Best Chai Tea in 2025: Explore the Finest Masala and Specialty Teas

Chai tea - it's more than just a drink, it's a daily ritual that combines tea leaves with those aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper to create a comforting, mouth-watering experience that we just can't get enough of.

In 2025, chai tea comes in all sorts of forms - so whether you're a fan of the classic traditional masala chai, a caffeine-free rooibos chai or a bold and spicy dirty chai with a shot of espresso, this guide's got you covered. We're highlighting the best chai tea brands of the year, each one bringing its own unique flavor profile, origin story and brewing experience to the table.

We spent a lot of time curating this Top 10 list, drawn from customer reviews and getting a feel for each brand's best-selling black teas. We tasted a whole load of different chai teas, comparing their flavors and quality, and looked closely at factors like flavor consistency, ingredient quality, whether or not they source from organic farms, overall value and how widely available they are across the United States. This approach lets us show off the best of both traditional heritage craftsmanship and modern blends that chai lovers just can't get enough of.

Okay, so you might be wondering - what does the word 'chai' actually mean? Well, the word simply means 'tea' in Hindi, while masala chai translates to 'tea with spices'. Over in India, families make chai by blending together milk, sugar, and whole spices to create a rich, warming drink that's perfect for snuggling up with.

In terms of the tea itself, Assam tea is the classic base that most chai is built on - and organic Assam tea is prized for its purity and eco-friendly sourcing, giving it a strong body and rich, satisfying taste.

Other bases like Ceylon black tea add a lovely clarity, white peony tea brings a soft, mellow touch and green tea offers a lighter flavor. Each of these different bases gives the final cup a completely different character.

But it's the spices that really bring chai to life - cardamom adds a lovely floral lift, cinnamon brings sweet warmth, fresh ginger delivers a sharp heat, cloves add depth, black pepper gives a subtle spark and black peppercorns contribute a gentle warmth, while star anise introduces a hint of licorice. And of course, a carefully balanced spice mix is what really ensures the perfect harmony of tastes in every cup.

You can get your chai fix in loads of different ways - loose leaf offers the traditional aromatic qualities that tea enthusiasts love, while tea bags are super convenient for a quick cup on the go. Chai concentrate makes it easy to whip up lattes at home, powdered chai is perfect for when you're traveling and rooibos chai gives you a caffeine-free evening option. Kashmiri chai stands out with rose petals for a super-elegant twist, while other teas in this category offer even more variety for chai lovers.

Brand overview: Harney and Sons is a well-respected American tea company that started out as a family business and has since grown into a globally-recognized brand. Their teas are enjoyed in homes, hotels and restaurants all around the world. Their chai blend is a perfect reflection of the brand’s commitment to classic flavor and accessible quality.

Flavor and experience: This one combines Indian black tea with cardamom seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and a hint of vanilla flavor. The dry leaves show off visible spice pieces, and the aroma is all about cardamom and nutmeg. When you brew it, the liquor turns a medium to dark brown, delivering a strong, balanced and aromatic cup that’s sure to please all fans of spiced teas.

Brewing and serving notes: To get the perfect cup of Harney and Sons Chai, combine a pint of milk with a cup of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add three teaspoons of this chai blend and keep it simmering for about four minutes to really let the tea and spices infuse. Sweeten to taste, then strain and serve straight up. Enjoy with milk and sugar for a rich, traditional masala chai experience, or reduce the milk for a stronger, spicier brew that shows off the tea's robust character and aromatic warmth.

Brand overview: August Uncommon Tea is a hip brand that nails the idea of taking us on flavor-driven adventures with its bold, aromatic blends inspired by travel, scents and food. They totally hit the spot with Dirty Chai, a tea that came to be by accident in a London café where a Londoner haphazardly mixed espresso and spiced chai - a moment of genius that bridged two worlds – tea and coffee. August Uncommon’s Dirty Chai really embodies that adventurous spirit.

Flavor and experience: Dirty Chai is a real game-changer: a rich, aromatic blend that brings together Assam black tea, roasted Brazilian mate, coffee beans, malted barley, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and vanilla pieces, and gets a natural boost from coffee and spice flavors. The aroma is deep and comforting, with a lovely roasted feel. Each sip is a balanced mix of caramel sweetness and chocolate undertones followed by a zesty kick of ginger and cinnamon - really something for both tea lovers and coffee fans.

