This Vanilla Chai Powder Mix is the perfect little luxury to keep in your pantry for those mornings when you want something a bit more special than a plain cup of coffee. It’s got all those warm, cozy spices like ginger and cardamom that make it taste just like a fancy coffee shop treat, but for a fraction of the cost!

One of The Best Discoveries I’ve Ever Made!

A few months back, I met a friend in a local coffee shop for a little chat, and when I got there, she had ordered me their Spiced Vanilla Chai. I had never had this stuff before, and one sip had me leaping over the moon; it was so good! I was really surprised that it wasn’t coffee because it has such body and depth of flavor. It was like a perfectly baked ginger cookie dipped into perfectly made coffee.

However, I don’t drink sugar for a multitude of reasons (hence my sugar-free Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte), so when the lady behind the counter told me she couldn’t make it sugar-free, I was pretty disappointed. Good thing I don’t give up too easily! The great thing about this recipe is that I could easily make it sugar-free (or significantly lower in sugar), and that is what I’m bringing you today.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Powdered milk
Ideal Sweetener*
Instant unsweetened tea
Sugar Free French Vanilla Creamer
Non-dairy coffee creamer
Ginger
Allspice
Cloves
Nutmeg
White Pepper
Cinnamon
Cardamom*

*You can use regular sugar or Splenda in place of the Ideal Sweetener. I found Ideal at Kroger’s packaged under their own label, but with “Ideal” listed on the front.

Go for the cheap here wherever you can. I know some folks really get a thrill out of spending $20 plus on a little bottle of spices, and if you’re in that camp, knock yourself out. I cruise the store brands and sale bins for mine. Nothing but the cheapest for my family! ~grins~

*Now this cardamom is going to cost a fortune. I spent around ten dollars for my bottle. However, you’ll have enough of it to make several batches. I have no idea how many times I’ve made this and I’m still using the same bottle.

Close up of vanilla chai powder mix in a food processor

Step 1: Place Your Ingredients Into a Food Processor

Now this is where you decide if you like stronger or weaker beverages. If you prefer stronger flavors, use heaping measurements with your spices. I use heaping teaspoons, rather than teaspoons. If you prefer your flavors a little milder, use the exact measurements listed in the recipe.

vanilla chai powder mix in a food processor

Once you have all ingredients in your food processor, put the lid on that puppy and get ready to make some mix!

Step 2: Making Your Vanilla Chai Powder Mix

Side view of a food processor with vanilla chai powder mix

To make your chai, simply add two heaping tablespoons of mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk and stir (I use hot water).

If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender, but you may need to make it in smaller batches to have room. Just put your tea, spices, and powdered milk in first and mix those up really well, then you can stir the rest in by hand.

Complete and mixed vanilla chai powder mix

This is what it will look like when done.

Storing Your Vanilla Chai Powder Mix

Now, just store this in an airtight container to keep fresh. I like to put mine in little 8-ounce canning jars so I can have one or two to give away to friends.

In the mood for more traditional Southern sweets? How about some Old-Fashioned Frog Eye Salad? YUM! Now that we’ve done all that mental cooking, it’s time to sit down with a nice hot drink….