The Only Vegan Masala Chai Recipe You’ll Ever Need | Easy And Healthy

Masala chai is the quintessential Pakistani/Indian hot brew, made with strong black tea and spices. My homemade version is vegan and a pick-me-up like no other; it’s rich and milky, Desi~licious and contains no added sugar. Piping hot and naturally sweetened with a date, it’s brewed with a spice blend that’s fragrant and not overbearing. Learn how to make this authentic masala chai recipe — it will leave an impression.

Masala chai is not a new big thing in Desi (South Asian) homes. Growing up, the whole point of tea time surrounded by a bevy of sweet and savoury Indian snacks — all devoured by relatives — was a daily routine.

Fair to say, the family are serious chai drinkers. 

But the joy of tea time went beyond the love of masala chai. It was almost sacred. Because despite the frenzy and chaos of day-to-day activities — all pursuits would pause — and we’d flock. Happily, my late grandma, various aunts, uncles and cousins would unite and choose pleasure over productivity. Partaking piping hot masala chai and insanely delicious bites was an opportunity to de-stress, a chance to catch up and connect with those we love. It was a simple communal setting and the conversation soul-stirring. 

What Is The Difference Between Chai and Masala Chai?

The principal difference between chai and masala chai is the addition of spices. Desi homes refer to spices as masala, and chai denotes tea. Clumsily, masala chai is labelled as “chai tea” or “chai tea latte in the west.” 

How Do You Make Masala Chai?

1. Begin by crushing cardamom seeds (Image 1).
2. In a medium saucepan, on medium/high heat, boil milk, water, tea, date and spices (Image 2).
3. Simmer for 5 minutes (Image 3), strain and serve (Image 4).

Masala Chai Recipe Ingredients:

1. Strong black tea – leaves or bags
2. Spices – a mix of whole and powdered
3. Milk
4. Water
5. Sweetener

Masala Chai Spices:

Indian and Pakistani masala chai street vendors, aka “Chai Wallahs,” typically use their unique masala chai spice mix consisting of:

• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Peppercorns
• Star anise (I did not include this as I prefer my tea without it)
• Ginger

Desi~licious Top Tips:

• Use high-quality strong black tea for the best results. Opt for loose black tea if you prefer.
• Pick flavourful alternatives to carry sweetness to your masala chai recipe: date, jaggery or maple syrup instead of sugar. Sweeten to suit your taste buds.
• Medjool dates are ideal for creating the best masala chai. Use the softest one you can find.
• While the tea simmers, use the back of a dessert spoon to mash the date to help release more sweetness and flavour.
• Stick to creamier plant-based milk (oak milk, soy milk) to achieve a thick and luscious blend.
• Crush whole spices just a little to enhance the spiciness of your masala chai.
• If you prefer a stronger brew, simmer for longer.
• Adjust the spices to your liking.
• Serve hot with my blueberry muffins or oatmeal cookies.

Nutritional Highlights:

One serving provides:

Calories – about 170 calories.

Fat Daily Value (DV): 5%

Protein Daily Value (DV): 10%

Carbohydrates Daily Value (DV): 10%

This masala chai recipe:

• Contains no added sugar
• Is a high source of fibre
• An excellent source of calcium
• Is low in fat

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Warm & Cozy Vegan Drinks You May Like:

1. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (No Added Sugar) 
2. Golden Milk Latte
3. Caffeine-Free Chai Latte

What’s your favourite cozy drink? Share in the comment section below!

If you try this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Can’t wait to see your photos. 

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Masala chai is the quintessential Pakistani/Indian hot brew, made with strong black tea and spices. My homemade version is vegan and a pick-me-up like no other; it's rich and milky, Desi~licious and contains no added sugar. Piping hot and naturally sweetened with a date, it's brewed with a spice blend that's fragrant and not overbearing.

Prep Time2 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Course: Breakfast, Drinks

Servings: 2 people

Author: Shahzadi Devje

Ingredients

• 3 green cardamoms seeds, crushed3 green cardamoms seeds, crushed
• 2 cups oat milk unsweetened2 cups oat milk unsweetened
• ½ cup water½ cup water
• 2 black tea bags2 black tea bags
• 1 Medjool date pitted1 Medjool date pitted
• 1 inch cinnamon stick1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves2 cloves
• 4 peppercorns4 peppercorns
• ginger powder pinchginger powder pinch

Instructions

• Crush cardamom seeds.
• In a medium saucepan, on medium/high heat, boil milk, water, tea, date and spices
• Simmer for 5 minutes, strain and serve

Notes

• Use high-quality strong black tea for the best results. Opt for loose black tea if you prefer.
• Pick flavourful alternatives to carry sweetness to your masala chai recipe: date, jaggery, maple syrup instead of sugar. Sweeten to suit your taste buds.
• Medjool dates are ideal for creating the best masala chai.
• Stick to creamier plant-based milk (oak milk, soy milk) to achieve a thick and luscious blend.
• Crush whole spices just a little to enhance the spiciness of your masala chai.
• If you prefer a stronger brew, simmer for longer.
• Adjust the spices to your liking.
• Serve hot with my blueberry muffins or oatmeal cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 173 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 124mg5%

Potassium 235mg7%

Carbohydrates 31g10%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 492IU10%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 364mg36%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Please note the nutritional analysis values are estimates and suggestions. This nutrition facts table does not know your life - your body, including your hunger and satiety cues, change daily. It's okay to eat more or less. Say no to food guilt and instead embrace mindful eating.

Shahzadi Devje

Shahzadi is an award-winning registered dietitian (RD) regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and certified diabetes educator (CDE), approved by the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board. A YouTuber and notorious foodie, she’s dedicated to helping you end your cooking wars, transform your health, and be the best version of yourself! Shahzadi is an on-air nutrition expert for CTV Your Morning and a regular contributor for Global News and other national media outlets.