The Sticky Chai Showdown: Sticky Chai vs. Powdered Chai

Greetings, chai enthusiasts and flavour aficionados! It's time to settle the ultimate chai debate: fresh chai or powdered chai? Afterall, there's nothing quite like a warm cup of chai on a chilly morning or a cool evening, so which one should you be grabbing? Well, it’s time to settle this once and for all. So, without further ado, let's dive into this delicious battle of the chais!

Let’s Talk About Taste, Baby.

Let's get to the heart of the matter: flavour! Sticky chai delivers a symphony of tastes that invigorate your palate and leave you longing for another sip. The combination of freshly ground spices, fragrant tea leaves, and creaminess creates a perfect harmony that dances on your taste buds. The flavours are bold, vibrant, and full-bodied, revealing the complexity and depth that only fresh ingredients can offer.

Powdered chai, while still enjoyable, often falls short in this regard. Its flavours are more standardised, lacking the dynamic range and depth that fresh spices bring to the table. Powdered mixes can sometimes taste flat or one-dimensional, leaving you yearning for the robust flavours that fresh chai effortlessly provides. Although in some cases powered chai might work better for younger palates as it is a softer taste, similar to sweet hot chocolates or milkshakes.

That Healthy Glow

Sticky chai tends to be healthier than powdered chai (sorry!). Most powdered chai mixes contain a lot of sugar, which can be bad for your health if consumed in excess. Sticky chai relies less on sugar, and more on flavour, and is a good base to ADD sugar (or honey!) if you want to up the sweetness a tad. Plus, sticky chai is made with real tea leaves, which contain antioxidants that are a bonus for your health. In fact, we believe that sticky chai is so healthy that we put together our Top 10 Health Benefits of Chai if you need more convincing.

The Ritual of Creation

Brewing sticky chai is a delightful ritual in itself…and also a wonderful sensory experience. As you brew sticky chai, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, spicy aroma. The sound of the boiling water and the clinking of the tea cups adds to the experience. It's a ritual that's both calming and invigorating. It invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and connect with the process of making something magical.

In contrast, powdered chai offers super quick convenience but this does come at the cost of this sacred ritual. It's like the difference between enjoying a gourmet meal at a restaurant versus opting for fast food. Sure, the latter might be quicker and more accessible, but it lacks the soul and depth that comes from preparing something with love and intention.

Versatility Unleashed

Sticky chai transcends the boundaries of traditional brewing methods. You can use it as a base for ice cream, add it to baked goods (or cocktails!), or even drizzle it over pancakes. Its sticky nature allows for culinary experimentation, unleashing a world of flavours beyond the classic chai experience. Explore more of our chai-inspired recipes here.

Be a Sustainable Sweetheart

Finally, sticky chai is more sustainable than using powdered chai. When you use a powdered mix, more often than not, you may be creating unnecessary waste. Unfortunately, the packaging and manufacturing process create a lot of environmental impact. At Calmer Chai, we specifically use low-impact packaging, biodegradable tea pyramids and aim to reduce waste not only for our customers, but for the planet.

That’s All I Have to Say About That.

Well, there you have it. It's no surprise from us that Sticky chai is the clear winner over powdered chai. From the tantalising aroma to the sensory experience it offers, sticky chai stands tall as the champion of flavour, ritual, and enjoyment. So, dear chai lovers, embrace the joys of brewing your own chai and savour the richness that only fresh ingredients can bring. Raise your mugs to a world of fragrant possibilities, where every sip transports you to a realm of delightful bliss!

Enjoy!