Blue Lotus Chai Mandarin Masala Chai

The mandarin adds a subtle citrus hint rather than dominating the blend. Most people taste it as a gentle orange note that brightens the traditional chai spices like cinnamon and ginger. Some batches show more mandarin than others, so it's not always pronounced—but that's part of what makes this a milder, lighter masala chai compared to Blue Lotus's bolder varieties.

It's genuinely instant—just add hot water or milk and stir. The powder dissolves quickly without any steeping required, which is perfect when you want chai fast. That said, a few people mention the tea flavor can be mild on its own, so if you want a stronger black tea backbone, you can always drop in a tea bag while it steeps for a minute or two.

This blend has no added sugar or milk powder, which means you're starting with a blank canvas. You control the sweetness, the creaminess, and even the spice level. Want it sweeter? Add honey or sugar. Prefer it creamy? Use your milk of choice. Some people even layer in extra cinnamon or masala to dial up the heat. It's designed for people who like to make their chai exactly how they want it.

It's on the milder side. You'll definitely taste the spicy, peppery notes from ginger and classic chai spices, but it's not as intense as a full-strength masala. People who've tried multiple Blue Lotus blends say this mandarin version is lighter and more approachable—great if you're new to chai or prefer something less aggressive. If you want more kick, you can always add a pinch of extra spice.

It's versatile—works both hot and iced. For iced chai, just dissolve the powder in a small amount of hot water first to avoid grittiness, then add ice and cold milk. The lighter, citrus-forward flavor actually shines when served cold, making it a nice option for warmer weather.

Absolutely. The instant format means there's no brewing technique to learn, and the milder flavor makes it forgiving if you're still figuring out your preferred strength. Start with the recommended scoops, then adjust from there. Since it's unsweetened, you won't accidentally end up with something too sweet—you're in full control from the start.