Starbuck Secret Menu: Dirty Chai(Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Copycat Recipe, Caffeine, Calories,& More Information)
Among the many Starbucks, secret menu items are the Starbucks Dirty Chai. This post will tell you all about this drink and why it’s a secret so keep reading.
I know many people who love either tea or coffee drinks, but I also know some who love both of these beverages in one cup. Dirty chai is a Starbucks drink that combines both coffee and tea in the ingredients. I did not want to be left behind, so I gave it a try. I can attest to you that this caffeine powerhouse is what you need to feel energized all day long.
Table of Contents
Brief History of the Drink
The dirty chai is believed to have originated in England in the 90s. A barista was making a chai latte for a customer and accidentally added a shot of espresso. The traveler being a spontaneous person decided to try it out anyway. This drink became a hit to everyone’s surprise.
Is Dirty Chai still Available at Starbucks?
Yes, it is. The trick is to know how to order as it is not available on the official Starbucks menu. You will be required to order it step by step.
Starbucks Dirty Chai(Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Caffeine, Calories)
What’s in a Dirty Chai-Ingredients
The main ingredients include Steamed milk, espresso ( single or doppio), and spiced black tea.
Steamed milk: At this point, you can choose either dairy milk or non-dairy plant-based milk. You can steam it using a frother.
Espresso: This is the ingredient that makes it dirty. You can opt to add a single shot, or go all the way and add two shots.
Spiced black tea: This is the real chai; a mixture of black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cardamons, and cloves.
Starbucks Dirty Chai: Sizes, Nutrition, Caffeine,& calories
What sizes are available?
At Starbucks, you can order a hot dirty chai latte in four sizes namely; Short, Tall, Grande, and venti. A short serving is 8 fluid ounces, a tall is 12 fluid ounces, a Grande is 16 fluid ounces, and a venti is 20 fluid ounces.
Nutritional facts
A tall serving will give you 80 calories, 37g of carbs, 4.5g of fat, 170mg of sodium, 8g of protein, and 32g of sugar as demonstrated below.
Calorie count (out of 2,000 calories daily intake) | 80 |
Nutrient Content (per Tall serving) | % of Daily Value |
Total Fat (4.5g)
Trans Fat (0.5g) Saturated Fat (4g) |
7%
23% |
Total carbohydrates (37g)
Sugar (32g) Dietary Fiber |
12%
4% |
Cholesterol (10mg) | 3% |
Sodium (170mg) | 7% |
Caffeine information
The average tall serving will give you a whopping 160grams of caffeine. This stems from the double supply of tea and espresso.
So, what does a Starbucks Dirty Chai Taste Like?
The dirty chai gives a strong coffee flavor. The former has a sweet tea taste, but changes with the addition of the espresso. The bitter shot of espresso neutralizes the sweetness and introduces notes of roast coffee.
Ways to customize Dirty Chai at Starbucks-Starbucks Dirty Chai Variations
There are several ways to customize your dirty chai. The first way is to ask for a doppio shot instead of a single shot of espresso. This will make your dirty chai extra strong in flavor. Another way is to add honey as a sweetener and a dash of cinnamon. This will make it a little sweeter.

How to Make Starbucks Chai at Home-Starbucks Dirty Chai Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Handheld Milk frother
- Espresso maker
- 1 mug
- Saucepan
- Stove
- Frothing pitcher
Ingredients
- Chai 1 tea bag
- Milk-Dairy, soy, almond, oat
- 2 shots Espresso
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Warm the milk: Pour your milk into a saucepan and place it on your stove. Add your honey and cinnamon while whisking constantly. Bring the milk to a simmer
- Add chai tea: After your milk is steamed, it’s time to add your chai tea bag and continue to stir
- Froth the milk: The handheld frother comes into play here. Froth the milk and add to a frothing pitcher.
- Add two shots of espresso at the bottom of your mug.
- Tip your mug to an angle and add your frothed milk
- Add your cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick at the top
Notes
Informative Section
How do you order a Dirty Chai Latte from the Starbucks app?
Select a chai latte from the menu and add customization of a single or double espresso shot.
Does Starbucks have dirty chai all year round?
Yes, it does. This is not a seasonal drink
Is Starbucks dirty chai healthy?
Yes, it is. The calories and sugar content are in moderation.
How much is the Starbucks Dirty chai?
A Grande serving costs $5.05
What is a dirty chai Starbucks?
A dirty chai is a Starbucks chai latte with a shot or two of espresso.
How many shots are in a dirty chai?
One or two shots of espresso depending on your preference.
What’s the difference between a chai latte and a dirty chai latte?
A chai latte is simply chai with steamed milk while a dirty chai latte is chai tea, steamed milk, and a shot or two of espresso.