A recent comparative review of five popular grocery store chai tea concentrates has identified clear preferences for both hot and iced preparations. The test, conducted by a consumer journalist, evaluated products from Good & Gather, Oregon Chai, Trader Joe's, Rishi, and Tazo based on flavour, value, and ease of use when made into lattes.
The findings reveal that the ideal concentrate differs significantly depending on whether the final drink is served hot or cold, with spice levels and sweetness holding up differently to temperature variations.
Tazo Leads for Hot Lattes, Trader Joe's Dominates Iced
In the hot latte category, Tazo's chai concentrate emerged as the favourite. Priced at $5.19 for a 32-ounce container (approximately 16 cents per ounce), it was noted for its balanced profile. "It wasn’t too sweet, and the spice was forward, but not overwhelming," the reviewer stated, highlighting its creamy consistency compared to more watery alternatives.
Conversely, Trader Joe's Spiced Chai Concentrate was the standout for iced lattes. Sold in a unique 16-ounce bottle for $2.80 (18 cents per ounce), its extremely potent spice blend, dominated by black pepper and ginger, was found to be "overpowering" when served hot. However, when diluted with milk and ice, the melting ice perfectly tempered the spices, creating a "much better flavour" and the reviewer's preferred iced drink.
Value and Flavour Profiles Vary Widely
The review provided a detailed cost and flavour breakdown. Target's Good & Gather brand offered the best value at $3.50 for 32 ounces (11 cents per ounce) but was criticised for blandness, with only a "faintest aftertaste of black pepper" in the iced version. Its slanted container design was praised for preventing spills.
Oregon Chai (approx. 16 cents/oz) and Rishi (19 cents/oz before sale) were both described as overly sweet with minimal spice. The Rishi concentrate, which had a distinctive red-orange colour and strong cinnamon scent, left gritty particles in the iced drink and was noted as the messiest to pour.
Preparation Ratios and Practical Considerations
The testing process underscored practical differences between the brands. While most concentrates, including Tazo, Good & Gather, Oregon Chai, and Rishi, recommended a standard 1:1 ratio of concentrate to milk, Trader Joe's instructions called for a 1:2 ratio (one part chai to two parts milk). This was factored into the taste comparisons for both hot and iced preparations.
Container design also impacted the user experience. The boxy designs of Tazo, Oregon Chai, and Rishi were found to be prone to messy pouring, unlike the functional slanted design of Good & Gather and the bottle used by Trader Joe's.
The review, originally published in May 2023 and updated in February 2026, concludes that while all tested concentrates were acceptable, Tazo is the recommended choice for hot chai lattes and Trader Joe's for the iced version, demonstrating that consumer preference can hinge significantly on serving temperature.