The Taste Test: Chai tea

Higher Living Sweet Chai

HK$37.50 for 15 bags, Jasons Marketplace

This organic, caffeine-free herb infusion combines natural licorice root with a blend of traditional spices: fennel, anise, peppermint, ginger, cardamom, cloves and black pepper.

Verdict: the bold sweetness of the licorice takes away most of the spiciness that's typical of chai.
 

Zhena's Gypsy Tea Coconut Chai Green Tea

HK$85 for 22 bags, Just Green

The label claims that cinnamon "heightens contentment", and ginger aids digestion. These two blend with coconut and green tea to produce this low-caffeine chai.

Verdict: the sweet, soothing coconut fragrance fills the cup, and the spices provide a faint flavour - good if you don't like chai that's too spicy.
 

Pukka Vanilla Chai

HK$49 for 20 bags, Just Green

This is a mix of six organic herbs: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, fennel, licorice and vanilla. The herbs are sourced from small independent farmers round the world.

Verdict: calming vanilla aroma, the least spicy of the lot. Better with a dash of milk to bring out the flavour.