Chai Tea

Chai tea, though often called "chai tea," is redundant since "chai" itself means "tea" in Hindi. Here's a breakdown of chai tea products:

Tea Base:

• Masala chai: This is the most common type of chai, a spiced tea blend that uses black tea as its base. Black tea varieties like Assam or Ceylon are popular choices.
• Rooibos chai: This variation uses rooibos tea, an herbal tea from South Africa, instead of black tea, making it caffeine-free.

Spices:

Chai spice blends, also called chai masala, are a key component and can include:

• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg
• Star anise (not as common)
• Fennel (not as common)

Other Ingredients:

• Vanilla: Sometimes added for a sweeter, creamier taste.
• Honey or Sugar: Sweeteners are often used to taste, though some prefer it unflavored (unsweetened chai).

Product Formats:

• Loose-leaf chai: Whole leaves of black tea and spices for steeping in a pot.
• Tea bags: Pre-portioned pouches of chai blend for convenient brewing.
• Instant chai mix: Powdered concentrate that dissolves in hot water for a quick chai drink.
• Chai latte: A coffee shop-style drink combining chai tea with steamed milk and sometimes flavored syrups.

Variety Descriptions:

• Authentic chai or Traditional chai: These terms are subjective, but generally refer to chai made with loose-leaf black tea and traditional Indian spices.
• Sweetened chai: Contains added sugar or honey for a sweeter taste.
• Unsweetened chai: Unsweetened version, allowing for customization of sweetness.