10 Best Chai Tea Bags of 2024 (Tea Sommelier-Reviewed)
Looking for a convenient and quick pick-me-up? Try Masala chai tea bags! Masala chai has a warming, sophisticated flavor derived from a scrumptious blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. And in a teabag form, this chai is that much easier to consume anywhere. Plus, it's packed with antioxidants and can reduce your blood sugar level, reduce inflammation, and bring you many other health benefits.
There are many delicious chais in our list of favorites, so keep reading to see if anything else sounds good to you! Plus, read through our buying guide for tips on choosing delicious Masala chai tea bags.
Quick List - Top Chai Tea Bags
I am a Certified Tea Sommelier and blogger at teacachai.com with a business and fashion background. Besides drinking tea, I enjoy creating tea-infused recipes, cocktails/mocktails, teaching workshops and sharing all about tea. I got into tea at a young age and have always been super passionate about it!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
What Exactly is Masala Chai?
Masala chai is a traditional Indian drink that is often crafted from a combination of black tea and warming spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and black peppercorn. It can be enjoyed as-is or with milk and sweetener for some extra decadence.
Besides its taste, another reason why so many people love chai blends is their health benefits. Many of the chai spices are full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Particularly, ginger and cardamon are renowned for reducing inflammation and supporting your digestive health. Other indispensable ingredients of many chai blends, cinnamon and cloves, can balance your blood sugar levels and strengthen your immune system.
The list of health benefits that come with drinking chai is pretty extensive. Plus, it's delicious! So why don't you give it a try?
This long-established Indian drink is delicious and has a great tradition. In India, it is often served in the streets and made and sold by Chai Wallahs, which are a huge part of the Indian culture. It is also a big part of every household, and the spices and recipes used to make it can differ from city to city, and household to household.
Most will use ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, but many other spices can be added to customize it and make it unique. It can be lots of fun playing around with different spices to create your own blend!
How to Choose Chai Tea Bags
If you're new to Masala chai, you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the options at hand. But don't worry! In this buying guide, we've compiled various tips that will help you with the decision making process.
Pay Attention to the Material of the Tea Bags
Tea bags are arguably more convenient and portable than loose leaf tea. There's no need to portion out leaves, and you don't need any special equipment like strainers. All you need is a cup, some water, and a few minutes of your time, and you're good to go.
Nonetheless, not all tea bags are created equally. The majority of tea bags are safe for you, but there are still some crafted from plastic that might release microplastics into your tea.
Besides that, the paper used to make some tea bags might be bleached in order to get a clean off-white color. This bleaching process usually involves potentially harmful chemicals, such as dioxin, which have been associated with infertility and hormonal issues at large doses.
Tea bags might also be treated with epichlorohydrin, a plastic compound that helps prevent the bags from breaking. However, epichlorohydrin can dissolve in your tea and lead to stomach problems in some. So to give yourself peace of mind, go for tea bags made from natural fibers such as cornsilk and hemp!
Pick a Flavor That Will Tempt Your Taste Buds
When it comes to Masala chai, there's a plethora of flavors and blends for you to choose from. So choose one that will delight your taste buds!
A Classic Chai Blend is Bold and Spicy
If you're a fan of bold flavor and enjoy the pure taste of spices, go for a black tea infused with a classic Indian blend of cardamom, clove, ginger, peppercorn, and cinnamon! It will allow you an authentic taste of Masala chai.
Some traditional recipes might include spices such as star anise, fennel, and nutmeg as well. Just know that different spices will bring a slightly different flavor to the tea.
Moreover, the base tea for Masala chai is usually strong black tea. But for those who don't like the malty flavor of black tea, there are also chai blends available that are made with green tea or oolong tea, or even herbal bases like rooibos instead!
"Masala" means "ground spice mix" (in this case ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and more), and "chai" means tea. Traditionally, the base used for Masala chai is Assam Black tea and then a number of spices are ground and added to the tea to create this Masala Chai, or "spiced tea". And of course, don't forget the milk!.
Assam Black tea is strong and makes a great base for this chai. Some people might like extra gingery blends, and others might like it with more cinnamon. That's why trying different blends and creating your own can be a fun way of discovering what you like best.
There Are Plenty of Different and Seasonal Blends Available
If you're new to Masala chai, a conventional blend might be too spicy or overpowering for you. In that case, you might want to start with a Masala chai blended with lighter flavors. For those who are into a sweet, decadent flavor, a chai blend with a touch of vanilla or caramel might do the trick.
There are seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice as well. Keep in mind that with more added flavors, you might not taste as much of the classic spicy tang associated with Masala chai. Instead, you may get a sweeter or more fragrant note.
Turmeric is another fantastic addition to the traditional chai, as its bitterness will make the flavor even more sophisticated. Besides, turmeric is jam-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties!