Brewing & serving notes: For the perfect cup of Dirty Chai, steep one teaspoon (about 3.5 grams) of the tea in hot water for 4 to five minutes till the full balance of black tea, coffee and spice comes through in a smooth, aromatic brew that can be had plain or lightly sweetened. For an iced version, brew the tea strong with the same timing, then pour over ice and add a bit of cold water to taste. To create a Dirty Chai latte, simmer four tablespoons of Dirty Chai in one & a half cups of hot water for 10 minutes, add equal amount of warm milk, sweeten as you like, then strain & serve for a rich, spiced treat. The leaves will give you another cup that’s lighter too.

Brand overview: Plum Deluxe is Portland, Oregon based tea company that makes small batch teas using natural ingredients and ethically sourced leaves. The brand puts a lot of thought into comfort, creativity and care in every cup, using real extracts and actually traded ingredients that back fair work conditions and fair wages. Every blend is made to turn everyday moments into something special and calming.

Flavor and experience: Full Moon Chai is a twist on the classic masala chai that works a treat – a blend of strong black tea, cardamom, ginger, clove, and cinnamon bark that gets a smooth, nutty sweetness boost from real vanilla-butternut (walnut) extracts – no added sugar needed. The aroma is warm and buttery with a hint of spice and vanilla, while the taste is a perfect balance of gentle heat and mellow sweetness – a soothing, aromatic cup for quiet mornings or calm evenings.

Brewing & serving notes: To brew the Full Moon Chai, steep one teaspoon of this tea in eight ounces of boiling water for 4 to 6 minutes to extract the full flavor of black tea and spices. This blend is lovely on its own for a naturally sweet and aromatic brew, but adding a splash of milk highlights its smooth, nutty character. A bit of honey or sugar can make it even cozier, perfect for unwinding after the day or starting a peaceful morning.

Brand overview: iLOLA makes tea fun by reimagining loose-leaf tea through its signature Tea Disc – a pressed form that preserves whole leaves while bringing out the flavor in every cup. Each blend is designed to delight the senses with a balance of rich taste, ease of use and wonderful aroma in every cup.

Flavor and experience: Sweet Cinnamon Chai No. 40 is a super comforting blend built on organic Bai Mudan white tea, layered with cardamom, cinnamon, lemongrass, ginger, pink peppercorn and a natural hint of vanilla. The probiotics give an extra health boost while the flavor leans warm and softly spiced rather than strong. Cinnamon and cardamom lead the profile, with lemongrass and pink peppercorn adding a bright, zesty lift. It’s a smooth, lightly sweet, creamy cup that feels both familiar & refreshing.

Brewing & serving notes: To brew iLOLA’s Sweet Cinnamon Chai No. 40, simply drop one tea disc into hot water (about 175 °F / 80 °C) and steep for 4 to 6 minutes. With the white-tea base keeping the caffeine low, this iLOLA tea is perfect for mornings or calm evenings. Enjoy it plain for a delicate, aromatic cup, or add a splash of milk to bring out its natural creaminess & spice.

Brand overview: Tea with Tae is a Colorado-based tea company known for its small-batch blends, modern packaging, and focus on sustainability. The brand uses whole-leaf teas sourced from the world’s best estates and presents them in biodegradable pyramid sachets made from sugarcane fiber, designed to preserve freshness while allowing the leaves to expand fully during steeping. Tea with Tae also values collaboration and craftsmanship — their Bombay Chai blend is created in partnership with The Chai Box, blending traditional spice knowledge with premium ingredients.

Flavor and experience: Bombay Chai offers a bold, aromatic take on classic masala chai. It features Assam black tea infused with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, fennel, and a touch of nutmeg, creating a rich, spiced profile with natural sweetness and depth. The aroma is warm and invigorating, carrying notes of clove and cinnamon, while the flavor unfolds with smooth black tea strength balanced by mellow fennel and sweet spice. The result is an authentic, full-bodied chai that feels both grounding and energizing.

