Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back, and appreciate your surroundings. Letitia Baldridge.
Chai tea is a sweet and spicy tea renowned for its fragrant aroma. It can be served over ice or hot and frothy. Either way, who doesn't love themselves a nice cup of chai tea.
In this article, we are going to look at some of the best tasting chai teas available, we have done extensive research and gathered customer reviews to bring you 6 chai teas that come highly recommended. Depending on where you come from, you may recognize it as masala chai. However, for the purpose of clarity, this article will use the term “chai tea” throughout.
The benefits of chai tea
Before we get into our list of recommended chai teas I would like to discuss some of the benefits and precautions of chai tea.
Chai tea contains cinnamon and black tea, both of which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, studies that directly investigate the effects of chai tea are needed.
The cinnamon and ginger found in chai tea may help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. However, it’s best to steer clear of heavily sweetened, store-bought varieties.
The chai tea ingredients ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves may help reduce nausea, prevent bacterial infections, and support proper digestion.
Chai tea contains several ingredients that may work together to promote weight loss or prevent unwanted weight gain. To experience the best results, steer clear of sweetened chai teas.
Chai tea is generally considered safe, although it does contain caffeine and ginger, which may cause negative effects in some people. The optimal dosage is not yet known.
At a glance
#1: Bedtime Chai
Our Bedtime Chai valerian, sleepy time tea is finally back and improved. Will wanted to double up the dose of Valerian Root so we reworked our bedtime blend with more creaminess with a bit of chai excitement, but with twice the Valerian power. Our new and improved 'knock out' tea is now ready to go. This time we used organic honeybush for its natural soothing qualities. We added in Chamomile blossoms, cinnamon for some 'chai' zing, toasted rice and whole cloves.Finally, we topped it off with all organic vanilla pieces, organic nutmeg and a nice dose of organic valerian root. We created this blend just for Will who has had trouble sleeping. (Sorry Sweetie, I had to mention it...) He can't get along without it! Buy valerian root tea with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Use 1 tablespoon to each cup of filtered water at a full boil then steep for 8 to 10 minutes. Will has his with steamed milk and a tiny bit of our rock sugar, but it is really amazing straight up.
I was never a tea drinker but after reading the reviews and buying a trial size, I LOVE IT! It helps me get to sleep and I have been sleeping better since I’ve been drinking it regularly at bedtime. Thank you CTH!!!
Buy: Bedtime Chai
#2 Select Masala Chai
Although “chai” is the word for tea in many Eastern languages, in the West it usually refers to an intensely spiced Indian black tea traditionally infused with milk and sugar. Teabloom’s Select Masala Chai combines cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, star anise, pepper, and other flavors with fine organic black tea from India’s Nilgiri region for a rich, traditional chai experience.
For a simply delicious treat, we recommend preparing Select Masala Chai with milk and honey or sugar to taste. Or use up to one part milk to two parts water and heat the milk before mixing it with your brewed tea for a richer, more authentic beverage. This method produces an invigorating, healthful breakfast tea, especially suited to chilly winter mornings.
Ingredients: Organic black tea, Organic ginger, Organic cinnamon, Organic cloves, Organic cardamom, Organic star anise, Natural flavors, Organic black pepper, Organic pink pepper.
Buy: Select Masala Chai
#3 Rooibos Flight
Some of our most popular Rooibos teas are now available as a tea sampler or what we like to call a "Tea Flight".
Like a scotch or wine 'flight' (or tea sampler) we are introducing our 3 Rooibos Flight to introduce you to a wide range of our custom blended Rooibos. In this package you get 1/2 oz of our already famous Valerian Root blend of Bedtime Chai, the decadent dessert tea blend Tiramisu and one of my all time favorites, Gingerbread Chai! Buy loose leaf Rooibos tea samples with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Rooibos is well known for its amazing medicinal properties such as relieving stress, soothing upset stomachs, aiding with digestion, calming nervous tension, and providing relief from allergies. Rooibos is almost unmatched in its levels of antioxidants which are known to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases including cancer. Rooibos has proven in studies to promote healthy skin, teeth, and bones as well as lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease. Since Rooibos is caffeine-free, it is completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
This is really a great introduction to rooibos tea. It's my first time to try a South African tea, and I am very pleased.
Buy: Rooibos Flight
#4 Sweet Vanilla Chai
Around the world, chai has developed from an Indian tradition (the word means tea in Hindi) to a favorite of tea lovers everywhere. Teabloom’s Sweet Vanilla Chai is a beautiful blend of organic black tea with complex layers of vanilla, ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and licorice that reveal themselves slowly as you sip.
These spices themselves have fascinating histories that add to the experience of this chai blend. Vanilla means “little pod” in Spanish and is derived from a Mexican orchid, while ginger and cloves hail from the lush tropical forests of India, Southern Asia, and Indonesia. The aromatic herb cardamom is an ancient flavoring dating back thousands of years. Sweet Vanilla Chai may be enjoyed plain, which allows these complex traditional flavors to shine, or with milk and sugar or honey to taste. The latter method makes for a delightful chai latte when prepared with frothy steamed milk and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Ingredients: Organic black tea, Organic vanilla pieces, Organic ginger, Organic cinnamon, Organic coconut pieces, Organic clove buds, Organic cardamom seeds, Organic licorice root, Natural flavors, Organic black pepper.
Buy: Sweet Vanilla Chai
#5 Wild Cinnamon Chai
Teabloom’s Wild Cinnamon Chai is a sweet, spicy preparation that brings you the best of malty, robust Assam black tea with highlights of freshly ground cinnamon and cardamom. The result is a satisfying and versatile blend – just right for getting your morning off to a brisk start or pampering you whenever you need a sweet, refreshing pick-me-up.
The word “chai” means tea in several Eastern languages, and in modern times chai is enjoyed around the world in diverse ways. Teabloom’s Wild Cinnamon Chai lends itself well to many popular preparations. It’s equally delectable plain or with milk. For the most traditional experience, blend one part steamed milk to two parts steeped tea, and sweeten with sugar or honey.
Ingredients: Organic black tea, Organic cinnamon, Organic ginger, Organic cardamom seeds, Organic clove buds, Organic black pepper
Buy: Wild Cinnamon Chai
#6 Supreme Spiced Chai
Although “chai” is the word for tea in many Eastern languages, in the West it usually refers to an intensely spiced Indian black tea traditionally infused with milk and sugar. Teabloom’s Supreme Spiced Chai combines ginger, cloves, cardamom, star anise, pepper, and other flavors with fine organic black tea from India’s Nilgiri region for a rich, traditional chai experience.
For a simply delicious treat, we recommend preparing Supreme Spiced Chai with milk and honey or sugar to taste. Or use up to one part milk to two parts water and heat the milk before mixing it with your brewed tea for a richer, more authentic beverage. This method produces an invigorating, healthful breakfast tea, especially suited to chilly winter mornings.
Ingredients: Black tea, Ginger, Star anise, Orange pieces, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Clove buds, Natural flavors
Buy: Supreme Spiced Chai
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