You might want to be a bit careful with blended teas as well, since they're often crafted with artificial flavors and fragrance to mask the taste of low-quality tea leaves. So to be on the safe side, choose products with no artificial additives.
There are lots of blends out there like chocolate chai, or vanilla chai, and more that can be fun to try. Just keep in mind that most will be flavored, while the original version is not.
Masala chai gets its spicy taste from the natural spices that are steeped along with the black tea. For seasonal options, try adding a teaspoon or two of pumpkin puree to your classic Masala chai to make it a pumpkin spice chai!
Fair Trade-Certified Products Help Support the Workers
Many tea farms are associated with labor violations and poor working conditions. So to endorse the rights of workers and improve their working conditions, many brands are investing more in fair-trade practices to eliminate abusive labor and make sure that the farmers are paid a fair salary.
So by purchasing products that are certified fair-trade, you're supporting a great cause that will improve the lives of many workers and farmers!
As tea consumers, we have the responsibility of questioning the brand's values and practices. We want to guarantee that the workers and farmers in the industry are paid a fair wage and treated well. If the company doesn't communicate these practices, then question them by emailing or calling them, and demand answers.
We also have an impact on the industry as consumers. We deserve to choose what we buy having all the information that we need and reject products from companies that have unfair practices.
Consider Eco-Friendly Options
When shopping for chai tea bags, you'll see many brands that are committed to eco-friendly practices as well. For example, some manufacturers produce pillow tea bags without strings and staples to help reduce unnecessary waste.
For those who are environmentally conscious, you might want to look at the product's description to see how the tea brand is working towards supporting the environment.
Loose leaf tea is the best alternative because you can use a reusable strainer and avoid the tea bags altogether. There are many options and brands that offer loose leaf Masala chai.
Still, if you want to go with tea bags, make sure the bags are not bleached and don't have harsh chemicals. Most of the time, this information is not disclosed.
10 Best Chai Tea Bags
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount of Tea Bags | Flavor | Fair-Trade | Eco-Friendly | |||||
1 | Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea | | Elevate Your Day with Bigelow Vanilla Chai Black Tea | 120 Bags | Vanilla | |||
2 | Twinings Chai | | Infuse Your Day with Sweet & Savory Spice | 100 Bags | Classic | |||
3 | Tazo TAZO® Tea｜Organic Chai | | Revitalize Your Cup, Sustain the Planet | 96 Bags | Classic | |||
4 | Traditional Medicinals Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea | | Spiced Flavor, Soothing Benefits | 16 Bags | Dandelion | |||
5 | Stash Tea Double Spice Chai Black Tea | | Bold Flavor with Extra Kick | 100 Bags | Double Spice | |||
6 | Yogi Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality | | Warm Spice, Organic Goodness | 64 Bags | Honey Turmeric | |||
7 | Twinings Ultra Spice Chai | | Chai Tea, Perfected | 20 Bags | Ultra Spice | |||
8 | FGO Organic Chai Tea Bags | | USDA-Certified Organic Chai With a Balanced, Delicate Flavor | 100 Bags | Classic | |||
9 | Twinings Spiced Apple Chai | | Warm Spices Meet Sweet Apple Essence | 20 Bags | Apple | |||
10 | Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai | | Rich Pumpkin Flavor with Spiced Warmth | 120 Bags | Pumpkin Spice | |||
Elevate Your Day with Bigelow Vanilla Chai Black Tea
Bigelow Tea is a renowned name in the world of premium teas, lauded for its rich flavors and exceptional quality. Since its founding in 1945, Bigelow has been crafting a diverse range of blends using the finest ingredients, from classic black and green teas to unique herbal infusions. Each tea bag is carefully sealed to preserve freshness and deliver a delightful brew every time. Enjoy the timeless tradition of Bigelow Tea and experience the perfect balance of taste and tranquility in every cup.
Bigelow Vanilla Chai Black Tea offers a harmonious blend of rich black tea and exotic spices, infused with a touch of smooth vanilla. Each cup delivers a balanced mix of bold flavor and subtle sweetness, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing escape or a flavorful way to kickstart your day. Enjoy the warmth and depth of this delightful chai blend, crafted to bring a moment of indulgence to your daily routine.
| Flavor | Vanilla |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Infuse Your Day with Sweet & Savory Spice
Unwind with the comforting blend of Twinings Chai Black Tea, where premium black tea meets cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger for a balanced, aromatic experience. Each of the 100 individually sealed tea bags preserves freshness, offering the perfect cup to enjoy a peaceful, cozy moment anytime.
| Flavor | Classic |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
TazoTAZO® Tea ｜ Organic Chai
| Amount of Tea Bags | 96 Bags |
|---|
Revitalize Your Cup, Sustain the Planet
Savor the deeply spiced, invigorating taste of TAZO Regenerative Organic Chai, crafted with Fair Trade Certified black teas and a rich fusion of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. This eco-conscious blend delivers a satisfying pick-me-up for mornings or afternoons, while its USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications mean every cup supports regenerative agriculture.
