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The 6 Best Loose Leaf Chai Blends

Chai—properly called masala chai—is the beloved spiced tea of India, combining black tea with warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It's traditionally simmered with milk and sweetened.

We've tested both traditional and modern chai blends to find options that deliver authentic flavour, whether you brew Western-style or make it properly on the stove.

Best Chai Loose Leaf
Editor's Choice
East India Company Royal Flush Chai

1. East India Company Royal Flush Chai

★★★★★ (Authentic Excellence)

This is proper chai—robust Assam tea with generous whole spices. It's designed for traditional stovetop preparation with milk and sugar, and the flavour is absolutely authentic.

Pros:
  • Whole spices included
  • Strong tea base
  • Authentic Indian character
Cons:
  • Best made traditionally
  • Premium price
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Best for Western Brewing
Vahdam Vanilla Spiced Chai

2. Vahdam Vanilla Spiced Chai

★★★★★ (Convenient Excellence)

Vahdam's chai works brilliantly brewed Western-style—just add hot water and milk. The spices are well-balanced with prominent cinnamon and ginger. Organic and Fairtrade too.

Pros:
  • Easy to brew
  • Well-balanced spices
  • Organic certified
Cons:
  • Less intense than traditional chai
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Best Value
Twinings Chai

3. Twinings Chai

★★★★☆ (Accessible Spice)

Twinings offers a gentle introduction to chai at a reasonable price. The spices are present but not overwhelming—perfect if you're new to chai or prefer a milder cup.

Pros:
  • Widely available
  • Good value
  • Approachable flavour
Cons:
  • Milder than authentic chai
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Strongest Spice
Teapigs Chai Tea

4. Teapigs Chai Tea

★★★★★ (Spice Lovers' Pick)

Teapigs doesn't hold back on the spices. Their chai temples are packed with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger. If you want chai that punches through milk, this is it.

Pros:
  • Very spicy
  • Whole leaf quality
  • Great with milk
Cons:
  • May be too intense for some
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Caffeine-Free
TeaNourish Chai

5. TeaNourish Chai

★★★★☆ (Herbal Alternative)

For evening chai cravings, TeaNourish pairs a solid and gutsy Assam base with three types of key spices. Warming and satisfying without the caffeine.

Pros:
  • Assam base
  • Very warming
  • Good spice balance
Cons:
  • Touch 'peaky' spice notes
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Concentrate Option
Minor Figures Organic Chai Concentrate

6. Minor Figures Organic Chai Concentrate

★★★★★ (Café Quality at Home)

For the easiest route to excellent chai, this concentrate just needs milk added. It's made with real spices and gives you café-quality chai lattes in seconds.

Pros:
  • Instant café quality
  • Real spice flavour
  • Very convenient
Cons:
  • Not traditional preparation
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