Thai Iced Tea

Dairy-Free Thai Iced Tea — Vegan Recipe (No Dye Options)

Dairy-free Thai iced tea and vegan cha yen with coconut or oat milk. Tips for Thai tea without dye. Plant-based recipe at home.

Glass of vegan dairy-free Thai iced tea with plant milk and ice
Dairy free Thai iced tea — vegan version with coconut or oat milk.

Dairy free Thai iced tea is the same bold, sweet, orange cha yen — just without condensed or evaporated milk. This vegan Thai iced tea uses coconut milk, oat milk, or another plant milk and your choice of sweetener. If you want Thai tea without dye or Thai tea no dye, we'll point you to blends and tips so you can make dairy free Thai iced tea that's fully plant-based and optionally free of food coloring.

Ingredients

Makes 2 tall glasses

  • Thai tea — 3 tbsp loose Thai tea mix (or 3–4 Thai tea bags). For Thai tea without dye, use an uncolored blend.
  • Water — 2 cups (480 ml) boiling
  • Plant milk — ¼–⅓ cup. Full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream gives the closest richness; oat milk is a lighter option.
  • Sweetener — 2–3 tbsp maple syrup, agave, or sugar, to taste
  • Ice — for serving

How to Make Vegan Thai Iced Tea

  1. Steep the tea

    Steep Thai tea in boiling water 5–7 minutes. Strain and let cool slightly. Same base as our classic and boba — the dairy free swap is in the milk and sweetener.

  2. Sweeten

    Add your sweetener while the tea is still warm. Stir well. Taste and adjust.

  3. Chill

    Cool to room temperature or refrigerate 15–20 minutes.

  4. Serve

    Fill glasses with ice. Pour the vegan Thai iced tea over the ice. Add a splash or drizzle of plant milk on top so it layers.

Thai Tea Without Dye / Thai Tea No Dye

Many dairy free Thai iced tea fans also want Thai tea without dye or Thai tea no dye. The orange color in standard mixes often comes from added coloring. To make Thai tea no dye:

  • Look for Thai tea blends labeled "no dye," "natural," or "uncolored."
  • Or use a strong black tea (Assam, Ceylon) with a pinch of star anise and tamarind — the drink will be darker amber but still delicious.

Tips for the Best Dairy Free Thai Iced Tea

  • Coconut: Canned full-fat coconut milk or cream gives the creamiest result. Shake the can before using.
  • Brew strong: Ice dilutes the tea; keep the brew strong like the classic recipe.

What's Next

Try the classic or boba version if you're fine with dairy, or read What is Thai iced tea? for ingredients and brewing basics.