| Flavor | Classic |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Traditional MedicinalsDandelion Chai Probiotic Tea
| Amount of Tea Bags | 16 Bags |
|---|
Spiced Flavor, Soothing Benefits
| Flavor | Dandelion |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Stash TeaDouble Spice Chai Black Tea
| Amount of Tea Bags | 100 Bags |
|---|
Bold Flavor with Extra Kick
Indulge in a powerful chai experience with Stash's Double Spice Chai Black Tea, a rich blend of black tea doubled up with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and allspice. Each tea bag delivers a fresh, robust flavor with twice the usual spices, giving every sip a bolder, warmer chai kick. Perfect for an invigorating morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, this tea brings unmatched spice and quality in every cup.
| Flavor | Double Spice |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Warm Spice, Organic Goodness
Revitalize your day with Yogi's Organic Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality tea. This tea blends the antioxidant power of turmeric with the natural sweetness of organic honey flavor and traditional chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and clove. Together, they create a smooth, spicy-sweet flavor to support overall well-being with every warming cup. USDA Organic certified, Yogi's unique combination of botanicals brings both flavor and wellness to your tea ritual.
| Flavor | Honey Turmeric |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Chai Tea, Perfected
Twinings Ultra Spice Chai is a robust blend that combines fine black tea with an extra kick of traditional chai spices—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove. Each sip offers a rich aroma and powerful taste, crafted by master tea blenders dedicated to both tradition and innovation. For the best experience, steep each individually wrapped tea bag for 3-5 minutes, capturing the full-bodied flavor and warmth in every cup.
| Flavor | Ultra Spice |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
FGOOrganic Chai Tea Bags
| Amount of Tea Bags | 100 Bags |
|---|
USDA-Certified Organic Chai With a Balanced, Delicate Flavor
These organic chai tea bags boast a blend of Chinese Keemun tea, Indian Assam tea, and five spices to deliver a delicate flavor that you will love. Plus, they're packaged in the USA!
On top of that, the tea bags are meticulously crafted from unbleached hemp fiber without dyes or adhesives. It's also worth noting that the product is USDA-certified organic and non-GMO Project verified.
Many reviewers commented that the spice blend was pretty balanced. But for those who prefer a strong Masala chai flavor, this product didn't provide enough kick. They suggested using more tea bags for a more powerful taste. However, most reviewers agreed that the resealable packaging was stellar.
| Flavor | Classic |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Warm Spices Meet Sweet Apple Essence
Twinings Spiced Apple Chai tea offers a delightful fusion of robust chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves with the gentle sweetness of apple. This black tea blend creates a comforting, aromatic experience, perfect for unwinding or warming up on cooler days. Each box includes 20 individually sealed tea bags to ensure peak freshness and rich flavor in every cup. Simply steep and enjoy the inviting blend of fruity and spiced notes.
| Flavor | Apple |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
Rich Pumpkin Flavor with Spiced Warmth
TAZO’s Pumpkin Spice Chai brings autumn’s comfort to your cup with a robust black tea base infused with the essence of pumpkin pie spices. Every sip reveals warming notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, complemented by licorice root and black pepper for a truly exotic blend. Kosher and Non-GMO, this tea is perfect for a caffeinated pick-me-up in the morning or as an afternoon treat. Simply steep and savor the cozy, spiced aroma and flavor—no milk or sugar needed.
| Flavor | Pumpkin Spice |
|---|---|
| Fair-Trade | |
| Eco-Friendly |
How To Make Your Own Chai Tea Bags
If you have the ingredients on hand, you can make your own Masala chai tea bags! Just combine all the spices, including cardamom pods, black peppercorns, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks, together and grind them in a mortar or food processor.
The amounts of each vary depending on your tastes, but if you're looking for something to start with, try Curious Cuisiniere's recipe. Then toast the spices over medium heat for approximately five minutes, or until they become fragrant. Then mix together the toasted spices, dried ginger, and loose leaf black tea.
And lastly, put a decent amount of mixture into a fillable tea bag, and voila, you're done! Also, you can always add other spices - allspice and star anise, to name a couple - or adjust the ratios according to your taste.
Explore More Must-Haves for Tea Lovers
There are a ton of tea accessories and blends available. But to save you time researching, we've compiled a few guidelines on the must-haves for serious tea drinkers.
Top 5 Chai Tea Bags
No. 1: Bigelow｜Vanilla Chai Tea
No. 2: Twinings｜Chai
No. 3: Tazo｜TAZO® Tea｜Organic Chai
No. 4: Traditional Medicinals｜Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea
No. 5: Stash Tea｜Double Spice Chai Black Tea
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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