The Great Chai Debate

The NSW State Election is looming, but who will be our next state leader is not the only debate happening. The Chai Latte is the dark horse that has taken the world by storm, and with an increased focus on health, lifestyle, and caffeine intake reductions in our day-to-day lives, it’s campaigning for coffee’s top spot.

Let’s take a look at what Chai Lattes are bringing to the table…

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What’s the difference between a Chai Latte and a Coffee?

- A Chai Latte is a mix of spices and tea steeped in hot milk.

- Coffee is roasted, ground beans that can be served with or without milk.

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What about caffeine?

Chai Lattes are becoming a popular alternative for Coffee drinkers who are looking to reduce their daily caffeine intake. Because chai is made with tea instead of coffee, the comparative caffeine levels immediately drop by more than half. Just ask anyone who is tea-total, a cup of tea has more than enough boost to get you started in the morning.

Bondi Chai’s three blends contain black tea and with each cup of deliciousness, you’re only consuming the same level of caffeine as green tea or half that of brewed black tea.

READ: What’s In Bondi Chai and Why

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What are the health benefits of a Chai Latte?

A traditional Chai Latte mix includes many spices with reputed health benefits. The core spices are:

Ginger

Well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, eating ginger is also believed to help with digestion, nausea, headaches, and improved circulation.

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Cloves

Cloves are also a source of antioxidants, as well as vitamin A. They can reduce inflammation, the risk of arthritis, improve liver function and help with headaches.

Cinnamon

Like the other ingredients, Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help maintain blood-sugar levels, boost your metabolism, and some studies have shown that it can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Black Tea

Black tea is the most common tea consumed around the world. Just like the other ingredients, it is full of antioxidants that help remove free radicals in the body, can promote a healthy heart, help lower bad cholesterol, boost the health of your heart, help reduce blood pressure and improve focus.

Bondi Chai’s blends also include honey powder. Honey contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, antioxidants and amino acids. You can use it as a natural sweetener (like we do) or for its medicinal properties, such as acting as an antiseptic/antibacterial ointment or an anti-inflammatory for wounds. One of its common uses is as a treatment for sore throats and coughs.

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We know this is a glowing review for Chai Latte and we’ll freely admit that there are reasons why coffee has been a front runner for as long as there's been a race. It's also probably why the happy medium of the ‘Dirty Chai’ (a Chai Latte with a shot of espresso) was born.

Coffee is well known to boost energy levels, can enhance athletic performance, help with weight management, and lower the risk of depression. Some studies have also suggested that it could also contribute to a reduced risk of disease and health disorders.

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READ: The Science Behind Hot Drinks

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So, there you have it; if you’re looking to lower your daily caffeine intake without losing any hot (or cold) drink options, then you should give Chai Latte a try – if you haven’t already, that is. You don’t have to pick a side or switch allegiance to Team Chai Latte, you can transition slowly or start with the compromise of a Dirty Chai.

We’d love to hear your take on The Great Chai Debate. Let us know in the comments below.