Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream

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When I was in college, the first K-Cups that I ever bought for my Keurig were chai latte flavored, and I really thought I was doing something with my little watery latte, lmao. Fast forward to now, where I’m a real adult in real life, in need of real caffeine and real flavorrrrr—meaning I need a little boost in my chai lattes, and that’s where the dirty chai comes in.

This Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream takes everything you love about the classic coffee shop drink and transforms it into a rich, spoonable dessert (or breakfast—I do hope you’re having ice cream for breakfast at least once a week!!). It’s smooth, spiced, subtly sweet, and caffeinated—what more could you ask for, honestly? Plus, it’s also low-calorie, sugar-free, high-protein, and ridiculously easy to make using the Ninja Creami.

Need I go on? I don’t think so. Let’s get into it!

What Is a Dirty Chai?

A dirty chai is a chai latte with a shot of espresso added. It combines spicy chai tea (a blend of black tea and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom) with bold espresso, creating a drink that’s both cozy and energizing.

A traditional chai latte is made with steamed milk and sweetened chai concentrate, but the “dirty” version gets a little espresso, giving it more depth and a caffeine boost.

This Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream captures those flavors by blending chai tea, espresso powder, and vanilla protein powder into a smooth, creamy frozen treat.

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream

• High-Protein & Low-Calorie – Each pint has 32 grams of protein and no added sugar.
• Perfectly Creamy Texture – Thanks to sugar-free pudding mix, this ice cream turns out thick and scoopable every time.
• Caffeine Boost – The combo of espresso powder and chai tea gives you a little pick-me-up.
• Ninja Creami Perfection – Designed specifically for the Ninja Creami, so you get the best possible consistency.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (240mL) 2% milk – Creamy without excess fat.
• ¾ cup (177mL) brewed chai tea, cooled – Adds warm spice notes.
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder – For protein and thickness.
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix – Ensures a smooth texture.
• 1 tsp espresso powder – Adds the “dirty” coffee flavor.
• 1 tsp stevia (or sweetener of choice) – Adjust to taste.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

How to Make Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a blender or mixing cup, combine:

• Milk
• Chai tea
• Vanilla protein powder
• Sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• Espresso powder
• Stevia
• A pinch of salt

Blend until smooth.

Step 2: Freeze the Mixture

Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint. Secure the lid and freeze for 24 hours on a flat surface.

Step 3: Prep for Spinning

After freezing, run hot water over the pint (sides and bottom) for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Spin in the Ninja Creami

Place the pint in the Ninja Creami and select “Light Ice Cream” mode. If crumbly, re-spin 1-2 times until smooth.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Scoop into a bowl, dust with cinnamon or extra espresso powder, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Texture

• Use cold ingredients – Ensure the chai tea is chilled before blending for a smoother base.
• Don’t skip the pudding mix – This is what makes the ice cream creamy instead of icy.
• Re-spin if needed – The first spin may come out crumbly; just re-spin for perfect consistency.
• Adjust sweetness – Start with 1 teaspoons of stevia, then tweak to taste.

Variations & Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

• Iced Dirty Chai Vibes – Pour cold brew over a scoop for an affogato-style treat.
• Extra Spice – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a stronger chai kick.
• Decaf Version – Use decaf espresso powder if you want all the flavor without the caffeine.
• Mocha Chai Twist – Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or use chocolate protein powder for a chocolatey take.
• Richer Texture – Swap 2% milk for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for an even creamier result.

More Café-Inspired Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of bold espresso, cozy tea flavors, and café-inspired treats, you’re going to love these other high-protein recipes:

• White Chocolate Mocha Protein Ice Cream – A rich and indulgent blend of espresso and creamy white chocolate, this ice cream is perfect for when you want a decadent pick-me-up.
• London Fog Protein Ice Cream – Inspired by the classic Earl Grey tea latte, this silky ice cream combines fragrant bergamot, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness for a sophisticated twist.
• Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats – Creamy, spiced, and lightly sweetened, these overnight oats take the cozy flavors of chai and pair them with the smoothness of vanilla, a perfect make-ahead breakfast.
• London Fog Overnight Oats – The best way to enjoy Earl Grey in a new form! These overnight oats are infused with bergamot and vanilla, offering a café-style experience in a nutritious, protein-rich meal.

Each of these recipes brings the same balance of comfort, flavor, and protein as this Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream, so if you’re looking to expand your café-inspired lineup, these are a must-try!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! While 2% milk gives the best balance of creaminess and protein, you can substitute:

• Whole milk – Extra rich and creamy.
• Almond milk – Dairy-free but slightly icier.
• Fairlife milk – Higher protein and creamier texture.

Is this ice cream very sweet?

It’s lightly sweetened, but you can adjust the stevia to taste. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more.

Does the caffeine content make a difference?

Yes! The espresso powder and chai tea contain caffeine. If you want a caffeine-free version, use decaf espresso powder and caffeine-free chai tea.

Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami, but you can try freezing it in a regular container and stirring every 30 minutes for a soft-serve consistency or blending everything together and enjoying it as a shake!

What can I use instead of sugar-free pudding mix?

If you don’t want to use pudding mix, try 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a creamy, high protein alternative.

Final Thoughts

If you love the bold, spiced flavor of dirty chai, this Dirty Chai Protein Ice Cream is a must-try. It’s high in protein, naturally caffeinated, and so creamy—all with minimal effort.

Give it a try, and let me know what you think!