Bigelow Vanilla Chai Black Tea, 28 Count

A chai in a tea bag is its own thing, and worth understanding as such. Masala chai made the traditional way is a decoction: leaves and whole spices simmered in water and milk in a pot, then strained. This is a black tea already blended with vanilla and warm spice, steeped in the cup in a few minutes, 28 foil-wrapped bags to the box.

The aroma leans sweet and buttery, with cardamom and nutmeg the spices that come forward, and the cup is medium-bodied and creamy-tasting before anything goes in it. Most people take it with a splash of milk, which rounds the spice and lifts the vanilla. Steep it strong in less water and top it with hot milk and you land somewhere near a chai latte.

It is an easy afternoon cup, and a good box to keep at a desk or in the guest cupboard for the days when the stovetop version is more work than the moment calls for.