I compared 5 brands of chai concentrate — and there are 2 worth keeping in your fridge at all times
Business Insider
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In a comprehensive taste test of five popular chai concentrate brands—Good & Gather, Oregon Chai, Trader Joe's, Rishi, and Tazo—Paige Bennett found that preferences shifted depending on whether the drink was served hot or iced. While Tazo’s concentrate stood out as the top choice for hot lattes due to its balanced sweetness and spice, Trader Joe’s proved superior when served over ice, offering a bold yet well-balanced flavor profile. Other brands like Good & Gather and Rishi showed mixed results, with Good & Gather impressing for its affordability and convenience, while Rishi offered strong spice notes but struggled in cold preparations.
The comparison highlighted key differences in flavor profiles, sweetness levels, and texture across the brands. For example, Good & Gather’s concentrate was praised for its sweet taste and convenient packaging but lacked depth when served cold. Oregon Chai, on the other hand, delivered a light, earthy flavor that was underwhelming overall. Rishi’s masala chai impressed with its vibrant cinnamon notes in hot drinks but left a gritty texture in iced versions. Trader Joe’s, while initially overpowering in hot preparations, excelled when paired with ice, balancing spice and sweetness effectively.
The findings are particularly relevant for businesses in the food and beverage industry, as they underscore consumer preferences for versatile products that perform well across different consumption methods. For those seeking convenience and value, Good & Gather offers an affordable option, while Trader Joe’s provides a standout choice for iced drinks. Tazo’s premium positioning aligns with its strong performance in hot beverages, making it a go-to for coffee shops or home users looking to replicate café-quality lattes.
This comparison also sheds light on the importance of product design and branding in consumer decisions. Rishi’s attractive packaging resonated with
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/24/2026