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Chai Tea Latte Panera Recipe [+Tips]

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Let’s talk about the iconic Panera Chai Tea Latte-that velvety, rich, fragrant concoction that tastes like fall and feels like a warm hug in a mug. Whether you’ve just wrapped up a brisk autumn walk, curled up with a book on a rainy afternoon, or simply want to elevate your morning routine, this latte is the perfect pick-me-up.

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But let’s be real-heading to Panera every time you crave that spicy-sweet fix can get pricey. So why not master the magic at home?

Recreating the Panera Chai Tea Latte is not only easy, but also so much fun. We’ll break down everything from choosing the right tea base to getting that creamy, frothy finish that makes your heart (and tastebuds) sing.

Ingredients For Chai Tea Latte Panera Recipe

Alright, time to peek into your pantry and see what we’re working with. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s surprisingly simple. Most of these ingredients you likely already have, and if not-they’re easy to find at your local grocery store.

Here’s what you’ll need:

✨ Main Ingredients

  • Chai Concentrate – Panera uses a sweetened chai concentrate. You can use brands like Tazo Classic Chai Latte Concentrate or Oregon Chai. For a less sugary option, go with unsweetened and add your own sweetener.

  • Milk – Whole milk gives you that creamy richness Panera’s known for, but feel free to swap it with:

    • Oat milk (for a creamy, dairy-free option)
    • Almond milk
    • Soy milk

  • Sweetener (optional) – Depending on the concentrate you use, you may want to add:

    • Honey
    • Maple syrup
    • Vanilla syrup
    • A sprinkle of brown sugar or coconut sugar

Optional Add-ins (for The Full Experience)

  • Vanilla extract – A tiny splash deepens the flavor
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg – A dash on top for cozy vibes
  • Whipped cream – Okay, not “Panera-official”, but hey, why not?
  • Foamed milk – Adds that authentic café-style finish

How To Make Chai Tea Latte Panera?

Now for the fun part-making the magic happen! This process is super straightforward, and in just a few minutes, you’ll be sipping on a chai latte that tastes like it came straight from Panera’s cozy kitchen.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat Your Chai Concentrate

    • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe mug, pour ½ cup of chai concentrate.
    • Warm it gently over medium heat or microwave for about 30-45 seconds until it’s hot, not boiling.

  2. Steam Or Froth The Milk

    • Heat ½ cup of milk (or milk alternative) in a saucepan or microwave.
    • Use a milk frother, whisk, or immersion blender to get it nice and frothy.
    • Don’t have any of those? Just shake it in a tightly sealed jar after heating!

  3. Combine

    • Pour the hot chai concentrate into your mug.
    • Slowly add the frothy milk on top. Cue the heavenly swirl!

  4. Sweeten And Flavor (Optional)

    • Add your sweetener of choice.
    • Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth.

  5. Garnish Like A Pro

    • Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
    • Add whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

  6. Sip & Savor

    • Sit back, take a sip, and marvel at your barista skills.

Expert Tips

Want to take your homemade Panera-style chai to next-level delicious? Check out these tried-and-true tips:

  • Go half and half: Want it creamier? Use half milk and half heavy cream-luxuriously decadent.
  • Customize the sweetness: Panera’s version is pretty sweet. Start light and adjust to your taste.
  • Use high-quality concentrate: The flavor starts here. Brands like Tazo, Oregon Chai, and Third Street make a big difference.
  • Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom if you like a bolder spice profile.
  • Cold version? No problem: Make an iced version by pouring your chai and milk over ice. Still creamy, still dreamy.
  • Double up: Make a big batch of the concentrate and store in the fridge for a week of chai heaven.

Recipe Variations

You can absolutely remix this recipe to suit your mood, dietary needs, or seasonal vibes. Here are some fun twists:

Dairy-Free & Vegan Version

  • Use oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
  • Sweeten with maple syrup or agave.

❄️ Iced Chai Tea Latte

  • Pour chilled chai concentrate and cold milk over ice.
  • Top with cold foam or a cinnamon stick for style points.

Blended Chai Frappé

  • Blend chai concentrate, milk, ice, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style drink.

Autumn Twist

  • Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a Pumpkin Chai Latte-move over PSL!

Honey-Vanilla Chai Latte

  • Stir in a teaspoon of honey and a splash of vanilla extract for a naturally sweet twist.

Final Words

Let’s be honest-there’s something deeply comforting about chai. It’s not just a drink; it’s a ritual, a vibe, a moment of pause in your busy day. And now that you’ve mastered the Panera-style Chai Tea Latte, you don’t need a café run to enjoy that warm, aromatic escape.

Whether you’re a first-time chai experimenter or a seasoned spiced-tea aficionado, this homemade version is easy to customize, simple to make, and impressively delicious.

FAQs

What Is A Chai Tea Latte At Panera?

A chai tea latte at Panera is a spiced tea beverage made with a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, combined with steamed milk. It’s sweetened and served hot or iced, offering a smooth, aromatic flavor profile.

How Do You Make A Chai Tea Latte Like Panera At Home?

To make a chai tea latte at home, brew chai tea using a tea bag or loose-leaf chai blend. Then, heat and froth your milk (dairy or non-dairy). Combine the chai tea with the steamed milk and add sweetener to taste. You can also add extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more authentic flavor.

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What Kind Of Chai Tea Does Panera Use In Their Chai Tea Lattes?

Panera uses a pre-brewed chai concentrate in their chai tea lattes. This concentrate is typically a blend of spiced black tea and sweeteners, designed to create a bold yet balanced flavor when mixed with steamed milk.

Can I Get A Dairy-free Chai Tea Latte At Panera?

Yes, Panera offers the option to substitute dairy milk with non-dairy alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. This makes the chai tea latte suitable for those with lactose intolerance or vegan diets.

Is Panera’s Chai Tea Latte Sweetened?

Yes, Panera’s chai tea latte is pre-sweetened with the chai concentrate. However, you can adjust the sweetness level by asking for less concentrate or adding additional sweeteners like honey or syrup.

Can I Make A Cold Chai Tea Latte Like Panera?

Yes, to make a cold chai tea latte, brew chai tea, chill it in the refrigerator, and then mix it with cold milk (or a non-dairy option). Pour the mixture over ice and stir for a refreshing iced version of the classic drink.

What Size Chai Tea Latte Is Available At Panera?

Panera offers chai tea lattes in various sizes, typically ranging from small (12 oz) to large (16 oz) and sometimes a larger size (20 oz) for iced versions. The specific sizes may vary by location.

Can I Customize The Flavor Of My Chai Tea Latte At Panera?

Yes, you can customize your chai tea latte at Panera by adding flavors such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. You can also request more or less chai concentrate to adjust the spice level and sweetness.

Does Panera Offer A Seasonal Chai Tea Latte Flavor?

Yes, Panera sometimes offers seasonal variations of their chai tea latte, such as a pumpkin spice chai latte in the fall or a holiday-spiced version during winter. These versions may feature additional flavoring or toppings.

How Many Calories Are In A Chai Tea Latte At Panera?

The calorie count of a chai tea latte at Panera depends on the size and type of milk used. A regular 12 oz chai tea latte made with whole milk typically contains around 250-300 calories. Substituting with non-dairy milk can change the calorie count.

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