How Many Calories Does Chai Tea Have?

If you love the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai tea, there's no need to choose between your beverage and your diet. Like most brewed teas, plain chai is a calorie-free drink. However, chai is often served as latte, with added sweeteners as well as milk or soy milk. These ingredients can up the calorie count significantly.

A cup of chai tea with ingredients on a napkin. (Image: sugar0607/iStock/Getty Images)

Chai Preparations

Despite the tea's diet-friendly status, chai lattes from the coffee shop often come loaded with calories. A 12-ounce version made with whole milk may contain 200 calories -- more than a can of soda. The same drink made with soy milk contains 180 calories, while one with nonfat milk contains 160 calories. You can make a less caloric latte at home. Adding half a cup of nonfat milk and half a tablespoon of honey to your tea will result in a drink of just 75 calories.