The Rise of Sticky Chai in New Zealand Cafes: Why Baristas Love It
Over the past few years, New Zealand cafés have become known for more than just great coffee. A new star is emerging on the menu: sticky chai. This delightful blend of spiced tea leaves, honey, and warmth is capturing the hearts of baristas and customers alike. But what exactly makes sticky chai such a hit in cafés across Aotearoa?
A Barista’s Dream
Sticky chai isn’t just a flavour sensation; it’s also barista-friendly. The rich texture, infused with honey and spices, makes it perfect for steaming with milk to create a velvety, aromatic chai latte. Unlike powdered or syrup-based alternatives, sticky chai retains the authenticity of whole spices, ensuring a superior cup every time.
A Customer Favourite
For customers, sticky chai offers an indulgent yet healthy treat. Made with natural ingredients and free of artificial additives, it’s the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly morning or a relaxing alternative to coffee in the afternoon.
A Growing Trend
From small independent cafés to bustling urban spots, sticky chai is making its mark. Café owners find that offering high-quality chai attracts a broader audience of tea enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.
Looking to experience sticky chai at its finest? Try our Barista Blend, designed specifically for cafés. Packed with flavour, it’s a hit among professionals and chai lovers alike. Find us on Upstock or contact us to find out more!
The Story Behind Sticky Chai: What Makes It So Special?
Sticky chai is quickly becoming a favourite drink in cafés and homes around the world, but what makes this unique blend so special? In this post, we’ll explore the origins of sticky chai, the magic of its ingredients, and why it’s a must-try for tea lovers everywhere.
What Is Sticky Chai?
Unlike regular loose-leaf chai, sticky chai is a blend of tea leaves, aromatic spices, and a natural sweetener – usually honey. The honey not only enhances the flavour but also binds the blend together, giving it its “sticky” texture. This texture ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavour and ready to brew into a rich, satisfying cup.
The Origins of Chai
Chai has been enjoyed for centuries in India, where it is known as "masala chai" (spiced tea). The combination of black tea, warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and milk creates a beverage that is both energising and comforting. Sticky chai takes this tradition one step further by introducing honey, a natural preservative that adds a hint of sweetness and a unique depth to the flavour.
Why Sticky Chai Stands Out
Quality Ingredients: Sticky chai blends, like ours at Folklore Tea Company, are made with premium whole spices and rich Assam tea leaves, paired with New Zealand honey. These quality ingredients ensure a superior flavour and aroma in every sip.
Versatility: It can be brewed with milk, water, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. You can also enjoy it iced or even as a chai-infused dessert (like chai panna cotta or chai muffins!).
Artisanal Appeal: The handmade nature of sticky chai celebrates traditional methods and quality craftsmanship. Each batch is lovingly blended to create a balance of spice and sweetness.
What Sets Our Sticky Chai Apart
At Folklore Tea Company, we’re proud of our locally crafted blends that combine the best of Indian tradition with New Zealand’s natural goodness. Our sticky chai is available in three unique flavours:
Classic: Traditional and full-bodied, perfect for chai purists.
Vanilla: A smooth, mellow blend with a sweet hint of vanilla and cinnamon.
Barista Blend: Designed for cafés and professionals, this blend delivers bold flavour and pairs perfectly with steamed milk.
Join the Sticky Chai Movement
Sticky chai is more than a beverage – it’s a connection to tradition, a celebration of flavour, and an invitation to slow down and enjoy the little things. Ready to give it a try? Browse our blends and discover your new favourite brew.
Meet the Ingredients: Spices That Make Sticky Chai Special
Sticky chai isn’t just a tea—it’s a symphony of flavours and aromas, carefully crafted from a blend of premium spices. Each ingredient in our sticky chai plays a vital role, adding layers of complexity and character to every cup. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make Folklore Tea Company's sticky chai truly special.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the heart of sticky chai, offering its sweet and woody flavour that wraps you in comfort with every sip. It adds a delightful warmth that balances the boldness of other spices.
Cardamom
This spice, often considered the "queen of spices," adds a distinct, slightly sweet floral aroma to chai. Its citrusy and minty notes bring complexity to the blend.
Cloves
With their sharp and earthy flavour, cloves bring intensity and depth to sticky chai. Their spiciness balances the sweetness of the honey.
Ginger
Fresh and vibrant, ginger cuts through the richness of chai with its spicy and zesty kick. It’s a must-have for that classic chai warmth.
Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste lends a creamy, smooth sweetness to the blend, complementing the warmth of the spices and adding a luxurious depth to every sip.
New Zealand Honey: The Perfect Binding Agent
While not a spice, the honey in our sticky chai deserves a spotlight. It acts as a natural sweetener and binds the spices together, creating a moist texture and deep, harmonious flavour.
Crafted for Taste, Infused with Tradition
At Folklore Tea Company, we take great care in blending these ingredients to create a chai experience that’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Each cup tells a story—one of tradition, passion, and quality.
The Art of Sticky Chai: Why It’s the Perfect Brew for Chai Lovers
Sticky chai is more than just tea; it’s a celebration of tradition, flavour, and craftsmanship. Unlike pre-made chai powders or syrups, sticky chai is a handcrafted blend of real spices, tea leaves, and honey. Each ingredient contributes to a rich, authentic chai experience that elevates every cup.
What Makes Sticky Chai Special?
Sticky chai gets its name from the natural honey that binds the spices together. This unique process enhances the flavours, ensuring the spices remain evenly distributed for a consistent taste with every brew. Plus, the honey preserves the freshness of the spices, giving your tea a bold aroma even after weeks on the shelf.
How to Brew Sticky Chai Like a Pro
Brewing sticky chai is simple yet rewarding:
Barista method
Add 2 heaped teaspoons of Folklore Sticky Tea Barista Blend in a Jug and cover with boiling water ¼ cup.
2. Steep for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add milk of your choice ¾ cup and use your espresso machine's steamer for a café-style touch (we like oat and cow milk).
4.Strain and dust with cinnamon powder, add sugar or honey to taste.
Pot Method
1. Boil ½ cup water in a saucepan or small pot, add 1-2tsp of Folklore Sticky Tea and stir.
2. Then add ½ cup milk (We recommend cow and oat milk). Bring to a boil and simmer for 1-3 minutes. Simmer for longer for a stronger taste.
3. Strain and add sugar or honey to taste, and enjoy!
Why Choose Sticky Chai?
When you choose sticky chai, you’re embracing a natural, flavourful alternative to artificially sweetened chai lattes. Its handcrafted nature guarantees an authentic and indulgent tea experience.
Sticky chai isn’t just for personal enjoyment; it’s a fantastic addition to café menus, offering customers a premium chai option that stands out.