Part 1: The Whole Flowers (For Pure Tea)
If you want the authentic experience, you need whole flowers. These expand in water and are best for clear teas and cocktails.
1. Incas Organic Whole Flowers
Incas sources directly from Thailand (the home of this tea). The flowers are sun-dried but retain a startlingly bright blue hue, indicating freshness. When brewed, they expand fully, releasing maximum color without any dusty residue.
- USDA Organic Certified
- Whole flowers (not broken bits)
- Intense deep blue color
- Requires straining
- Bag isn't resealable (transfer to jar)
2. FGO Organic (Bulk Bag)
If you plan on making blue iced tea every day or need a large quantity for a wedding/event, FGO is the way to go. You get a massive 4oz bag for the price of a small jar. The flowers are slightly more broken than Incas, but the color yield is excellent.
- Best price per ounce
- Resealable kraft bag
- Certified Organic
- More dust/broken petals
- Needs thorough straining
3. Bluechai Premium Tin
Bluechai works directly with farmers in Chiang Mai and uses zero pesticides. The packaging is a beautiful, reusable metal tin that protects the flowers from light (which fades the blue color). It makes a stunning gift for tea lovers.
- Premium reusable tin
- Ethically sourced
- Highest grade flowers (hand-picked)
- Pricey for the quantity
Part 2: Powders & Blends (For Lattes)
If you want to make the "Blue Cloud Latte," powders are easier because they dissolve instantly.
4. Suncore Foods "Blue Matcha"
This is simply the flowers milled into a microscopic powder. It dissolves instantly in water or milk, making it the ultimate choice for lattes or baking (blue pancakes!). Note: It is not actual Matcha (green tea), so it has zero caffeine.
- Dissolves instantly (No straining)
- Perfect for layering drinks
- Highly concentrated pigment
- More expensive per gram
- Can clump if not whisked well
5. Cha Tra Mue Lemongrass Blend
On its own, Butterfly Pea flower tastes subtle. In Thailand, it is almost always served as Nam Dok Anchan—mixed with Lemongrass. This blend captures that spa-like flavor perfectly. The citrusy lemongrass adds zest, making it a refreshing iced tea.
- Delicious citrus aroma
- Needs less sugar
- Authentic Thai recipe
- Not 100% flower (lighter blue)
The Verdict
- For Cocktails/Tea: Buy Incas Organic. It offers the best color and whole flowers.
- For Lattes/Baking: Buy Suncore Powder. It's the easiest to use.
- For Bulk/Events: Buy FGO Organic. Best value for money.