Best Masala Chai Teas Reviewed and Rated
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Masala chai is a beverage which can be used for both nourishment and enjoyment. Couple that with relaxation and you have nectar (drink of the gods) in the package of different products that have been selected by us for you to choose from. These products vary from one to the other, so, yours is to choose the one that you personally like the most. But seriously, what is masala chai?
Our Top 3 Picks
- Twinings
Our rating- Organic
- Price: See Here
- Davidson's
Our rating- Good Taste
- Price: See Here
- Cafe Escapes
Our rating- Gluten Free
- Price: See Here
Masala chai (otherwise known as tea in Hindi) is a flavored sometimes aromatic tea refreshment that is produced by brewing black tea with a variety of useful Indian spices and herbs. Black tea alone is highly beneficial to the body system. Each individual ingredient in a chai has their benefits as well. We know this because we examined all of them separately.
But now as they’ve all been perfectly blended together as ingredients for a tea to increase each other’s efficacy, the results we gleaned are satisfactory, to say the least. The tea has many benefits which are important to all classes of individuals. It can be used for bodybuilding, provision of aid with some health conditions, and maintenance of the body system as a whole. In summary, everybody regardless of age should drink masala chai.
10 Best Masala Chai Teas
1. Twinings
Also, the scent is sweet and convincing, while the taste is just perfect. Since it's not too spicy nor too mild, just in the middle, where it packs the most punch. Now, add a little honey or fresh lemon juice into the mix and the taste just melts on your tongue. Or you can also simply add some sweetened milk for another sweet taste (flavour). The possibilities are endless. We've personally drunk a lot of teas, but this masala chai just about tops our list (hence why it's in first position).
Caffeine
Organic
20 tea bags of organic chai
High-quality ingredients
Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.
Price
The price is excellent or in other terms - it has excellent value for money (with none of its functions being compromised). In the box, you'll find 20 individually wrapped tea bags that can be mixed with a variety of sweeteners to get your favourite taste. Also, you can get a better option which will be suitable for individuals who plan to use it long-term (at 20 individually wrapped tea bags in a pack of 6).
Conclusion
The tea is perfectly blended with useful herbs and spices in a budget price for all classes of individuals. And like all things black tea, it contains caffeine which is a heads-up for people who are new to black teas. Overall, this masala chai is built for everyone regardless of age (as it should be).
Great taste and aroma
Versatility in tastes
Great value for money
High-quality ingredients
Can be iced
None
2. Davidson's
Flavour wise, the tea is a little spicy but is still heavily balanced or else its taste would have been overwhelming. It can also be mixed with sweeteners like we did since it was a bit bland for some of us. Though, do bear in mind that it loses all of this taste when it's cold so it can't be used to prepare iced tea.
Medicinal as it can be used for headache/migraine
A single pack of 16-ounce bag
Contains caffeine
High-quality ingredients
Price
Price isn't the reason why the Davidson's Tea Bulk Classic Chai isn't number one. The product has good value for money and will do well by any individual with a craving for a tastily sweet masala chai. Overall, it's an excellently priced product that fails none of our tea tests (though, do keep in mind that the price of a product depends on individual opinion)
Conclusion
The reason why it's not number one is that the taste is not smooth enough unlike the Twinings Chai Organic Tea. Despite this, it still is an excellent masala chai. And coupled with its value for money, we see no reason why anyone won't give it a taste. Also, its complex spices will be welcomed by certain individuals while the fact that it can't be iced will be a turn-off for others. Regardless, it's a great masala chai with an attractive price.
Bang for buck is good
Excellent taste and aroma
Handpicked high-grade ingredients
Helps with migraine/headache
Loses taste when iced
3. Café Escapes
The tea also contains a pinch of milk, which gives it a sweet taste so you probably won't need to add sugar/honey to it. Also, that same addition of milk makes it unsuitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk.
Exotic taste of black tea and spices
Contains milk, soy, tree nuts, and coconut oil
Low caffeine
Contains a blend of natural and artificial sweeteners
Trans fat and gluten-free
Price
If you check its long list of features, you'll think it would be expensive. it is. The Café Escapes Chai Latte is just subpar in terms of bang for buck (Though, do keep in mind this varies between individuals). It's not on the level of the other items on this list so we blame the addition of milk and sweeteners for the spike
in price.
Conclusion
The masala chai is perfect for individuals with a taste for sweet things, and also those who don't mind the inclusion of milk as an ingredient. Also, nuts and soy as ingredients can be the cause of allergies in some individuals and they best choose another tea on this list. Overall, the tea is perfect for various individuals regardless of the budget due to its excellent consumer experience.
