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.
After combing through various reviews on Amazon, Stash's Chai Green is our favorite. It's crafted with green tea instead of the classic black tea to bring you a refreshing twist. There are many other 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
This green tea chai is a refreshing twist on classic Masala chai. You'll still get a kick from the traditional spice blend; but instead of regular, malty black tea, the spices are reinforced with an astringent green tea base.
Another great point about this product is that each tea is carefully wrapped in a foil pouch to preserve the freshness. Some reviewers complained that they only received one box, while the description said "pack of six." You might want to contact the seller in advance to confirm.
On another note, many reviewers said this tea was their all-time favorite, mentioning that the flavor of the spices was just right and the infusion of green tea added a refreshing note to the overall taste. Other reviewers also found the individual packaging quite convenient, since they were able to take some tea bags on the go.
For those who don't want caffeine, this decaffeinated chai blend is a great option. Plus, each bag is individually wrapped in a pouch with a foil lining to preserve the freshness and flavor of the tea.
In more good news, Bigelow Tea is a Certified B Corporation, meaning that it's certified as contributing positively to the environment, working towards sustainability, and operating ethically.
Many reviewers adored the robust flavor of this chai blend, noting that it had a fragrant taste and smooth texture. Other users tried the tea with milk and some type of sweetener and were absolutely obsessed! And of course, reviewers appreciated that the tea was decaffeinated, so they were able to drink it at night.
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.
This product features a scrumptious blend of Indian Assam black tea and four different spices. Plus, it has a high caffeine content to give you a quick pick-me-up.
What sets this chai blend apart from others is that it's crafted with fair-trade certified ingredients. The teabags themselves are made from non-GMO hemp fiber and are completely biodegradable. So for those who are environmentally conscious, this product is a great choice!
Many reviewers were smitten with this tea, saying the spices were spot on - the tea tasted mild and smooth, without any bitterness. A few fans of bold and spicy flavors found this tea a bit too mild, but according to most, the chai blend was great both hot and cold, and it tasted even better with some milk and sweetener.
Infused with a natural honey flavor, this caffeine-free tea touts a warm, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the rich Masala chai spices. Not to mention, the addition of turmeric root, which has been long revered for its anti-inflammatory properties, will bring you even more health benefits.
What's more, the packaging is environmentally friendly! Specifically, the shipping carton is made of recyclable material, while the tea bags are completely compostable. However, some users complained that the bags ripped in the water.
Meanwhile, many reviewers were addicted to this blend's mellow and delightful flavor and added that this product was a delicious way to get turmeric into their diets. And after consuming the tea, reviewers found their aches and pains reduced.
If you're a chai addict and want to explore different chai spice blends, this variety pack is a great option! It comes with five different flavors: original, cardamom Masala, sweet cinnamon, turmeric spiced, and earl grey spiced.
Moreover, Vahdam is a certified climate and plastic-neutral brand. So by choosing this tea pack, you're helping the environment! On top of that, the manufacturer offers a full refund if you're not satisfied with the product.
Some users were disappointed that their items arrived crushed. But after trying out the tea, many said it was delicious. They were pleased with all the flavors and added that everything tasted smooth and fragrant. Other buyers mixed the tea with milk and were absolutely impressed with the results.
Different from low-quality tea bags that are crafted from crumbles and stems, this product is made with whole tea leaves for a more pleasant flavor. Hot or cold-brewed, this tea seems to do it all!
Aside from that, the tea is fair trade, USDA-certified organic, and the packaging is completely compostable! Plus, the tea bags are made from corn silk, so they are completely safe to use.
Many reviewers were drawn to the warm and soothing flavor of this tea blend. However, since the taste was not too overwhelming, those who prefer a robust, spicy chai felt a little bit let down. Nonetheless, the eco-friendly packaging was a huge plus for most reviewers!
This chai blend from Trader Joe's is made of Assam black tea and a combination of seven different spices including ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg. It also has a touch of vanilla and an aromatic note of roasted chicory to deliver a sophisticated flavor.
A few users mentioned they received items that were close to the expiration date. Nevertheless, many reviewers were hooked on this flavorful chai, saying the spicy kick was just right to ignite their senses and the texture was smooth as well. And with some milk and sweetener, the tea tasted delightful.
Fancy something that's indulgent and in harmony with the fall season? Give this pumpkin spice chai blend a try! It has a distinctive aromatic taste that will remind you of the fall. Each tea bag is also individually wrapped for ensured freshness.
Most users adored the balanced, mellow taste of this pumpkin spice tea, saying the pumpkin flavor and the chai spices were present and really complimented each other. Many drink it year-round, too!
Nevertheless, some people noted the tea was too mild for their preferences. So if you enjoy a powerful, bold tea, you might want to look for other products. Many reviewers also suggested adding a splash of milk and honey to elevate the taste even further.
Need something to uplift your mood? This flavor combination of decadent caramel and sweet vanilla can surely help! Plus, this tea blend offers a medium level of caffeine to give you a quick boost in energy for the day ahead.
This chai was an irresistible treat for many reviewers. They loved the wonderful smell, and the caramel and vanilla flavor truly woke up their taste buds. According to others, the tea was yummy by itself or with a touch of milk.
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.
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches