you enjoy the perfect aromatic drink in a quick and easy way.


Common Questions About Chai Latte K-Cups

Is a chai tea latte healthy?

Whether a chai tea latte is healthy depends on the ingredients in the blend. If health is a concern, try avoiding single-serve pods that have a lot of added sugar or sweeteners and other processed junk.

What is a dirty chai tea latte?

A dirty chai tea latte is when you take the original chai tea latte and add a shot of espresso. A filthy chai contains two shots of espresso stirred into the chai latte tea beverage.

Is Starbucks chai tea latte made with real tea?

Starbucks’ coffee shop chai latte is made with chai concentrate, which does contain real black tea leaves as well as water and spices.[4]

So, Which Chai Keurig Pod Is Best?

With a Keurig machine, you can make a flavorful and enjoyable single serve cups of chai with all the spices you love and less effort - even on busy mornings.

Overall, the Cafe Escapes Chai Latte K-Cup is my top pick.

Experiment with each excellent option on our list of the best chai tea K-Cups and enjoy your perfect flavorful cup.

Our #1 Chai Latte K-Cup - Cafe Escapes

Taste

5.0

Size Options

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

References: 

1. https://www.keurig.com/c/coffeemakers101?q=productEligiblecategory:Single+Serve&sort=popular-all&cm_sp=Single-Serve-_-Top-Nav-_-singleserve101
2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much#:~:text=4.,associated%20with%20dangerous%2C%20negative%20effects.
3. https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/chai-tea/what-is-chai-how-to-make-chai
4. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/466/hot 

Chloe Page

Author

Chloe Page
A lifelong mocha fan, Chloe is an award-winning writer with over eight years’ experience weaving words. Her journey in the coffee industry is highlighted by extensive research and interviews with coffee experts. In her moments of relaxation, you'll often find her sipping on Bird and Blend tea, thoughtfully scribbling in her notebook.

My favorite drink? I'd go with... Bird and Blend Co Tea

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