Chai is more than a fall alternative to hot chocolate, now it is being requested year-round as a beverage of choice.  On a visit to Houston’s Larry Winkler, Northwest Division Sales Manager for Torani®, mentioned a U.S. Reports study revealing 41% of millennials are looking for more chai options in coffee shops.  With that in mind, Torani® launched their Torani® Chai Concentrates line at SCAA in April.

Torani Chai comes in Traditional and Spicy tetra paks, image courtesy of Torani

These rich, fragment blends are balanced perfectly with just the right amount of black tea and chai spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, allspice, and black pepper.  The ingredients are all organic and made with no preservatives or artificial elements.  Unlike other chai concentrates, the spices are visible in the cup yet they don’t create a gritty texture.  The feel of the chai is velvety without being too heavy, for those who don’t want a breve tea. All this comes together to make a drink that customers can indulge in.

Torani®’s focus was on building a balanced flavor profile with notes of milk, spice, sweetness, and tea.  This balance was achieved in two distinct chai concentrates, Traditional and Spicy, for the discerning tastes of patrons.  The Traditional concentrate is a smooth and well-rounded blend in which the spices are prevalent without being overbearing. The Spicy concentrate presents a smoky spiced flavor without being overly spicy, allowing the blended flavors to stay in the mouth and nose for a few moments after each sip, thanks to the zing of ginger and cinnamon.

Torani Tradition Chai (left) versus the current category leader (right)
Photo Credit: Christina Graiff

Torani® was the clear winner when taste-comparing these flavors against the current leader in the chai market.  Some taste testers mentioned the competitor’s chai concentrate actually tasted more like, “sweet milk” versus the bold chai aromas Torani®’s version.

Torani® Chai is a wonderful addition to any organization already serving both hot and iced beverages.  Try out this recipe for an Iced Coconut Chai Latte that will add a taste of summer to any menu.  Call your Houston’s sales representative for more information or to order Torani® Chai Concentrate today, and compare to your current chai brand.

Iced Coconut Chai Latte

• 1/4 oz. Torani® Coconut Syrup
• 4 oz. Torani® Chai Concentrate
• 4 oz. milk
• Ice

Put ice in a glass; pour all ingredients over ice and mix.