Chai

Chai is a spiced tea beverage originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is traditionally made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices. Common spices include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black peppercorns.

Chai is primarily used as a flavoring ingredient in a variety of food products. Manufacturers add it to impart a warm, spiced tea flavor. It is commonly found in snack bars, baked goods, beverages, and desserts.

Chai itself is not a regulated food additive. The health implications depend on the individual ingredients used in a specific chai blend, such as tea, spices, milk, and sweeteners. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have not evaluated chai as a single ingredient. The health effects of consuming chai are generally considered to be related to the consumption of tea and spices, which contain antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. However, added sugars and fats in prepared chai beverages can contribute to calorie intake.