The Best Chai Tea Brands of 2023

Chai tea, a richly spiced and full-bodied beverage that hails from India, is a comforting drink enjoyed by many across the world. 

To help you choose the best chai tea, we’ve put numerous brands under the microscope, testing various forms such as tea bags, loose-leaf, powder, concentrate, and chai latte. We’ve selected the best based on the quality of the tea, flavor intensity, and brewing convenience.

Here are the best chai teas on the market:

The 9 Best Chai Teas

Below, we have curated a list of the nine best chai teas that truly stand out. These selections result from rigorous testing and represent the crème de la crème of chai teas available today.

1. Vahdam India’s Original Masala Loose-Leaf Chai Tea – Best Chai Tea Overall

The Vahdam India’s Original Masala Loose-Leaf Chai Tea is an authentic Indian blend of CTC black tea and aromatic spices, offering an interesting balance between warmth and spice. 

The leaves are brown and black, embellished with bits of real cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove, making the chai a symphony of colors. 

Upon brewing, it releases an aroma that mingles the malty notes of tea with an array of spices, conjuring up an Indian spice bazaar. 

The taste of this chai offers a malty flavor paired with exotic and soothing spiciness. The warm notes are mellow yet pronounced, and can be further enhanced by adding a dash of milk and sugar.

The 12 oz package comes in a resealable zipper bag, ensuring the freshness of the chai is sealed in until the moment it’s steeped. This package size can render approximately 170 cups of chai, offering value in addition to the sensory experience. 

Vahdam India has also made strides in sustainability by offsetting their carbon footprint through renewable energy investments and committing 1% of revenue towards educating farmers’ children.

Pros

• Authentic Indian Masala Chai taste.
• The tea comes in a resealable zipper bag for freshness.
• A balanced mix of real spices and black tea.
• The product offers good value, providing around 170 cups in a 12 oz package.

Cons

• Some tea drinkers may find the spice blend to be on the strong side.
• The chai might taste less sweet to those used to pre-sweetened chai blends.
• The product has high caffeine content, which might not suit everyone.
• The chai is best enjoyed fresh, and the flavor might fade if the package is left open or unused for a while.
• While this chai does contain cinnamon, its taste is not pronounced enough.

2. Teatulia Organic Masala Chai Tea Bags – Best Chai Tea Bags

The Teatulia Organic Masala Chai Tea Bags come as a pack of 50 pyramid bags containing an interesting mix of flavors. With black tea as the base, a medley of Indian spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger root, black pepper, and cloves, is added to create a unique taste.

The black tea, robust and full-bodied, plays a crucial role in delivering a rich flavor profile, whereas the Indian spices contribute to the tea’s overall aromatic depth of this best bagged chai tea. The brewed tea presents itself in an amber-red hue, a color that’s commonly associated with the intensity and warmth of chai teas.

Encased in eco-friendly pyramid bags, the tea leaves offer a generous extraction of flavors, although the are definitely stronger chai options on the market. This tea’s appeal lies in its combination of convenience and authentic chai flavors, making it suitable for various tea-drinking preferences.

Pros

• Offers a blend of black tea and traditional Indian spices.
• Comes in eco-friendly pyramid tea bags.
• The pack includes a substantial number of 50 tea bags.
• Ingredients are all-natural.
• The brew can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
• Brews to an aesthetically pleasing amber-red color.

Cons

• Compared to some other chai teas, the flavor might be perceived as weaker.
• Some might consider the product slightly expensive.

3. The Republic of Tea Tablespoon Chai Concentrate – Best Chai Concentrate

The Republic of Tea Tablespoon Chai Concentrate is a tea concentrate that combines various elements like pure water, brewed black tea, evaporated cane juice, wildflower honey, and an array of spices, including vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, clove, natural flavors, and citric acid. With a lightly sweetened profile, this best chai concentrate offers a blend of distinct flavors, marked by a subtle spice kick.

The packaging is a straightforward bottle that houses 64 servings of the concentrate. At a height of 9.5 inches, it fits comfortably on most kitchen shelves, although adding a pump might increase its height.

Utilizing this chai concentrate is simple: you need to mix one fluid ounce of concentrate with seven fluid ounces of your chosen milk or milk alternative. The concentrate is adaptable, allowing for hot, cold, steamed, or blended servings.

