Chai Spice Blend

Masala chai is a beverage that blends black tea, milk, sweetener, and a variety of spices into a delicious, warming drink. It is one of the most popular beverages in India. Our Chai Spice Blend uses those same spices to create an irresistible seasoning you can sprinkle on popcorn, toast, oatmeal, or use in a variety of baked goods! This blend is sweet and warming, and a little spicy too, so it complements a wide variety of dishes.

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Adding herbs and spices to food is a great way to increase the antioxidants in a delicious way, without adding a ton of calories. And this Chai Spice Blend is like a flavor explosion!

You'll love sprinkling it on stovetop popcorn, in seasonal oatmeal (try it in this apple pie oatmeal!), or adding it to baked goods (like strawberry cardamom muffins).

Heart Health Benefits of Chai Spice Blend

Chai seasoning is low in calories and a great way to add a little extra fiber and a ton of antioxidants and other bioactives to your recipes! These components may have some modest beneficial effects for your heart, including lowering blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose, in addition to reducing marker of inflammation (1, 2, 3, 4).

Macronutrients

Herbs and spices, like this chai spice blend, are low in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein. This blend is, however, a good source of fiber, and low in total sugar (no added sugar).

Micronutrients and Bioactive Components

We leave salt out of this blend, so it's low sodium. Salt really isn't needed here, and neither is sugar.

The spice blend is an excellent source of manganese, which is a cofactor for enzymes involved in things like cholesterol and glucose metabolism, immune response, and blood clotting.

As mentioned above, the biggest benefit to adding herbs and spices to foods comes in their bioactive components. Here are the prominent bioactives in chai spice blend:

• Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid - (in cinnamon) flavonoids that gives cinnamon its color and flavor. Cinnamon can help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, and raise HDL cholesterol (1, 5, 6);
• Gingerols and shogaols - (in ginger) bioactive phenolics that may have antioxidant, antiplatelet and modest lipid and blood pressure lowering effects (7, 8);
• Terpenes and phenolics - (in cardamom) bioactive components that can help moderate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and improve blood glucose control (9, 10, 11);
• Eugenol - (in allspice and cloves) strong antioxidant that may also have antiplatelet, anti inflammatory, and vasorelaxant properties (3, 12); and
• Piperine - (in black pepper) an alkaloid that can increase the absorption of other phytochemicals, and may help improve blood pressure control, glucose tolerance, and inflammation (4).

Ingredients

Here is what you'll need for this recipe.

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Allspice
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Making your own seasoning blends is easy. Here's how to make this chai spice blend.

1. Step 1: Measure all the spices into a bowl.

2. Step 2: Mix well.

Variations

Chai spice is as modifiable as they come. Every version is a little different. So if there's a spice you don't have or don't like, feel free to leave it out and/or add a little more of another spice.

Equipment

You need measuring spoons and a little bowl to mix in.

If you would like some cute little spice jars, try these ones.

Storage

Store Chai seasoning in an airtight glass jar in your pantry for up to 6 months. If you can't smell the seasoning anymore, it's time to replace it.

Food safety

Safety is our top priority in the kitchen! Always keep these tips in mind.

• Wash hands before beginning, and after touching raw meat, your hair, face, pets, etc.
• Make sure all needed utensils and equipment are clean
• Always use a clean spoon or other utensil to scoop the seasoning out of the storage jar to avoid cross contamination

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.