For years, a chai latte has been my drink of choice when visiting a coffee shop or cafe, especially during the fall time and coffee shops release their pumpkin syrups and flavors. For as long as I have loved chai lattes, I have kept a list in my notes app tracking the one I’ve tried. This ongoing list that I have kept for years helps me remember which places to go back to.
The Starbucks chai latte is very mediocre, and while it costs nearly $6, you can literally make the exact same drink with the TAZO chai tea latte concentrate and milk for a small fraction of the price. With that being said, the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai is one of the best things I have ever tasted. The pumpkin cream cold foam is seasonal and came out in August. The thick, creamy, sweet topping transforms the classic chai latte into a delicious treat. The pumpkin flavor that is added to the top seeps down throughout the drink and adds the perfect fall flavor. Unfortunately, it comes in at almost $7 and 500 calories.
Some iced chai lattes I’ve tried that I thought were just awful were from Dunkin Donuts, Einstein Bagels, and Dutch Bros. These are always far too sweet and are obviously made from a very processed concentrate. They are so sweet that you can only take little tiny sips at a time, and they lack the spicy flavor that chai tea is known for. On the positive, these tend to be a much cheaper option.
The hot chai latte from the cafe Ascension is similar to a traditional Masala chai. It has the aromatic herbs and spices that most chai concentrates lack. I think a more traditional chai like this is better enjoyed hot, so the spices are more prominent.
For fans of the traditional Masala chai, the new Hold My Chai Cafe on Independence is a must-visit. They have several different chai beverages, along with several coffee and refresher options, all at around $5. I tried their Railway Chai, their most popular, and it was a bit too sweet for me but still quite good. In addition to the decent beverages, Hold My Chai has a very cute and comfortable atmosphere with lots of seating options.
One of my favorite iced chai lattes I have tried is from the coffee shop Renew Coffee N Bakery in Frisco Square. During the fall time, I like to get their chai latte and a slice of their pumpkin loaf to enjoy at the library while I study. This chai is very thick and creamy and requires to be drank with more delicacy.
The Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Concentrate makes some of the best chai lattes I have tried. All you need to add is the milk of your choice. To make it even better, I like to add half and half or whip up cream to add to the top. The flavor of the chai itself has the perfect amount of spice. When I prefer a hot chai, I use the Trader Joe’s spiced chai tea bags. The scent of the tea steeping alone is enough to put you in the mood for fall.
As October begins and it starts to feel like fall, a large portion of the money is spent on chai lattes. Keeping track of which ones I like in my notes, makes me certain that I won’t waste money on another chai that’s too sweet or overpriced.