This product bears Gluten-Free and Kosher certifications, accommodating various dietary needs. It can last up to a year when unopened, and once opened, it maintains its freshness for up to 90 days in refrigerated conditions.

Pros

• Simple to use – mixing with milk or a milk alternative.
• Versatile in how it can be served.
• It caters to dietary needs with its Gluten-free and Kosher certifications.
• Contains 64 servings, which may last a while.
• Accommodates different tastes with its balance of sweetness and spice.

Cons

• The sweetness might be less than expected for some.

4. Vahdam Original Chai Latte Instant Mix – Best Chai Tea Latte Mix

Vahdam Original Chai Latte Instant Mix is a product that replicates the authentic Indian chai experience. This mix combines black tea, whole milk, and a mix of spices, with cardamom, ginger, and black pepper among them. The 8.47 oz pack is designed to offer 30 servings.

The blend is made entirely of natural ingredients, which are procured directly from India. It’s been marked with a USDA-certified organic label, signaling an absence of chemicals. 

This best chai latte is versatile enough to be prepared hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Pros

• Natural ingredients and a low-calorie count.
• It holds a USDA-certified organic stamp.
• Can be prepared hot or cold, according to preference.
• The price is reasonable given the quantity.

Cons

• The flavor can be underwhelming for some tea drinkers.
• Stevia, an ingredient in the mix, isn’t preferred by all due to its distinctive taste.
• The spice balance might not be appealing to all customers.
• The product may not dissolve entirely in water for some.

5. Spicewalla Chai Masala Powdered – Best Chai Powder

The Spicewalla Chai Masala Powder is a remarkable blend of spices inspired by traditional Indian street flavors. With a focus on ginger and cardamom, this best chai powder deviates from conventional chai powders, offering a less pronounced cinnamon profile. The blend includes ginger, cinnamon, green cardamom, black pepper, clove, and allspice, providing a delightful balance of aromatic intensity and robust flavor.

Presented in a large tin container, this chai masala powder holds 3.5 oz of product and provides a versatile and easy-to-use approach to enhancing your favorite black tea. It’s a gluten-free, non-GMO product with no artificial flavors, aligning with Paleo and Keto dietary preferences.

While it is primarily meant to be used for tea, Spicewalla Chai Masala Powder also lends itself well to baking, proving its versatility by enhancing the flavor of cookies, muffins, and other pastries. The spices are sourced from fresh plants and are ground, roasted, and packed in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

Pros

• An authentic and rich blend of Indian spices
• Versatile, can be used in baking and cooking
• High-quality, simple ingredients
• Fresh spices used in small batches
• Suitable for Paleo and Keto diets
• Gluten-free and Non-GMO

Cons

• Might be too spicy for some
• The product does not dissolve completely in tea
• The ginger flavor is dominant, which may not suit everyone’s palate

6. Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Chai Tea – Best Loose-Leaf Chai Tea

Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Chai Tea is a blend that balances sweet and spicy in a cup of chai. With Assam black tea as its foundation, the blend involves an assortment of spices – cardamom seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s also touched with natural cardamom and vanilla flavors. 

While this best loose-leaf chai tea can be enjoyed as is, adding milk or honey can modify the flavor according to individual preferences. Its mild spicing makes it open to further customization with preferred spices.

Pros

• Offers a blend of sweet and spicy.
• Uses quality Assam black tea as the base.
• The loose-leaf format allows control over serving size.
• Features a mild aroma.
• Can be enjoyed with or without additions.
• Reasonably priced.
• Its spice levels are mild, making it adaptable to individual preferences.

Cons

• Its mild flavors might not appeal to everyone.

7. Art of Tea Ginger Spice Chai Concentrate – Best Spicy Chai

The Art of Tea Ginger Spice Chai Concentrate is a blend of black tea extract and aromatic spices that includes ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Hailing from India, this product brings an authentic experience of spicy chai in a powdered concentrate form that can be easily prepared with hot or cold water.

Each package contains four sachets, and each sachet yields one quart of chai tea. This product provides a substantial quantity of tea, which might be more than needed for single-use, especially if you’re accustomed to savoring your chai in smaller quantities. Despite its convenient packaging, care should be taken while handling the fine powder to avoid a messy preparation process.

