Tea Masala Powder Recipe – Enhancing Your Chai Experience

Tea masala powder is a fragrant blend of spices that enhances the flavor of your daily tea. This homemade mix ensures a rich aroma and a perfect balance of warmth and spice, making every cup of chai more flavorful.

You can use it in milk tea, black tea, or even herbal infusions.

A ceramic bowl filled with finely ground tea masala powder, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise

Tea Masala Powder Recipe

Tea masala powder is a fragrant blend of spices that enhances the flavor of your daily tea. This homemade mix ensures a rich aroma and a perfect balance of warmth and spice, making every cup of chai more flavorful. You can use it in milk tea, black tea, or even herbal infusions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Indian
Servings 1 cup of masala powder
Calories 10 kcal

Equipment

  • Spice grinder or mortar and pestle
  • Dry skillet optional, for roasting spices
  • Airtight container for storage

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp green cardamom pods
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp dried ginger powder or 1-inch dried ginger root
  • 1 tbsp cloves
  • 2-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp  nutmeg grated
  • 1 tsp  fennel seeds optional
  • ½ tsp  star anise optional

Instructions
 

  • Optional Roasting: Dry roast the cardamom, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and star anise in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
    A ceramic bowl filled with whole spices, including star anise, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves, set on a white marble surface
  • Grinding: Transfer all the roasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add the dried ginger powder and grated nutmeg. Grind into a fine powder.
    A glass bowl filled with ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves being mixed with a mortar and pestle, with fresh ginger in the background
  • Sifting (Optional): If you prefer a very fine powder, sift the ground spice mixture and regrind any coarse bits.
    Close-up of finely ground tea masala powder in a metal container with a spoon
  • Storage: Store the masala powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
    Usage: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of tea while brewing for a rich, spiced flavor.
    Two glass cups of masala chai topped with cinnamon, surrounded by spices like star anise and cinnamon sticks on a rustic wooden table

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Teaspoon):
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Fat: 0.1 g
Cooking Tips:
  • Adjust the spice levels based on your preference—add more black pepper for heat or extra cardamom for a sweeter aroma.
  • For a fresher taste, grind smaller batches rather than making a large quantity at once.
  • This spice blend can also be used in desserts or warm milk for a comforting drink.
Keyword Healthy Eating, Homemade, Indian Snacks

Are There Any Alternatives?

If you want to customize your tea masala powder, several ingredient alternatives can enhance or modify the flavor profile based on your preferences. For a milder version, reduce the black pepper and cloves, or replace them with white peppercorns and allspice for a softer warmth.

If you enjoy a more citrusy undertone, consider adding a small amount of dried orange peel or lemongrass powder. These substitutions will brighten the tea while keeping the traditional spiced aroma intact.

For those who prefer a more herbal or floral touch, dried rose petals or tulsi (holy basil) leaves can be included in small amounts. These ingredients bring a delicate aroma and additional health benefits. If you want a smoother, creamier taste, try adding a pinch of vanilla powder or mace (a milder alternative to nutmeg).

Lastly, for an extra earthy depth, licorice root powder or saffron strands can be used sparingly. These alternatives allow you to experiment and create a personalized chai masala blend suited to your unique taste.

 A glass jar filled with freshly ground tea masala powder, mixed with whole cloves, placed on a wooden cutting board with ginger and loose spices around it
Tea masala typically includes warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, which not only enhance flavor but also aid digestion and boost immunity

The Bottom Line

Making your own tea masala powder at home is a simple yet rewarding way to elevate your daily cup of chai.

By blending the right mix of spices, you can create a flavor that suits your taste preferences, whether you prefer a bold, peppery kick or a mellow, aromatic infusion.

Plus, homemade masala powder ensures purity and freshness, without any artificial additives.