Brewing & serving notes: To brew a perfect cup of Bombay Chai, steep one sachet in 8 ounces of boiling water (212 °F) for five to six minutes to unlock its full flavor. Enjoy this Bombay Chai plain for a bold, spiced cup, or add milk for a creamy texture that softens the intensity of the tea and brings out its sweetness. A drizzle of honey or sugar enhances its dessert-like warmth, making it perfect for slow mornings or cozy afternoons.

Brand overview: Piper & Leaf Tea Co. is a family-owned artisanal tea company from North Alabama, founded in 2013. They craft creative blends using premium leaves and locally sourced herbs and fruits, embracing a “garden-to-cup” philosophy with small-batch production. Their compostable, plant-based tea bags reflect a commitment to sustainability. Known for flavorful, community-inspired blends, Piper & Leaf focuses on comfort and creativity rather than single-origin purity.

Flavor and experience: Sweetie Pie Chai is a gorgeous little caffeine-free herbal infusion that blends together candied sweet-potato, cinnamon, tulsi (holy basil), ginger, licorice root, clove and organic flavor into a warm, lightly spiced cup. With its lovely aroma of creamy clove and sweet potato and a softly sweet, gentle spice profile - it's just the perfect thing to relax into or sip on after a long day.

Brewing & serving notes: Just boil some water (212 F / 100 C) and pour it over one teaspoon (or one tea bag) of Sweetie Pie Chai and steep for about 7 minutes. Enjoy it on its own for its light, natural sweetness or add some milk and a bit of sugar or vanilla creamer to turn it into a proper dessert-style latte. It works just as well iced, just brew it as above, let it cool and then pour it over ice for a refreshing take.

Brand overview: Nepal Tea is a social-enterprise tea company on a mission to bring the very best of Himalayan teas to the world. They source their high-quality teas from family-farm cooperative estates like the Kanchanjangha Tea Estate & Research Centre - which just happens to be Nepal's first certified organic tea garden. Their focus is on sustainability, fair-farm practices and making a difference in the communities they work with in some of the remotest regions.

Flavor and experience: Nepali Breakfast blends together organic Himalayan black tea with ginger, black cardamom, cinnamon leaf and black pepper for a warming and full-bodied experience that's just perfect for a morning pick-me-up. The black cardamom gives it a smoky depth, ginger brightens the sip and the overall effect is rich without being too sweet. It's got the comfort of a classic masala chai with a unique Himalayan twist.

Serving notes: To brew a proper cup of Nepali Breakfast Chai, use about 2g of tea per 8 oz of hot water (195-205 F) and steep for about 4-5 minutes. Add some milk and a bit of sugar to enjoy a hearty cup; or enjoy it plain for a lighter, sharper spice profile that lets the chai spices really shine.

Brand overview: Beach House Teas is a small-batch artisan tea company based in the Pacific Northwest that really knows how to put their heart and soul into every single tea blend. They're passionate about using organic ingredients and craft each blend with care in small runs to ensure freshness and quality.

Flavor and experience: White Cap Chai combines organic white peony tea leaves with fennel, cinnamon chops, cloves, peppercorns, cardamom pods, star anise, ginger root and orange peel for a floral and spiced aroma that's just irresistible. And when you take a sip the flavors all come together to create a smooth, mellow and layered experience - hints of citrus brightness and gentle peppercorn warmth give the chai a real distinctive character.

Brewing & serving notes: To enjoy a perfect cup of White Cap Chai from Beach House Teas, steep one teaspoon of the blend in 6 to 8 ounces (180-240 milliliters) of boiling water (about 212 degrees Fahrenheit) for 6 to 8 minutes. You can savor it on its own for a delicate flavor or add a splash of milk and a touch of honey for a richer, more comforting experience. If you’d like a second cup, the leaves can be re-steeped to yield a smooth, mellow infusion.

Brand overview: Danfe Tea draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Himalayan masala chai, crafting blends that combine comfort, ritual and everyday balance. Their Vanilla Chai (102°) is a prime example of this approach - a gentle, laid-back blend that adds a soft touch to the boldness of traditional tea.

