A skinny chai tea latte is a popular coffeehouse drink that combines chai tea concentrate with steamed milk. It offers the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai in a lighter, lower calorie version by using nonfat milk and no added sugar. Let’s take a closer look at what ingredients go into making this tasty beverage.
Chai Tea Concentrate
Chai tea concentrate forms the flavor base of the skinny chai latte. Chai tea is a black tea infused with spices like:
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Star anise
These warm spices give chai its signature spicy-sweet taste. The chai concentrate is an extra strong brew of black tea and spices that allows the flavors to come through even when diluted with steamed milk.
Nonfat Milk
The “skinny” in skinny chai latte comes from using nonfat or fat-free milk. This reduces the calorie and fat content compared to making it with whole or even lowfat milk. Steaming the nonfat milk gives the latte a foamy, creamy texture without adding excess fat and calories.
Natural Sweeteners
Since the skinny chai latte skips added sugar, some natural sweeteners are used to provide subtle sweetness:
- Honey: A small amount of honey can lend a touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has a slightly sweet woody flavor that complements the other spices.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds aromatic vanilla notes that round out the flavors.
Frothing and Foam
One of the keys to a perfect chai latte is the frothy microfoam on top. This is achieved by steaming and frothing the nonfat milk before pouring it over the chai concentrate. The right amount of air incorporated creates a rich foam that floats elegantly on the surface.
Serving Temperature
Skinny chai lattes are always served hot. Temperatures between 160-180°F are ideal to bring out the best flavors of the chai spices. Serving it hot also allows the foam to retain its lofty texture.
Customization Options
Some customizations that can be made to suit different tastes include:
- Chai type: Masala chai, ginger chai, cardamom chai, etc.
- Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.
- Sweetness: Add honey, agave nectar, stevia
- Spices: Extra cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla
- Toppings: Foamed milk, cinnamon, chocolate shavings, whipped cream
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 16 oz skinny chai tea latte made with nonfat milk and no added sugar:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
As you can see, the skinny version cuts out a lot of fat and calories compared to a chai latte made with whole milk and sugar. It retains the scrumptious spicy, aromatic flavors of chai while being gentler on the waistline.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
When perfectly crafted, a skinny chai latte strikes an ideal balance of flavors:
- The black tea base provides subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Cardamom, cinnamon, clove and ginger mingle to create a complex spice profile.
- Frothy, steamed milk provides creaminess without heavy fat or calories.
- Natural sweeteners like honey or vanilla give just enough sweetness to round out the flavors.
The final beverage is warm, comforting, richly spiced, and mildly sweet – an completely satisfying treat for the senses.
Health Benefits
Sipping on a skinny chai latte can provide several potential health benefits:
- Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols and other compounds that act as antioxidants to combat free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Ginger, cinnamon and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation.
- Low calorie: Going “skinny” saves you calories and fat compared to more indulgent coffeehouse drinks.
- Hydration: The liquid provides hydration to help meet your daily fluid needs.
So while not a miracle health drink, a skinny chai latte can be part of an overall balanced diet and lifestyle.
How to Order at a Coffeehouse
Here are some tips for ordering a great skinny chai latte at your local coffee shop:
- Know the menu options – size, milk alternatives, flavors, sweetness level, etc.
- Specify nonfat or skim milk – this keeps it lower in fat/calories.
- Choose your preferred chai flavor – masala, ginger, vanilla, etc.
- Request less or no added sweetener if you want to control sugar content.
- Ask for an extra shot of chai to make it stronger.
- Top with foam or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Polite phrases like “May I please have a…” or “Could I get a…” will help you get the perfect custom skinny chai!
How to Make at Home
While not quite as easy as a coffeehouse, you can make a pretty good DIY skinny chai latte at home with just a few ingredients:
- Brew strong chai tea by steeping chai tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- Heat up nonfat milk on the stovetop until steaming hot but not boiling.
- Froth the milk using a milk frother, small whisk, or blender.
- Combine chai concentrate and frothed milk, adjusting ratios to taste.
- Sweeten lightly with honey if desired.
- Top with extra foam or spices like cinnamon.
- Enjoy your homemade skinny chai latte!
Convenience of Chai Concentrate
Using ready-made chai tea concentrate saves time and effort compared to brewing chai from scratch. Look for concentrates that are all-natural and contain no added sugars. Brands like Oregon Chai or Chai Wallah are available online or at many grocery stores. For a true “skinny” chai latte, be sure to choose a concentrate made with nonfat milk.
Conclusion
With its enticing aroma, bold spice flavor, and light, foamy texture, the skinny chai tea latte is a lower calorie way to enjoy the luxurious experience of a coffeehouse-style steamed milk drink. Sip mindfully on this aromatic spiced tea beverage and it can be a soothing, healthy daily treat.