FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentbeverageTAZO· 1 SWEETENED DAIRY PACKET

TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE

TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **processed nature** and the presence of **added sugars** in the sweetened dairy packet.

  • This TAZO latte scores 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
  • It contains 0g of fiber and 0g of added sugar per 100g, but the sweetened dairy packet lists sugar and honey granules.
  • The product is classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), incurring a 5-point penalty.
  • Compared to plain water or unsweetened beverages, this product contributes calories and sugars.
  • Consider this as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
  • Scores +13 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
1.25g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
79.17mg
3% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 45

TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. The primary factor influencing this score is its classification as a NOVA class 3 food, meaning it is processed. This classification results in a 5-point penalty. While the nutritional panel lists 0g of added sugar per 100g, the ingredient list for the sweetened dairy packet clearly shows sugar and honey granules (sugar, honey) as primary components. This discrepancy suggests that the serving size for the nutritional information might be small enough to round down the added sugar content, but consumers should be aware of these ingredients. The product provides 1.25g of protein and 1.04g of total fat per 100g, with 0g of fiber. Micronutrient contributions are minimal, with calcium at 3% DV and Vitamin A at 5% DV. Compared to the reference baseline of plain water or an unsweetened beverage, this TAZO product adds calories and sweeteners, making it a less optimal choice for daily hydration but acceptable for occasional consumption.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in tazo chai, vanilla caramel latte actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a Source of Calcium

This TAZO latte contributes a small amount of calcium, providing 42.08mg per 100g, which is 3% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral known for its role in maintaining bone health and supporting various bodily functions. While not a significant source, it can contribute to your daily calcium intake, especially if consumed as part of a balanced diet that includes other calcium-rich foods. The presence of nonfat dry milk and dried cream in the sweetened dairy packet is the source of this calcium.

Offers a Moment of Enjoyment

For many, beverages like TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE can offer a sensory experience and a moment of enjoyment. The combination of black tea, spices like ginger and cinnamon, and the sweetness from the dairy packet can be a comforting treat. While not a primary source of essential nutrients, incorporating enjoyable foods and beverages in moderation can contribute to overall well-being and dietary adherence, making it easier to stick to a balanced eating pattern long-term.

Contains Black Tea and Spices

The black tea pod ingredients include black tea and a blend of spices such as ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and star anise. Black tea naturally contains antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect the body's cells from damage. The spices also contribute to the flavor profile and have been traditionally used in various cultures. While the amounts in a single serving may be small, these ingredients are generally recognized for their beneficial plant compounds.

How to eat it

TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE is typically consumed as a warm beverage, often as a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It's designed for convenience, with a tea pod and a sweetened dairy packet to be combined. Consumers often enjoy it as a comforting treat or an alternative to coffee.

To reduce the overall sugar intake, consider using only half of the sweetened dairy packet or supplementing with unsweetened milk.
Pair this latte with a source of fiber and protein, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to create a more balanced snack.
If you enjoy the chai flavor, try brewing plain TAZO chai tea and adding a small amount of your preferred milk and sweetener to control the added sugar content.
Consider this beverage as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple due to its processed nature and added sugars.
Things to keep in mind

The sweetened dairy packet in TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE contains sugar, nonfat dry milk, dried cream, and honey granules (sugar, honey). Individuals with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy should be aware of the milk-derived ingredients. While the ingredient list does not declare major allergens like soy, peanuts, or tree nuts, cross-contamination is always a possibility in manufacturing. The product is also classified as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food. Consumers aiming to limit their intake of processed foods or those managing blood sugar levels should consider the presence of multiple forms of sugar in the sweetened dairy packet, despite the '0g added sugar' claim per 100g on the nutrition panel, which may be due to rounding for a small serving size.

Swap suggestions
Very good
Bumble Bee Foods, SARDINES IN SPRING WATER
Score82
Very good
LARABAR, THE ORIGINAL FRUIT & NUT FOOD BAR, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW, CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHEW
Score82
Very good
WILD PLANET NO SALT ADDED WILD SARDINES IN WATER
Score82
Very good
GARDEN OF EATIN' GARDEN OF EATIN, TUSCOLA COUNTRY BLUE CORN, TORTILLA CHIPS, SEA SALT, SEA SALT
Score80
Very good
INCA'S GOLD YELLOW MACA ORGANIC GELATINIZED POWDER, YELLOW MACA
Score80
Very good
VEGA DRINK MIX, MINT LEMONADE
Score79
Reader questions
Is TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE healthy?
TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE scores 45/100 on FoodScore, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It is a processed beverage (NOVA class 3) and contains added sugars in the sweetened dairy packet, despite the 0g added sugar per 100g on the nutrition label. While it offers a small amount of calcium, it is not a significant source of essential vitamins or minerals. It's best considered an occasional treat rather than a primary source of nutrition.
How does TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE compare to other chai lattes?
Compared to a homemade chai latte made with plain tea, unsweetened milk, and a controlled amount of sweetener, TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE contains pre-mixed sugars and processed dairy ingredients. When compared to a ready-to-drink chai latte from a brand like Oregon Chai, the nutritional profile can vary significantly depending on the specific product's ingredients and sugar content. Always check the nutrition facts panel for direct comparisons.
What are 'natural flavors' in this product?
The ingredient list for both the black tea pod and the sweetened dairy packet includes natural flavors. In the US, 'natural flavors' are defined as substances derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. The specific components are proprietary to the manufacturer and are not individually disclosed.
What is a recommended portion size for this latte?
The serving size for TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE is one sweetened dairy packet. To manage calorie and sugar intake, it's advisable to stick to this single-serving portion. If you are looking to reduce sugar, you could consider using only a portion of the sweetened dairy packet or diluting the beverage with extra unsweetened tea or milk.
Can I drink this if I am lactose intolerant?
No, the sweetened dairy packet in TAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE contains nonfat dry milk and dried cream. These are dairy-derived ingredients and contain lactose. Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid this product or seek a dairy-free alternative. Always check the ingredient list for milk products if you have dietary restrictions.

Explore more

CategoryAll beverages →BrandAll TAZO SKUs →Competitor · 69/100BREAST O' CHICKEN, CHUNK LIGHT TUNA IN WATER →Competitor · 69/100Bumble Bee Foods, BUMBLE BEE, WHITE TUNA IN SPRING WATER →GoalBest foods for muscle building →GoalBest foods for iron deficiency →GoalBest foods for anemia →Head-to-headTAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE vs. BREAST O' CHICKEN, CHUNK LIGHT TUNA IN WATER →Head-to-headTAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE vs. Bumble Bee Foods, BUMBLE BEE, WHITE TUNA IN SPRING WATER →Head-to-headTAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE vs. CLIF ROASTED PEANUT CHOCOLATE BAR →Head-to-headTAZO CHAI, VANILLA CARAMEL LATTE vs. HEALTH WARRIOR CHOCOLATE SUPERFOOD PROTEIN + PROBIOTICS, CHOCOLATE →

Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central (Branded, fdcId 2543885, modified 7/14/2017)Updated 2026-04-24