No trans fat and gluten
Low caffeine
High-quality ingredients
Milky taste and aroma
Presence of milk makes it too sweet for some individuals or can cause complications in others
4. Numi
Black tea
Sugar and fragrance-free
Grade A spices and herbs
High caffeine
18-count tea bags
Price
Value for money is definitely not the best we've seen, but for the number of features/claims that the tea boasts of (which we've thoroughly tested), it's still ok. The masala chai has 18 tea bags per item, though there are different options wherein price increases as the tea bags increases.
Conclusion
The tea has good value for money, which makes it suitable for individuals on a slightly flexible budget, though as always, price varies among individuals. Also, the inclusion of caffeine as one of its major ingredients is one point that should be noted down. But from what we noticed, it doesn't fight sleep all that much. Nonetheless, if this is a deal-breaker for you, then you should choose another product on this list.
Great taste and aroma
Lactose-free
Absence of sugar
Grade A organic spices and herbs
Can be prepared hot or cold
The value for money could definitely be better
5. Organic India Tulsi
When we tested the tea, the taste felt significant. It can and will beat other more expensive products with extravagant claims. Also, the tea is sugar-free and can be used with honey/milk to give a rich taste. Nonetheless, the chai still contains an ingredient in the form of caffeine, whose presence in the chai can be a deal-breaker (really depends on user preference).
Stress relieving
Organic
Antioxidant
Contains caffeine
Tulsi
Supports immune system
Price
The value for money could definitely be better (differs among individuals). Maybe it's due to the addition of tulsi as an ingredient because when compared to previous masala chai on this list, the Organic India Tulsi Tea Chai Masala is mediocre (in terms of value for money). The item has 18-count tea bag, and its manufacturer included bigger options. But unfortunately, value for money is still no better.
Conclusion
It's organic, and also has tulsi which works in tandem with all the other masala chai ingredients to deliver great user experience. The chai uses caffeine which is a point that really depends on user preference. Though, do note that it's in a small quantity and we personally didn't feel much of its effects. Also, the exclusion of milk as an ingredient is good, as it allows users to make their choice, unlike the Café Escapes Chai Latte.
Presence of tulsi
High-quality organic spices and herbs
Can be iced
Stress relieving
Value for money could be better
6. Choice Organic
It is caffeine-free and has rooibos as an ingredient which works well with black tea and masala chai spices and herbs to give a pleasantly exotic aroma and taste (flavour). Also, usage with milk (though we also used honey) makes the tea explode in terms of taste. And if you chill the masala chai out, the result will convince you to use it long-term.
Contains 1 box of 16 tea bags
South African Rooibos
100% biodegradable and recycled
Gluten free
Price
The price for money is not the best on this list, but it's no less remarkable. The addition of rooibos into the ingredients coupled with the exclusion of none of its functions/effectiveness makes this product far better than other more expensive masala chai. Also, you get 16 tea bags in one buy - though, there's always an option for more if you're willing.
Conclusion
This is an excellent choice for individuals with a lax budget. The inclusion of rooibos as an ingredient to increase masala chai efficacy is also very much welcomed, likewise the exclusion of milk - which gives users a choice. Overall, the masala chai is perfect for use by various people with different individual needs (regardless of age).
Presence of rooibos
Caffeine-free
Exotic taste and aroma
Value for money is good
Can be iced
Not as smooth as other products on this list
7. The Republic Of Tea
Very flavorful
Sugar, Gluten and GMO free
Good both hot or iced
Price
The masala chai has remarkable value for money. A bonus is that it sacrifices none of its effectiveness for the price you get it - which makes it suitable for all individuals regardless of their budget. And like always, there are bigger options for those who won't be satisfied with the 50-count tea bags.
Conclusion
The Republic Of Tea Republic Chai Black Tea is perfect for individuals who want a tea with taste and aroma whilst excluding sweeteners and milk as ingredients. Coupling all of these choices in ingredients with a reasonable price and you have a product that ticks all the right boxes. In conclusion, this masala chai blends ingredients to give an exceptional result while still maintaining a good price.
No gluten/sugar
Exceptional value for money
Excellent taste and aroma
Can be prepared hot or cold
Masala chai is inorganic
8. David Rio
Also, the chai is tailored to health-conscious individuals - which is mostly why it is gluten-free and lacks trans fats as an ingredient. And while we're on the topic of ingredients, the tea uses a fine blend of masala chai spices and herbs such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger to deliver great taste to consumers.
No hydrogenated oil or trans fat
Can be prepared hot, cold, or blended
Gluten free
Organic ingredients (masala chai herbs and spices)
Price
This option has a price that could definitely be better. (regardless of budget). It can only be used to make 12 cups of chai which when compared to other products on this list is rather underwhelming. Regardless, it's still an excellent tea that you can invest in (because price is a point that people see differently).
