Blue Lotus Chai Star Anise Masala Chai

The star anise is the star of the show here—it gives a bold, distinct licorice flavor that's front and center. You'll also get warming ginger, aromatic cardamom, and fennel in the background. It's a rich, spicy, deeply aromatic chai with serious depth. If you love that anise/licorice character, you'll be obsessed. If you're not a fan of that flavor profile, this probably isn't your chai.

Yes, it genuinely does—customers consistently mention that a little goes a long way. You only need about half a teaspoon per cup, and it comes with a measuring spoon to help you get it right. This makes it surprisingly economical despite the upfront price. Just don't eyeball it or you'll blow through it quickly.

There's no sweetener in this blend at all, which is actually one of its biggest strengths. You have complete control over how sweet (or not) you want your chai. Some people love it unsweetened, others add honey or sugar to taste. If you're used to pre-sweetened chai mixes, you'll definitely want to add your own sweetener.

For the best experience, use boiling water and whisk it well—this helps the spices fully dissolve and prevents grittiness. Some customers mention it can be a bit gritty if you just use warm water. You can mix it with hot milk, water, or a combination of both. A few enthusiasts even blend it with black tea or other chai powders for extra complexity.

Honestly, it works for both. If you're new to chai, it's a major upgrade from coffee shop versions, comes with clear instructions and a measuring spoon, and you can adjust the strength to your liking. That said, the bold star anise flavor is pretty assertive—if you're expecting a mellow, cinnamon-forward chai, this might be more intense than you're anticipating. Chai enthusiasts absolutely love it for the authentic spice profile and customization options.

The price has increased over time, which some long-time customers have noticed. That said, because you use so little per cup (about half a teaspoon), the per-serving cost is still quite reasonable compared to buying chai lattes out. If you love that distinctive star anise flavor and want organic, high-quality spices with no fillers or sweeteners, most people still find it worth the investment.