Chai Spices

Simmer the spices in water, then add black tea, milk, and sweetener for a traditional chai tea, straining the spices out before serving. The same technique works for mulled cider, giving it a chai twist instead of the usual mulling spice flavor. If you want the classic version instead, our Mulling Spices are built specifically for that.

Beyond drinks, simmer the spices in cream before making ice cream or a dessert sauce, or add them to sweet potato or squash soup while it cooks, removing the whole pieces once the dish has taken on their flavor.

Stargazer Chocolates uses chai spices from our Denver Lowry spice store to infuse their confections with warm, spiced complexity.

Shop all our Chef-Approved spices and blends.

In India, chai isn't a specialty drink, it's simply the word for tea. What Americans picture when they hear "chai" is closer to masala chai, tea built by simmering whole spices in milk alongside black tea and something sweet, until the whole thing turns rich and fragrant enough to wake you up before you've even taken a sip.

It's earned a spot among our Chef Approved blends, the small group of products our own culinary team reaches for first when a recipe calls for real, from-scratch flavor.

Chai Spices FAQ

What spices are in chai?

Spices in chai mixes typically include a combination of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, anise, clove, pepper, and bay leaves.

How do you use chai spice mix?

Simmer the spices in water or milk to make a hot cup of spiced chai tea, straining them out before serving. You can also use them to flavor ice cream, dessert sauces, or savory dishes like squash or sweet potato.

What is the main flavor of chai?

There's no single dominant flavor in chai, but cinnamon and cardamom are usually the two most noticeable.

Do I need to strain out the spices before drinking chai?

Yes. Simmer them in liquid, then strain before serving, similar to how you'd use bay leaves or cardamom pods.

How much chai spice do I use per cup?

One ounce makes up to 8 cups of chai, so for a single serving, start with about 1 to 2 teaspoons simmered in your liquid of choice, and adjust to taste.