Every morning, we make a choice.
Do we chase the buzz or ease into clarity?
Coffee jolts you awake. Chai wakes you up gently, wrapping you in warmth, spice, and ritual.
Here’s how chai stacks up against coffee (caffeine, digestion, energy), why more people are swapping their morning brew, and how you can easily make chai part of your daily rhythm.
Caffeine & Energy: Jolt vs Gentle Rise
Coffee | Chai | |
---|---|---|
Caffeine | 95–150 mg per cup | ~40–60 mg per cup |
Effect | Fast spike, short half-life | Slow release, longer calm focus |
Companion | Just caffeine | Caffeine + L-theanine (in tea) = smoother focus |
To put this in other words, coffee is like a rocket launch while chai is the sunrise.
Digestion & Body Feel
- Coffee can be acidic and harsh on sensitive stomachs.
- Chai blends tea with spices like ginger and cardamom → traditionally used to support digestion.
- Warm, spiced liquids are often easier on the gut than black coffee on an empty stomach.
Many people report less crash, less jitters, and better digestion when switching to morning chai.
Ritual & Mental Space
- Coffee is often a transaction: quick, grab, go.
- Chai is a ritual: simmering, scent, waiting, pouring.
- Those extra 5 minutes aren’t wasted, they’re grounding.
It’s not just what’s in the cup. It’s how you prepare it.
How to Start a Morning Chai Ritual
- Brew stovetop chai while you get ready.
- Try chai before coffee (or as a replacement 2–3x/week).
- Pair chai with a journaling or mindful moment.
- Explore caffeine-free blends at night (like your herbal Sri Lanka chai).
So Why Do We Love Chai So Much?
Chai = focused calm. It supports digestion, encourages mindful mornings and gives you all the energy you need, without the crash.
Start your chai ritual today! It's never too late to start.