Flavor and experience: Vanilla Chai marries the bold taste of Himalayan black tea with the warmth of aromatic cardamom and the smoothness of vanilla - making for a cup that is creamy, lightly spiced and naturally sweet. The aroma of the tea is warm and inviting, with the vanilla adding just a hint of sweetness that complements the spice rather than overpowering it. The result is a smooth and soothing tea that helps you unwind on slow mornings or calm evenings.

Brewing & serving notes: To brew a light, fragrant cup of Danfe Tea’s Vanilla Chai, steep one teaspoon of the tea in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. For a fuller chai latte experience with Danfe Tea, try simmering the blend briefly in a mix of water and milk, then sweeten with honey or sugar to taste. This Vanilla Chai can also be enjoyed over ice for a refreshing summer drink—each method highlights the tea's creamy vanilla depth and gentle spice, so you can pick the one that suits your mood and the moment.

Brand overview: Somage Tea is a Melbourne, Australia-based company known for taking a very artisan approach to tea and chai. They blend premium, organic, and ethically traded ingredients with care, and then combine that with a wellness-focused design that celebrates balance, aroma and natural sweetness.

Flavor and experience: 9 Spice Honey Fresh Chai combines Ceylon black tea with Australian mature ginger, wildflower honey and a rich mix of organic spices including nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, star anise and cloves. The flavor is warm, aromatic and beautifully layered - the honey adds a smooth natural sweetness, the ginger provides some depth, and the spices harmonize for a full, balanced cup that is both indulgent and grounding.

Brewing & serving notes: To enjoy the 9 Spice Honey Fresh Chai hot, simply steep a teaspoon of the blend in boiling water for about 5 minutes. It’s lovely on its own to savor the natural sweetness and spice, but you can also simmer it with water and milk to make a traditional chai concentrate. Once brewed, mix it with milk for a creamy latte, adding honey or sugar if you prefer. This chai’s rich, rounded flavors also make it a refreshing choice when served over ice on warmer days.

One of the main reasons chai is such a versatile drink is because of the different types of tea you can use as a base. If you want to stick to tradition, and we mean proper old-school tradition, then black tea is your best bet - robust Assam or fragrant Darjeeling black teas make for a rich, full-bodied flavor that stands up beautifully to the bold spices and creamy milk. And that's exactly what all chai lovers want.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more gentle, then green tea chai is the way to go - its grassy notes let the spices shine without overpowering your taste buds, so it's perfect for a more subtle flavor or if you want to cut back on the caffeine. It's a real surprise just how much you can enjoy it.

If you'd prefer not to have any caffeine in the evening, then rooibos tea is an excellent choice - naturally sweet and earthy, it pairs beautifully with traditional masala spices to create a comforting experience without any caffeine in sight.

Chai culture really got going in India in the early 20th century, after the British introduced Assam tea and locals started adding their own take on spices, milk and sugar - creating their own unique chai traditions.

Street vendors known as chai wallahs then helped spread chai's popularity all across the country.

Today, chai culture has traveled the world - with brands like Oregon Chai adapting Indian recipes for American kitchens, and Kashmiri chai blending green tea with spices and rose petals for a distinctive flavor. Nepali chai highlights black cardamom and ginger, and rooibos chai from South Africa offers a caffeine-free alternative.

A true chai connoisseur can appreciate the subtle differences between these regional variations and the unique flavor profiles they bring.

And of course, the tea-growing regions themselves also shape the flavor of your masala chai - with Assam tea contributing strength, Darjeeling adding floral notes and Sri Lankan Ceylon tea bringing brightness.

By 2025, the way we make chai tea is a beautiful blend of old and new - with options ranging from traditional masala to dirty chai, vanilla chai to Nepali chai - there's really something for everyone.

With loose leaf chai you can get all that depth and complexity, or if you're in a hurry then a good tea bag is just as good. And if you want to make lattes at home then you can get a nice chai concentrate - or if you're on the go then powdered chai is a pretty good option. Of course with a bit of milk, sugar and spices you can make the perfect cup every time.

Take a look at our chai collection, order online today, and if you're stuck for a choice then just give our support team a shout. and then sit back and enjoy a delicious cup of chai in the comfort of your own home.

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