Is there anything more relaxing than a sweet, warming, spicy cup of chai?
We are huge tea fiends here at IQS, but chai (or chai masala) is our go-to brew. In fact, we’re constantly comparing different brands to find the perfect blend.
So, we thought we’d make it official! We dispatched to the supermarket to find 10 very different brands in the search for the best chai. From the traditional to the quirky to the horrifically sugary, here’s what it all boiled down to.
Twinings Chai Vanilla Flavoured, $2.97 for 20g (10 teabags).
With the nondescript ingredient marked “flavourings”, we were wary of this chai. Consensus? It smells a lot better than it tastes!
Rachel, writer: “This tastes like what I think a vanilla candle would taste like.”
Rainbow Chai Spice Mix, $9.00 for 150g.
Real chai right here! Open this box and you’ll be hit with the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves and star anise.
Meg, recipe developer + nutritionist: “Love! I can taste all the different spices. I will always vote for Rainbow Chai – they have my heart forever.”
Monica, social media intern: “ If you are not a fan of spice, don’t pick this. The heat lingers long after you take a sip.”
Woolworths Gold Masala Chai, $5.49 for 40g (16 teabags).
We were intrigued to try a supermarket brand and were happy to see no nasties in the ingredients. But the strong notes of black tea overpowered the spices in this blend.
Camilla, editor + senior writer: “A fine blend if you like regular tea. But this is a chai test, people!”
Kintra Dandy Chai Blend, $8.30 for 90g (32 teabags).
What did we learn from trying dandelion chai? Dandelion chai is a very acquired taste. None of us could get past the flavour of roasted dandelion root. But if you like bitterness, this one’s for you.
Hannah, recipe development assistant: “This one is weird – it tastes a little muddy!”
Matt, programs coordinator: “Dark and rich. But it tastes more like coffee than chai.”
Pukka Vanilla Chai, $7.95 for 40g (20 teabags).
We were a little put off by the brewed hues of this one, but it was a classic case of “don’t judge a chai by its colour”.
Monica: “It has a slightly washed out look to it, but don’t let that fool you. With a pretty aroma and a sweet aftertaste, I’d have another cup!”
Madame Flavour Loose Leaf Ginger Masala Chai, $8.75 for 75g.
We love Madame Flavour’s use of native ingredients! The Australian mountain pepper leaf really adds some fire to this spicy, strong black tea mix. (Rose petals not included!)
Lee, social media manager: “Let there be tea! This one has some really strong tea notes, which are a little overpowering to the chai flavours.”
The Organic Tea Project Sticky Chai Masala Honey Blend, $12.90 for 150g.
We don’t usually eat honey. But since this honey-soaked chai had less than a teaspoon of sugar per serve, we decided to try it! The verdict? It’s too sweet for us, but would make a decadent treat.
Camilla: “This one smells and tastes EXACTLY like a Snickers bar.”
Rainbow Chai Organic Rooibos Chai, $12.00 for 100g.
Caffeine-free rooibos tends to split tea lovers right down the middle. But if you love the nutty, almost chocolatey flavour of rooibos, you can’t go past this brew.
Rachel: “Rooibos is definitely the star of this chai. The mellow, rich flavours balance the spices perfectly.”
Madura Seven Spice Chai, $9.21 for 100g.
One of the only true chai mixes in the supermarket, we all wanted a second cup of this seven-spice blend!
Lee: “Tea and spice (and all things nice!) That is what little chais should be made of.”
Arkadia Chai Tea Spice, $7.27 for 240g.
Note: just because it says chai, doesn’t mean it’s chai. This “chai” powder is made from sugar, glucose syrup solids, vegetable oils and several additives. And no mention of any actual spices. It also has more than 2.5 teaspoons of sugar per serve!
Rachel: “Liquified cinnamon donut.”
Monica: “Would you like to add some chai to your sugar there, Arkadia?”
We originally published this post in August 2016. We updated it in May 2017.
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