chai conentrate recipe vegan Chai Concentrate Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy

Updated On: October 7, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of chai to cozy up your day. But what if you could capture that delightful blend of spices and tea into a convenient, vegan-friendly chai concentrate?

This recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch of rich, flavorful chai concentrate that you can store in your fridge and mix with your favorite plant-based milk whenever you want a comforting cup of chai.

Whether you’re a seasoned chai lover or looking to explore this classic beverage with a vegan twist, this concentrate recipe offers a perfect balance of warming spices and robust black tea, all without any animal products.

Making your own chai concentrate means you control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary sugars and additives found in store-bought versions. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—enjoy it hot or iced, customize the sweetness, or even use it as a base for chai-inspired desserts.

Ready to brew your own batch of vegan chai concentrate? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chai concentrate recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the rich, spicy flavor of chai but wants to keep it plant-based and wholesome. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have chai concentrate ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable flavor: Adjust the spice levels and sweetness to suit your preference perfectly.
  • Vegan & wholesome: No dairy, no artificial additives—just real spices and tea.
  • Long-lasting: Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks and enjoy chai anytime.
  • Versatile use: Use it for hot chai lattes, iced chai drinks, or even baking.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 6 black tea bags (Assam or English Breakfast work great)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 10 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, whole
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Plant-based milk for serving (almond, oat, soy, etc.)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Glass jar or bottle for storing the concentrate

Instructions

  1. Combine spices and water: In a medium saucepan, add 4 cups of water along with the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, sliced ginger, star anise, and fennel seeds if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Simmer the spices: Reduce the heat to low and let the spices simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer extracts all the wonderful flavors and aromas.
  3. Add tea bags: After 15 minutes, add the black tea bags directly to the saucepan. Steep for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
  4. Sweeten the concentrate: Remove the tea bags and spices using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract the liquid. Return the strained chai liquid to the saucepan and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
  5. Cool and store: Allow the chai concentrate to cool to room temperature. Pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for up to two weeks.
  6. Serve: To enjoy, mix 1 part chai concentrate with 1 part your favorite plant-based milk. Heat gently or serve over ice for a refreshing treat.

Tips & Variations

“Fresh spices make all the difference in flavor! If you can, buy whole spices and crush them yourself just before brewing.”

  • Adjust spice intensity: If you prefer a milder chai, reduce the amount of black peppercorns or ginger.
  • Sweetener swaps: Use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or date syrup instead of maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
  • Make it caffeine-free: Substitute black tea bags with rooibos tea for a naturally caffeine-free version.
  • Make it spicier: Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper or extra fresh ginger for a warming kick.
  • Storage tip: Shake the jar well before each use, as natural separation may occur.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 1/4 cup concentrate
Calories 35
Carbohydrates 8g
Sugars 7g (from maple syrup)
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Caffeine Approximately 20 mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on milk choice and sweetener adjustments.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chai concentrate can be enjoyed in many ways! Here are some delicious ideas:

  • Classic chai latte: Mix equal parts concentrate and your favorite plant-based milk, heat, and froth for a creamy treat.
  • Iced chai: Combine chai concentrate with cold almond or oat milk, pour over ice, and enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm day.
  • Chai smoothie boost: Add a splash of chai concentrate to your morning smoothie for a spicy, energizing twist.
  • Baking ingredient: Use chai concentrate in place of tea or milk in recipes like vegan cakes or muffins for a chai-infused flavor. Try pairing it with recipes like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe to balance flavors with a refreshing drink.
  • Chai cocktail mixer: Mix with vegan-friendly whiskey or rum for a cozy adult beverage.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan chai concentrate is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy the comforting flavors of chai any time you crave. With wholesome, natural ingredients and no dairy, this concentrate fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle while delivering rich, spicy warmth in every sip.

Thanks to its versatility, you can enjoy it hot, iced, or even incorporate it into creative recipes, making it a staple in your kitchen all year round. Plus, having a batch ready in your fridge means you’re just minutes away from a delicious cup of chai whenever you want.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other plant-based or unique homemade recipes such as the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the flavorful Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

For a sweet finish, try pairing your chai with the delightful Lemon Straws Recipe.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chai Concentrate Recipe

Description: A rich and flavorful vegan chai concentrate made with spices and plant-based milk. Perfect for a quick and cozy chai latte anytime.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 8 whole cardamom pods, crushed
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 star anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

  1. Combine water, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, star anise, and peppercorns in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove tea bags and strain out the spices.
  5. Stir in maple syrup and almond milk.
  6. Heat gently before serving or store in the fridge.

Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 10g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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