JusTea African Chai Loose Leaf Black Tea

This chai leans toward the subtle side compared to bold Indian masala chais. You'll taste the traditional spices—cloves, pepper, fennel—but they're balanced and mellow rather than punchy. Several reviewers loved this smooth approach, saying the spices don't overpower the black tea base. However, if you're expecting an intensely spiced chai, this might feel too mild. The good news? Since it's concentrated, you can simmer it longer or use more tea to bring out stronger spice notes.

While you can steep it like regular tea, this chai really shines when you treat it more traditionally. Multiple reviewers found that simmering it (rather than just steeping) extracts the full flavor from those whole spices you'll see in the tin. Use hotter water or actually simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes, especially if you want a richer, more developed chai experience. The concentrated nature means a little goes a long way—you'll get 40+ cups from the 3.5oz tin.

Absolutely. This is actually an excellent starter chai because it's so forgiving and approachable. The smooth, non-bitter profile won't intimidate beginners, and the balanced spices are interesting without being overwhelming. You also get a hand-carved wooden spoon included, which helps with measuring. Plus, since it's concentrated, you'll have plenty of chances to experiment with brewing methods and find what you like—whether that's adding honey, cream, or adjusting steeping time.

You'll immediately notice this is high-quality loose leaf—you can actually see the large tea leaves mixed with visible whole spices like cloves and fennel seeds. The aroma is one of the most praised features: a warm, exotic blend of traditional chai spices that reviewers describe as 'great' and inviting. The metal canister is airtight, which keeps everything fresh and aromatic. It's the kind of tea that looks and smells impressive when you open it.

No, the smooth, non-bitter quality is actually one of this chai's standout features. Multiple reviewers specifically praised how smooth it tastes without any harsh bitterness, even when brewed strong. This makes it versatile—you can enjoy it straight, or it's mild enough to pair beautifully with honey, milk, or cream without the tea fighting against those additions.

The value is solid when you consider what you're getting. Yes, the price can fluctuate (some saw it at $16.87), but you're getting 40+ cups of award-winning, Fair Trade loose leaf tea with visible whole spices, a quality metal tin that preserves freshness, and a hand-carved wooden spoon. Because it's concentrated, you use less per cup than many other chais. If you appreciate high-quality tea and want something that rewards proper brewing technique, the price reflects that craft.