As for its flavor profile, the product leans heavily towards the spicy side, thanks to the pronounced ginger content. Although the chai flavor may be somewhat muted, especially to those expecting a sweeter concoction, the robust ginger gives this chai concentrate a distinctive edge, making it potentially one of the best spicy chai experiences.

The product has a limited sweetness due to its relatively low sugar content. This allows for personal customization, as you can add your preferred sweetener to taste.

Pros

• Has a pronounced ginger kick.
• The concentrate can be mixed with hot or cold water.
• It provides a good quantity of chai tea (1 quart per sachet).
• Allows for sweetness customization due to low sugar content.
• The ingredients used are all-natural.
• Offers an authentic experience of Indian chai.

Cons

• The ginger flavor might be overwhelming for some.
• Chai flavor might be less pronounced than expected for some.
• The product is priced relatively high.

8. David Rio Power Chai Espresso – Best Dirty Chai

David Rio’s Power Chai Espresso offers an opportunity to enjoy a distinctive blend of two beloved beverages – chai and coffee. As a variant of the best dirty chai, the 14-ounce canister contains a blend of Brazilian coffee espresso and rich black tea, stirred to life with an assortment of organic spices, including ginger, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. 

This vegan, all-natural, artisanal product adheres to a clean ingredients approach, providing a drink that can be made with either milk or a milk substitute. The result is a chai that is both flavorsome and versatile, with a fine consistency ensuring quick preparation. 

Although it caters to the palates of those who enjoy a good dirty chai, it’s important to note that the drink may be a touch too sweet for some.

Pros

• Versatility in preparation: works well with milk or milk substitutes.
• Convenient: allows you to make a good dirty chai at home.
• Vegan and all-natural, making it a healthy option.
• Fine consistency enables easy preparation.
• A pleasing aroma that matches the taste.

Cons

• Some may find it too sweet for their taste.
• Some customers may prefer a more pronounced espresso flavor.
• Doesn’t mix well with cold milk.

9. Royal Chai Kashmiri Pink Tea – Best Kashmiri Chai

The Royal Chai Kashmiri Pink Tea is a convenient, quick-to-prepare beverage that brings the essence of traditional Kashmiri chai to your mug. This powder-formulated tea allows you to enjoy the iconic pink tea without the lengthy brewing process typically associated with traditional methods.

Each box contains ten single-serving sachets of the best Kashmiri chai. These sachets can be mixed with 180ml of hot milk or water, according to preference. 

The taste profile includes a harmonious blend of ingredients such as sugar, skimmed milk powder, green tea extract, natural cardamom, ginger, black pepper, beetroot, fennel, and saffron. These ingredients provide a distinctive flavor and aroma, characterized by the vivid pink color attributed to the beetroot.

Notably, this product is entirely natural, without any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Its packaging assures ease of use and transportation, ideal for those needing an on-the-go tea option.

Pros

• Convenient and quick to prepare.
• Natural ingredients, no artificial additives.
• Single-serving sachets allow easy portion control.
• Versatile – can be made with either milk or water.
• The unique pink color offers a novel tea experience.
• Offers a taste of Kashmiri chai for those unfamiliar with it.
• Ten servings per box make it a lasting choice.

Cons

• The flavor is pleasant yet very distinctive from other chai teas we have tried. It may not appeal to all taste buds. The taste might also be considered non-authentic by those familiar with traditional Kashmiri chai.
• The price is on the higher side.

How We Selected the Best Chai Teas

Our selection process was stringent and thorough to ensure we recommend only the best.

Type of Tea

When it comes to chai, the type of tea used significantly impacts the final taste. Assam, Darjeeling, and Kashmiri chai are some of the popular variants. 

Assam chai, with its robust, malty flavor, pairs excellently with spices, making it a favorite for the best masala chai. 

Darjeeling tea, on the other hand, offers a more delicate and fruity profile, resulting in a more subtly flavored chai. 

The unique Kashmiri chai stands out for its beautiful pink color and the inclusion of almonds and cardamom for a rich, warming brew.

Blend

The hallmark of the best chai tea is a balanced blend of spices. The most common chai tea blends include a mix of warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Occasionally, star anise or fennel may also be included. 

