Tea India Masala Loose Leaf Chai Tea

This is CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) processed Assam tea, which creates small granules instead of whole leaves. That granular texture means you get a full-bodied, dark cup in just 1-3 minutes—perfect for busy mornings. Just watch the clock though, because that quick extraction also means it can turn bitter if you forget about it.

Absolutely, especially if you drink chai regularly. The 1-pound bag gives you months of supply, and the bold, malty Assam flavor holds up beautifully to milk and spices—exactly what you want in a chai base. Multiple reviewers specifically mention it makes excellent masala chai, with that authentic Indian tea shop taste.

CTC stands for Cut, Tear, Curl—it's a processing method that produces tea granules rather than traditional rolled leaves. This gives you a stronger, faster-brewing tea with rich color and that characteristic Assam maltiness. The trade-off? It looks like dust or fine grounds, not pretty leaves, and you'll get some sediment even with a fine strainer. If you're after a meditative loose-leaf experience, this might not be your cup. But if you want bold flavor fast, CTC is your friend.

You can, but this tea really shines with milk. The strong, malty Assam character is designed to cut through dairy and spices in traditional chai. Brewing it plain tends to highlight any bitterness, especially if you're heavy-handed with the amount or steeping time. That said, some reviewers do enjoy it as regular black tea—just use less tea and watch your brewing time closely.

Very much so! The fast 1-3 minute brewing time means less guesswork, and it's quite forgiving when mixed with milk and sweetener. You'll get consistent results without needing fancy equipment. Plus the familiar, comforting flavor profile won't throw you any curveballs. Just start with small amounts until you figure out your preferred strength.

Fair warning: the bag isn't resealable, so you'll want to transfer it to an airtight container when it arrives to keep it fresh. A few reviewers also mentioned occasional quality control issues like damaged packaging or foreign material, though most received their tea in good condition. Given the value for money, it's a minor inconvenience, but worth knowing upfront.