There are four major components of Chai:

• ​​Black tea

• Milk

• Sweetener – sugar or honey are typical chai sweeteners

• Spices or “Masala”

 
The method of making Chai varies across regions of India, but a common practice for making chai is to combine water and milk in a pot over heat, with added sugar.  Ginger is then grated into the mix, and then the “tea masala," which is the array of spices added to the mixture.  This mixture is brought to a boil and 1 teaspoon of black tea is added.  This chai is then taken off the heat, covered, and allowed to sit for 10 minutes so the black tea can infuse with the chai.  The chai is
then strained and served.

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When we enjoy a cup of chai, we can’t help but fall in love with the aroma, the spicy kick, and the sweetness that makes it so beloved around the world.  But the history of Chai spells a long and tumultuous journey.  So grab a cup of Chai, relax, and learn about this drink’s fascinating history.

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THE HISTORY OF CHAI
When the British arrived in the Indian subcontinent in the early 1600’s, they brought with them their love of black tea and planted tea fields across much of India.  The fusion of black tea into the traditional Masala mix of ancient times caused the birth of what we now know as modern-day Chai.
 
BRITAIN'S TEA WAR WITH CHINA
In the 18th century, China led the world in tea production, as they had for thousands of years.  Britain purchased teas at impressive rates from China, but China wasn’t interested in purchasing anything from Britain, leaving the trade relationship one-sided. Britain’s intense love of tea threatened to empty the national bank.
 
In response, Britain hiked the tea tax in the American Colonies, triggering a riot in Boston Harbor.  Colonists dumped a shipload of tea into the harbor in protest, now famously known as The Boston Tea Party.  Realizing that their dependence on tea was jeopardizing their hold on the American colonies, the British knew they needed to come up with a solution, and fast.
 
The British East India Tea Company discovered a product that the Chinese did want to consume, and that product was opium.  They stopped at nothing to sell Opium to China, even when the emperor of China outlawed it and complained that it was causing mass addictions throughout his country.  The British continued to smuggle it through Chinese borders, which spawned the opium wars.

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DAVID RIO CHAI
We were inspired by India’s “chai wallahs”, who for centuries brewed chai from black tea and real spices, and then added milk and honey to the final preparation.  Incorporating those Eastern traditions and blending them with Western innovations, we created our own premium product, using high-quality ingredients with a robust, well-balanced taste.  Our chai is the perfect median between coffee and tea, earning its rightful place on café menus, and is now recognized worldwide. 

Committed to excellence beyond the cup, we use reusable packaging whenever possible while maintaining the integrity of its premium product lines.  Our products are easy to prepare and quite versatile – they can be prepared hot, iced or blended and can be used in baking and other delicacies.
 
OUR INGREDIENTS
We source superior ingredients from around the world and continually strive to improve and develop new products and processes.  We take special pride and care in using freshly ground organic spices that release a delightful aroma just as you pour the hot water or milk over any David Rio chai mix.  The distinctive chai fragrance and flavors fully bloom into a well-balanced chai right in your cup.

A key ingredient that sets David Rio apart from other chais is our non-GMO, non-dairy creamer, which offers a wonderfully creamy texture without the heaviness of chemicals and fillers.  Our products in our Endangered Species Line are also certified cRc Kosher.  Every David Rio chai product is free from hydrogenated oils, trans fats, and gluten.  The quality and mixture of spices and ingredients assure the crisp, clean flavor of our chai, boasting its depth in every sip.

We use USDA Certified Organic Spices in all of our chai products because we care about the ingredients we use.  Using organic spices delivers better quality, enhanced taste, and is one of our many contributions to creating a healthy product and a healthy environment - for people, plants and animals.

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THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

In 2010, David Rio formed a strategic partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to support conservation efforts for endangered species. When you purchase David Rio products, 5% of our profit margins are allocated to IFAW.  

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