Conclusion
The masala chai despite not being conventional like other products on this list (powder rather than tea bags) is still excellent. It's in the possession of a bold and deep flavour that is highly balanced. Not too sweet nor too bland, as it comfortably sits in the middle. Also, the addition of milk goes a long way in convincing consumers to use it long-term. In summary, it's priced well and should be appreciated by individuals who are looking for a change in taste (or people who like their things unconventional).
Gluten free
No trans fat
Can be prepared hot, cold, or blended
Organic ingredients
Value for money could be better
9. Yogi Tea
Also, it can be prepared hot or cold without any loss in taste and it's herbal (which means zero caffeine). Lastly, the tea is very smooth and has that punchy but balanced feel which makes it suitable for consumption any time of the day.
Spicy rooibos
Caffeine free
Masala chai ingredients
Neutralizes free radicals
No artificial flavour or sweeteners
Price
Value for money is simply remarkable. The masala chai has 16 tea bags in a pack of 6 which makes that 96 tea bags per one item. Also, none of its benefits are sacrificed for its price and as a result of that, it can comfortably compete with other more expensive products. Overall, this masala chai is perfect for individuals who want a highly effective tea at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
The chai is suitable for use by everyone regardless of budget and it can also be customized to fit different individual tastes as a result of the exclusion of gluten, milk, and caffeine as ingredients. In summary, this is a tea with excellent flavour and remarkable value for money (whilst maintaining the highest quality possible).
Remarkable value for money
Can be iced
Presence of rooibos
Caffeine and gluten free
Great taste and aroma
No artificial flavour or sweeteners
A bit too sweet for some individuals
10. Tazo
Caffeine
20 tea bags in a pack of 6
Organic masala chai ingredients
Can be prepared hot or cold
Price
Cost effective! You practically get excellent value for money by selecting this item. It has 20 tea bags in a pack of 6 which makes 120 tea bags. Though, as always, this product has higher options for those who're planning to use it long-term. Overall, this chai is perfect for individuals on a budget (tight or flexible/all).
Conclusion
The Tazo Organic Chai Tea has a perfect balance of price and usefulness which will be appreciated by any chai enthusiast. Also, the tea can be prepared plain cold or hot and it will deliver a great smooth and nourishing taste. Nonetheless, you can still add a little honey or raspberry syrup into the mix if you're wanting a change in flavour/taste. In summary, you'll enjoy this masala chai if you give it a chance.
Bang for buck is excellent
Great taste and aroma
Can be prepared hot or cold
Organic ingredients
Flavour isn't all that suitable for new chai drinkers
Benefits of Using Masala Chai
A masala chai as already introduced above is a blend of black tea and Indian spices and herbs. The tea originated from India, but due to the benefits and experience that consumers get, it quickly migrated to other countries and is now being used Worldwide by various consumers for different needs. So, in this section, you’ll find the reasons/benefits why its population of users greatly increased and also why you as an individual (if you’re not using it) should start using it.
Anti-inflammation
Inside masala chai are some ingredients that reduce inflammation. Three popular ones that you’ll see listed on any masala chai item are clove, cinnamon, and ginger. Individually, they provide help in alleviating arthritis pain. Combined, they are powerful enough to completely suppress it (joint inflammation). Also, as a last note, they can be used in eliminating discomfort (or pain) that is related to inflammation in general.
Helps with nausea
Ginger as a common ingredient in masala chai makes the tea a suitable cure for nausea. It can reduce nausea and vomiting including all other effects such as motion sickness, dizziness, low blood sugar, migraine, and fainting.
Source of antioxidants
Antioxidants are used for the elimination of free radicals in the body – which by the way causes cell damage. In that regard, masala chai results as a great source of antioxidants (polyphenols) where fennel, ginger, black tea, and cinnamon are the three main contributors. In summary, taking masala chai is preventing cancer, pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, nephropathy, ocular disease and much more.
Helps with digestion
Cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and clove are the main ingredients in a masala chai. They’re also useful items that aid in digestion especially if the tea is taken after a meal. Though, how do they accomplish this feat? Individually, they have the ability to support the pancreas in secreting digestive enzymes. Combined together, that ability is increased (which in turn aids the body in digesting fats and protein at a faster rate).
Help reduce heart disease
The inclusion of cinnamon as an ingredient in masala chai reduces the risk of heart disease. This is due to the fact it helps in regulating blood sugar levels (in diabetes) and providing aid in stabilization of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.
In summary, masala chai is known for its antibacterial and immune system support and also its prevention/combat of illnesses like arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and heart diseases. Also, keep in mind that these are just a few of the benefits of chai consumption.
Preparing Masala Chai
Unlike most other items, there isn’t a “Usage Recommendations” section for masala chai. But luckily, they have a preparation method (blurb) which can also be found on the product itself. In that regard, the following is a typical/common preparation method for all masala chai items on this list.
