Five ingredients and five minutes to make your own mix that will rival any bought blend

Isn’t it a real pleasure to have chai spiced drinks and desserts?
Unfortunately, most of the chai blends out there don’t suit my taste because they are too spicy for me and my kids…
With that in mind, I’ve found the perfect ratio for a sweet taste that everyone likes, but at the same time with enough spices not to be boring.
Ready to enjoy your homemade chai spices mix?

What is in chai spices?

Ingredients and ratio for homemade chai spice mix

Chai means tea in Hindi, but the term “chai” has become widely popular around America and much of the world for describing masala chai’s flavor.

Masala chai is a combination of tea with some fragrant spices, commonly including the warming notes from cinnamon and cardamom as well as ginger root.
Chai spices also include often cloves, nutmeg, star anise, black pepper and vanilla.

The earthy and comforting tones of masala tea made this flavor so popular that it’s quite common to find recipes that use the characteristic spices of this tea – known as chai spice mix or chai spices blend.

However, it seems like every house has its own recipe, so there isn’t an “one and only” blend for it.

Before I go on, I want to clarify that I’ve never been in the regions where this tea originates from, so this recipe is probably not the most authentic masala chai taste out there.
I’ve tried many brands and recipes from the internet, but most are too spicy for my taste.
That led me to this mild blend that I really like because it’s smooth, but has a kick to it.

If you’re looking for something spicier, this probably won’t be strong enough for your taste, but if you are after something mild with a special touch then this homemade chai spice blend will definitely hit the spot.

Benefits of this chai spices blend

Chai spices not only taste good and leave you with nice warm and cozy feelings; its spices are known to have some impressive properties:
[I’ve just added the ingredients I use for this homemade chai spice mix. Click on the names and links if you want to see the sources of this information]

Cinnamon
This everyone’s-favorite-spice contains powerful antioxidants and may have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests that cinnamon may also have anti-inflammatory effects in parts of the brain, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and present some antitumor properties.
Cardamom
Did you know this is one of the most expensive spices on the market? It turns out, cardamom isn’t only worth for its intense, slightly fresh yet sweet flavor, but also for important health benefits: it may lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and fight mouth bacteria, inflammation and cancer cells. Some research also suggest that it may relieve stomach issues, including ulcers, treat infections and improve breathing.
Ginger
This sharp and purgent root (or it’s dried, powdered version) may help improve digestion, relieve pain and reduce some inflammation. It may also have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Cloves
This intently aromatic, slightly bitter spice surprises by being the best antioxidant known. It also offers high beta carotene contents and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies also suggest that cloves can protect the stomach against ulcers also improve liver function.
Nutmeg
This warm, nutty-like tasting spice may also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Some research concludes that it also could boost mood and libido.
Vanilla
This heavenly spice with wonderful sweet scent and taste also offer some health benefits: vanilla’s scent has calming effects, its antioxidants may have healing effects, and it can ease toothache. Also, vanilla is great for those looking to cut down on their sugar intake.

Isn’t chai spices worth its weight in gold?

How to use chai spices

I once heard something I liked: you can add chai spices everywhere you would use cinnamon.
And it’s quite true!
Masala chai spice mix remembers of cinnamon but with more zing and fresh undertones that add another dimension to food and drinks.

Here are some of my favorite recipes that show how easy (and tasty) it’s to incorporate this blend in your daily life during autumn days, on cold winter nights or in summer… it’s delicious all year round!

Creamy chai tea latte smoothie (with avocado)
Gluten-free no sugar banana chai pancakes
Upside down apple chai cake
Chai yogurt fruit dip

How to mix your own chai spice blend

You can always mix some spices every time you want something chai spiced, but if you enjoy often this comforting taste, why not mixing up a batch so you can get the PERFECT blend of masala chai spice every time?
Mixing DIY spices blends it’s somehow relaxing, really easy and cost-effective compared to buying premade ones. It’s totally worth it!

To make your own premade chai spice mix, you just have to gather following spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, nutmeg and vanilla.
Then put them in a spice jar or any other small, airtight container. That’s all!

I use ground spices, for this chai spice recipe, but if prefer to use a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods or any other whole spices, you’ll just have to mill them, for example with a spice grinder.

Bellow at the recipe card you can see the exact amounts I use for this mild homemade spice blend.
If you look for something spicier, I suggest adding more ginger and some pepper.
Also, you can try adding a little bit more of one of the spices if you like one of them more than others.

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