Thai tea is a delightful iced beverage made from spiced black tea, often infused with flavors of cardamom and star anise. This aromatic drink, known for its sweet taste due to the addition of sugar, should be enjoyed in moderation to appreciate its unique qualities fully.

Renowned worldwide, Thai tea has become a staple at various Thai restaurants, including those in countries like Australia, India, Japan, and Canada. It represents a harmonious blend of traditional Thai street tea and the Western penchant for sweetened, robustly flavored iced drinks.

Characterized by its rich and earthy flavor profile, Thai tea combines black tea with milk and spices, resulting in a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other teas. This delightful drink is particularly cherished for its sweet, creamy texture.

Thanks to its base of black tea, which is rich in polyphenols known for their disease-fighting properties, Thai tea may present several health benefits. Research suggests that these powerful compounds can contribute positively to overall wellness.

Moreover, the spices incorporated into Thai tea are loaded with potent antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, which have been associated with various health-promoting effects and disease-fighting capabilities.

However, it's important to note that Thai tea can often be heavily sweetened, leading to a higher sugar content.

Continue reading to explore the fascinating world of Thai tea, discover why it holds such acclaim, and delve into the scientific insights regarding its ingredients and their potential health benefits.

What is Thai Tea?

Thai tea, often referred to as Thai iced tea, is a beloved spiced and chilled beverage that originates from Thailand and is enjoyed in many neighboring countries. This delightful drink is renowned for its striking orange-red hue, which comes from a combination of spices like star anise, cardamom, and tamarind seed, along with added red food coloring.

Preparation of this tea can be done using loose black tea leaves or conveniently through specially crafted Thai tea bags. Interestingly, it can also be served hot, making it a versatile option for various climates.

To achieve its signature creamy texture, Thai tea is typically enhanced with sweetened condensed milk or a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar before it is chilled. This addition creates a luscious creamy layer that sits atop the tea, offering a delightful contrast to its robust flavors. You can expect to encounter deep earthy undertones paired with nutty notes and a delightful sweetness that lingers on the palate.

The specific ingredients may differ slightly, but the traditional recipe usually involves a specially blended Thai tea mix, which is either crafted at home or conveniently purchased at a local Thai restaurant.

Nutrition Profile of Thai Tea

According to the data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a typical 240-mL (8-ounce) serving of Thai tea delivers approximately 154 calories, largely due to its high sugar content. This delightful beverage is not only tasty but also provides a range of essential nutrients.

The nutritional breakdown includes:

• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 31 grams
• Fat: 2.8 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sodium: 64.8 milligrams
• Sugar: 24 grams
• Calcium: 6% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Iron: 2% of the RDI

Additionally, Thai tea contains a notable amount of caffeine, with tea bags exhibiting an estimated concentration of 218 mg/L. However, the caffeine content can fluctuate based on several factors such as the cultivation and processing of the tea leaves, as well as the brewing method employed.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that enhances brain function and is consumed globally. While research indicates that caffeine can boost performance, it also comes with potential side effects, including insomnia and increased anxiety levels.

The sugar content in Thai tea is substantial, which adds to its sweetness but also requires moderation. The caffeine levels in brewed black tea can vary significantly depending on preparation techniques, reinforcing the importance of how one brews their tea. Caffeine, known for its stimulating properties, can enhance performance but may also lead to adverse effects if consumed excessively.

Health Advantages of Thai Tea

Thai tea is renowned for its potential health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties and prebiotic functions, among others. These positive effects can be traced back to the various components found in Thai tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is rich in antioxidants and various chemical compounds that may assist in reducing inflammation throughout the body. As a result, it is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of chronic diseases.

Clinical research indicates that consuming black tea may offer protection against diabetes and cardiovascular issues, and it might also enhance efforts related to weight management. Surprisingly, black tea polyphenols, which are powerful natural antioxidants, may support weight loss more effectively than their green tea counterparts, despite green tea often receiving more recognition as a metabolism enhancer.

Moreover, tea has been linked to additional benefits, especially concerning brain health. The antioxidant activity of tea polyphenols can help mitigate oxidative stress, potentially aiding in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Oxidative stress arises when unstable oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, interact negatively with healthy cells in the body. Individuals with heightened free radical production may face an increased risk of developing various chronic health conditions.

Cardamom

Cardamom (elaichi) is celebrated for its robust flavor and enticing aroma, often used either fresh or ground to impart its signature taste to Thai tea.

As per phytochemical analyses, cardamom encompasses a variety of chemical compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, essential minerals, lipids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, and carotenoids,” Andrews explained.

This spice has been associated with enhancements in diabetes management and reductions in triglyceride levels.

“A small-scale study involving diabetic participants indicated that cardamom supplementation can lower Hba1c [average blood sugar level], insulin levels, and triglycerides,” Andrews elaborated. The diverse compounds in cardamom may contribute positively to diabetes control and triglyceride reduction.

Star Anise

Star anise (badian) contributes a unique licorice flavor to Thai tea, balancing its creamy sweetness.

Aside from its culinary applications, star anise is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for its antiviral properties. “Star anise is considered a medicinal herb,” Andrews noted, “boasting several health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.”

Tamarind Seed

Fruit seeds, such as tamarind seeds (imli ke beej), are abundant in biologically active phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids, all of which exhibit antioxidant properties.

Prebiotics, a form of dietary fiber, nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut, potentially enhancing both digestion and overall health.

The tamarind seed is rich in biologically active compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties and may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Exploring the Potential Downsides of Thai Tea

Sugar Content

Thai tea is known for its delightful taste, but it also contains significant levels of added sugar—approximately six teaspoons per serving. Consuming such high amounts of sugar on a regular basis may pose health risks.

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals should restrict their intake of added sugars to less than 10% of their total daily caloric intake. For instance, in a typical 2,000-calorie diet, this equates to limiting added sugars to around 200 calories, which is roughly 12 teaspoons.

Interestingly, a single serving of Thai tea accounts for about 50% of the recommended daily sugar limit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people in the United States consume excessive amounts of added sugars, which can lead to various health complications, including weight gain, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Consuming Thai tea frequently due to its high sugar content might lead to adverse health effects over time.

Concerns Regarding Food Coloring

Food colorings, or artificial dyes, are synthetic pigments designed to enhance the visual appeal of food. These dyes are often derived from petroleum.

Research has raised concerns about certain food colorings, such as Red 3, which has been linked to cancer in animal studies. Additionally, other colorants have also shown potential links to cancer. Furthermore, harmful substances like benzidine and other carcinogens have been identified in three specific dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. At least four artificial colors, including Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, may trigger hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals.

While studies conducted on flies and in laboratory settings suggest that chronic exposure to food dyes should be avoided, the safety of these additives remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, their current usage in the United States is generally considered safe.

The Bottom Line

Thai tea is a delightful spiced black tea beverage known for its distinctive orange-red hue, which results from a medley of spices and sometimes artificial coloring. This beverage is characterized by its sweet and creamy texture, typically enhanced by the addition of milk and sugar.

Rich in potent antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, black tea may offer various health benefits, potentially aiding in the fight against diseases.

However, it is important to note that Thai tea is often high in added sugars; a single serving can contain around 25 grams of sugar, which accounts for approximately 50% of the average daily recommended limit for added sugars.

This indicates that while Thai tea can be enjoyable, it is wise to consume it in moderation.