Tea Bags
Boil fresh lukewarm water (8 fl oz) and allow it to cool for several minutes. Thereafter you can pour it into a cup with a tea bag already inside. After a two to five minutes steeping period, remove the tea bag and dispose of it. Steeping the tea bag for too long, the tea might become bitter (depends on product) and too little will result in a weak taste. Also, usage with milk/honey/sweetener is good, though it can be used without any of them.
Lastly, all the teas on this list can be chilled by pouring them over ice, though do keep in mind that the Davidson’s Tea Bulk, Classic Chai is excluded from this method since it loses taste when iced.
Powdered Tea
Boil 8 fl oz of fresh water and allow it to cool a bit. Then add two tablespoons of the powdered tea into the boiled water and thoroughly stir the mixture. After that, enjoy your tea.
For iced tea, pour the mixture formed from the above instructions over ice. But keep in mind that Davidson’s Tea Bulk, Classic Chai can’t be chilled since it loses taste when iced. Lastly, if you want, add milk/honey/sweetener as preferred.
Note: you can use more than one tea bag for preparation. It just depends on your taste—which is how strong you want the flavor of the tea to be.
Storing Masala Chai
Luckily, masala chai can’t go bad or spoil. But it can become stale if you don’t properly store it or if you buy it from a cheap manufacturer who doesn’t ensure excellent lifespan through an extended expiration date. Nonetheless, we have already provided the best masala chai items (from excellent manufacturers) that you can invest in, so, below is the second part of extending chai lifespan which is how you can properly store a masala chai item to secure its taste for a long time.
Store the tea in dry, dark, and cool places and also avoid them the contact with moisture, heat, and light. Furthermore, never store them in a refrigerator, but rather an airtight container that is not transparent. Lastly, keep your masala chai away from spices and coffee, since their flavour can seep into the tea bags (chai).
Product Criteria for Evaluation
There are various kinds of teas out there which include the bad, the good and the best. We always completely skip the good and the bad because we find them unsavory. The best, on the other hand, is what we pick from hundreds of products online. But how do we do this? Because as we’ve already lightly mentioned, there are various companies online who make masala chai just to make more sales.
So, how do we really separate the best from the weak, or in other terms, the safest for consumption (in case of teas) from the most dangerous items? If you’re curious about this, the following section takes you through the tests and methods that we use in picking out the best products you can invest in.
Manufacturer Reputation
We always make sure to pick the products for our buying guides and reviews from credible manufacturers who have had years to refine their production methods. This is because experience matters in the long run, and the best companies most of the time have the best ingredients and equipment which leads to safety and quality on the part of consumers.
Ingredients and Their Effectiveness
All the products we include in our guides have been tested to see how well each ingredient work together. In that regard, if any product doesn’t pass this test, you won’t find it on our list. Also, all the ingredients that are used in making masala chai have only one purpose (unlike other products), which is to boost overall effectiveness and thusly deliver great consumer experience.
User Reviews and Product Testing
Keep in mind that we’re also users/consumers and we take time to thoroughly test any product that we include in our buying guides and reviews. But at the same time, we take further steps to read what other users think/feel about the taste, flavor, packaging, value for money, and features of the products. This refines whatever result we get from our own product testing, and depending on how it coincides with our results, we will either include or exclude the product from our guides.
Safety of Their Ingredients
This works in tandem with the safety of the product itself. Since the inclusion of bad ingredients (unsafe) into the product by the manufacturers means that the overall safety of the product is questionable at best and non-existent at worst. On that front, we ensure that all the recommended products (masala chai in this case) in our guides have the best ingredients that pose no risk to the personal health of consumers.
This includes allergic reactions and the overall danger that each ingredient can cause. Summarily, we always pick the best ingredients with the best overall effectiveness. And fortunately, masala chai literally has no side effects.
FAQs
Q. How do I prepare the tea?
A. Kindly visit our “Preparing Masala Chai” section for more information on this.
Q. What is masala chai good for?
A. Masala chai is generally good for overall body maintenance. But in-depth, chai helps with nausea, immunity, and digestion. It also prevents diseases/illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s and supplies antioxidants to the body.
Q. Does masala chai have caffeine?
A. Yes, most of the time. But there are some products on this list that have zero caffeine. An example is the Yogi Tea, Chai Rooibos.
Q. Where to buy masala chai?
A. You can get it at your local store but we recommend Amazon due to the pricing and abundance of user reviews.
Q. What is the difference between masala chai tea bags and their powdered tea form?
A. The preparation method is the only difference between tea bags and powdered tea (masala chai). For more information on this, kindly visit our “Preparing Masala Chai” section.
Q. Is masala chai good for cold?
A. Yes, of course. You can use masala chai for cold and sore throat. And for more information on its benefits, kindly visit our “Benefits of Using Masala Chai” section.