What Is Chai?
Chai is a spiced drink originating in the Indian subcontinent, where black tea is simmered with whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, star anise) in milk until aromatic and rich. The word means "tea" in Hindi; in the rest of the world, it has come to mean this specific, spiced thing.
Each spice has a job. Cardamom is the bright, floral backbone: citrus-edged and unmistakable. Cinnamon brings sweet warmth. Ginger introduces a heat that builds. Clove grounds with depth. Star anise adds a soft, lingering sweetness. Together, they create something greater than any single ingredient.
T2's chai range keeps some blends close to tradition and takes others somewhere new. All of them are worth trying.
FAQ
What is sticky chai?
Sticky chai is a spiced tea concentrate — a thick, paste-like blend of chai spices and tea designed to dissolve directly in hot milk. Mix one or two heaped teaspoons into steamed milk for a chai latte that tastes like it came from a good cafe. No brewing, no straining.
How do I make a chai latte at home?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sticky chai to your mug. Pour over hot milk, oat milk works particularly well. Stir until dissolved. For a frothy finish, steam or froth the milk first. Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
Is chai caffeinated?
Most T2 chai blends use a black tea base, giving them roughly 40-60mg of caffeine per cup. If you want the chai flavour without the caffeine, look for T2's caffeine-free spiced blends in the Herbal and Floral collection.
What spices are in chai?
Traditional masala chai is built around cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. T2's chai blends lean into cardamom and ginger as the dominant notes, with cinnamon and clove providing depth.
Can I make chai without milk?
Yes. Brewed black with water, chai takes on a bolder, more intensely spiced character. Different from a latte, but worth trying. Steep for 3-5 minutes in freshly boiled water.
What is the difference between masala chai and a chai latte?
Masala chai is the spiced tea itself, brewed traditionally with water and sometimes milk. A chai latte is chai mixed with a larger proportion of steamed milk, similar in format to a coffee latte. Sticky chai is the easiest way to make a chai latte at home.
