Time for another post that isn’t related to Dream Dinners. If Dream Dinners sold vanilla chai then I would include them. But since they’re just yummy dinners and not morning drinks, they are excluded from this comparison.
I was first introduced to the Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai in the cold, cold Massachusetts winter of 2006…or possibly 2005. After moving out of the state, I struggled to find another Dunkin Donuts that had the Vanilla Chai (apparently it was optional/seasonal). Finally, last year, I found a local store that had the vanilla chai. It became a part of my weekend routine – walking to get my chai, and then walking home while sipping on this hot brew.
Once I started a new job in the city, I found myself wanting a morning cup of something (I’m not a coffee drinker, which limits my options), but to my dismay there wasn’t a Dunkin Donuts nearby. So I started stopping by the Starbucks and picking up their version of the Vanilla Chai. Let me tell you, Starbucks Vanilla Chai tastes NOTHING like the Dunkin Donuts vanilla chai. But after a few months of Starbucks Vanilla Chais, I found myself looking forward to them in the mornings.
Here’s a little comparison:
| Starbucks | Dunkin Donuts | |
| Price | $3.31 | $2.64 |
| Made from | Tazo Tea Chai Concentrate, Milk, 2 or 3 Pumps of Vanilla Syrup | Mystery Powder in White Pouch, Milk |
| Chai Flavor | Spicy and strong | Sweet and creamy |
| Size | Tall (12 oz.) | 14 oz. |
| Calories | 180 + whatever is in the vanilla syrup | 330 |
| Caffeine | 75mg | Unknown |
Now here’s my quandry – which is better? Starbucks Vanilla Chai vs. Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai?
I’m finding it hard to choose. The Starbucks version feels “lighter” and has more of a kick to it. I definitely get a nice jolt of caffeine and the flavor doesn’t stay on your palette. The Dunkin Donuts version is creamier (the ingredients list shows it has non-dairy creamer in it), but it is also sweeter and the flavor lingers for quite awhile after the last sip. It’s perfect for a cold day when you’re going to hide under the cozy covers all weekend.
Do you have a preference? Is there another version of Vanilla Chai that I just have to try?
P.S. If you’re going by Starbucks tomorrow, make sure to get your free pastry!