Some blends may incorporate other spices or herbs, such as rooibos, a caffeine-free South African plant with a sweet and slightly nutty taste, offering a calming and soothing variant of chai.

Form

Chai teas come in a variety of forms to suit individual preferences. 

Tea bags and instant chai powder offer the utmost convenience, ideal for those needing a quick cup. 

Loose-leaf chai provides the best flavor depth, as the larger tea and spice pieces retain their flavor better. 

Concentrate and premade chai tea are perfect for those who want a grab-and-go option without sacrificing too much flavor. 

Chai lattes, popularized by coffee shops, combine tea, spices, and frothy milk for a deliciously indulgent chai experience.

Intensity and Flavoring

Different chai teas offer varying intensity and flavoring, depending on their ingredients. 

Some chai teas have a milder flavor, perfect for those new to the drink or who prefer subtler notes. Others can be robust and spicy, delivering a true punch of flavor. 

The so-called “dirty chai” even includes a shot of espresso for an extra kick. 

Regarding caffeine content, chai usually contains less caffeine than coffee but more than most other teas due to the inclusion of black tea in the blend.

Tips for Choosing the Best Chai Tea

When it comes to choosing the best chai tea for your tastes, consider the following tips:

1. Know Your Preference: Are you a purist who prefers traditional chai flavors, or are you open to more experimental blends? Knowing your taste preferences can help you find your perfect chai.
2. Decide on the Form: The form of chai tea—be it tea bags, loose-leaf, powder, concentrate, or premade chai tea—can significantly affect both the brewing experience and the taste. Choose what fits your lifestyle and taste preference best.
3. Check the Ingredients: Look for chai teas with natural ingredients and spices for a more authentic flavor. Some of the best chai teas use whole spices, which contribute to a more flavorful cup.
4. Choose the Right Base: Chai can be made with different types of tea, like Assam, Darjeeling, or Kashmiri. If you prefer a stronger, full-bodied flavor, go for Assam. For a lighter, more delicate taste, Darjeeling is a good choice.
5. Consider Organic: If sustainability and natural products matter to you, consider opting for the best organic chai tea. They are free from pesticides and are often ethically sourced.
6. Consider Caffeine Content: Chai tea usually contains less caffeine than coffee but more than most other teas. If you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer a decaffeinated version, be sure to check the label.
7. Read Reviews: Reviews can give you insight into the taste and quality of the product. They can help you choose among the best chai tea brands.

FAQ

What Does Chai Tea Taste Like?

Chai tea has a rich, complex flavor profile. It combines the strong, full-bodied taste of tea with the warm and aromatic taste of spices. The flavor can range from sweet and creamy to spicy and robust, depending on the blend.

What Spices Are in Chai Tea?

Common spices in chai tea include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Some blends may also include star anise, fennel, or nutmeg.

What Are the Benefits of Chai Tea?

Chai tea offers several health benefits, including improved digestion due to the ginger and cardamom content, a boost in heart health because of the cinnamon, and enhanced immune system function from the cloves.

How Much Caffeine Is in Chai Tea?

A standard cup of chai tea has approximately 25-50 mg of caffeine, which is less than coffee but more than most other teas. The exact amount can vary depending on the type of black tea used and the steeping time.

How to Make Chai Tea?

Making chai tea with store-bought products is a breeze, whether you’re using tea bags, loose-leaf chai, or chai tea powder. Below is a simple and quick recipe to enjoy your chai tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 chai tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf chai or chai tea powder
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of milk (any type you prefer)
• Sugar or honey to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the water in a pot or a kettle.
2. If using a chai tea bag or loose-leaf chai, place it in your cup and pour the boiling water over it. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can steep for up to 10 minutes.
3. If you’re using chai tea powder, add the powder to the boiling water in the pot, stir well, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. While the tea is steeping or simmering, heat the milk in a separate pot or the microwave until hot but not boiling.
5. Once the tea is ready, remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves. If you used chai powder, you can skip this step.
6. Pour the hot milk into your cup of tea and sweeten it to taste with sugar or honey.
7. Stir well and enjoy.

Note: Always follow the specific brewing instructions on the package of your chosen chai product for optimal results. Different brands and products may have specific recommended brewing times or methods.