For coffee lovers around the world, lattes are the favorite choice of drink. It comprises a regular espresso base then topped with creamy steamed milk(that sounds delicious). Lattes are top 2 or amongst the top 10 most ordered coffee beverages, according to the surveys conducted.
Aside from the classic latte beverage, there are over 15 other variants with unique tastes and infused flavors. Examples of some of these variants: Caramel latte, Chai latte, Pumpkin; latte, Vanilla spice latte, to mention a few. In this post, we will discuss two of these lattes(chai latte and vanilla spice latte) and how they differ from one another.
What is Chai Latte?
When you step into Starbucks, and your sense of smell perceives something milky with a subtle hint of spice which is usually cinnamon, you know that it is a chai latte being dispensed. Chai is one of the oldest forms of tea ever known to man, and chai latte is the product of its modernization. The word chai is a Hindi word for tea therefore, the word chai tea means tea tea (it’s the tautology for me). The proper name for chai tea is masala tea.
There is no standard recipe for a chai latte as different food-chain merchandises have their signature taste and secret spice combination unique to them. The taste of a homemade latte differs from Dunkin donuts and the Dunkin’s latte is also different from Starbucks.
However, a standard Chai latte is made by mixing steamed milk, sugar and spice-infused black tea (Do you know a chai latte has no coffee in it, surprised, right?). The infused spices depend on the individual or company’s preference and may include: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, peppercorns, nutmeg.
Most beverage companies mix chai syrup or chai powder and allow it to brew; this final mixture is topped with a milky foam of the customer’s choice. Chai powder consists of black tea, spice, and milk and allows these companies to serve hundreds of people faster, relatively than preparing it from the base(I believe the real chai taste is lost through this process).
It is served hot to appeal to the sensory organs(taste buds) of the customer as the heat heightens the effect of the spices. According to workers from their workers, mixing ice and chai powders produces a clumpy mixture, hence the reason for its temperature. If a chai latte has to be served cold, then the iced latte is called iced chai tea and is sometimes mixed with espresso.
What is vanilla spice?
Although not a popular choice of beverage, vanilla spice is perfect for people who love milky beverages with an underlying hint of coffee.
Vanilla spice has a similar ingredient and process as chai latte, but they are different. It is made with espresso, vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and spices. Although this recipe sounds familiar to chai tea(and some people swear they taste the same), it is different, and only a few can discern its taste from the another.
The mixture is topped with a milky foam and garnished with ground coffee beans. It can be served with vanilla syrup for a more creamy taste.
Differences between them
There has been a lot of confusion amongst beverage lovers on the difference between chai tea and vanilla spice. Both drinks contain the same base, which is black tea, spices, sugar, and a milky foam for finishing.
The difference might be subtle, but if you pay close attention, it’s glaring.
The base
The presence of coffee is the significant difference when chai latte and vanilla slices are being differentiated. Chai tea base is only black tea infused with spices. It does not require any other addition in its base.
Vanilla spice has two bases; espresso and black tea infused with spice; It has a hint of coffee which is usually subtle. For caffeine lovers, the espresso shot can be doubled or tripled or measured according to your taste.
Vanilla
A regular chai latte should have no vanilla flavor ( only if it’s your preference). Vanilla spice, as its name suggests, contains the flavor vanilla. Aside from the usual spice, it has an additional vanilla extract or syrup in its mixture.
Calories and nutritional content
A 16 fl oz serving of chai latte contains 260 calories while serving a vanilla spice beverage contains 350 calories per serving. Chai latte is perfect for people who are trying to lose weight and at the same time want the warming taste of a latte.
Caffeine content
Espresso is part of the crucial element that contributes to the success of a vanilla spice so, it has a higher caffeine content than chai tea. A 16 fl oz serving of vanilla spice contained 105mg of coffee while a chai latte contains 78mg.
Taste
Chai latte progresses from the creamy foam at the top to a gently spiced drink with the cinnamon flavor more pronounced. The heat then introduces the other hidden flavors like nutmeg, coriander, and star anise. It provides a very comforting feeling to the drinker, especially when served hot
A regular vanilla spice has more sweet undertones than a coffee drink. The vanilla flavor comes first then followed by a hint of some ginger or sometimes nutmeg.
The black tea and vanilla extracts cover the effect of espresso and the coffee id only noticeable after the drink has simmered down. Unlike chai with cinnamon undertones, vanilla spice is more similar to milk tea.
Conclusion
Chai latte is filled with antioxidants that benefit the body. It is best drunk in the morning and during cold weather due to the spicy undertones of cinnamon which is perfect for body heating. It can also be drunk at night chai, lattes are perfect anytime.
Vanilla Spice is also perfect for dull cold mornings, the coffee present acts as an activator. Vanilla spice can be taken during the day or at noon; it is not advised to be taken at night as the caffeine present may tamper with your sleeping pattern.
Overall, they are both excellent beverages that deserve to be on everyone’s taste buds.