David Rio Chai

David Rio pays special attention to selecting high-quality, organic spices for their Chai. This ensures a better taste and creates a healthy, environmentally friendly product. The Chai is made with real, freshly ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger. Additionally, a special cream is used to provide a wonderfully creamy texture without the use of chemicals or fillers.

David Rio Chai is certified kosher and free from hydrogenated vegetable oils or fats. David Rio Chai is certified kosher and free from hydrogenated vegetable oils or fats. Additionally, it is gluten and lactose-free. The brand is known for its exceptional quality, unique aroma, and excellent design. The popular David Rio Chai varieties are named after endangered species.

Discover David Rio Chai

  • David Rio Chai offers carefully crafted blends of powdered black tea and aromatic spices, allowing you to prepare rich, flavourful beverages with ease. Made with high-quality ingredients, each cup delivers depth, balance and an unmistakable aromatic character. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for something beyond classic tea.

    David Rio is a multi-award-winning brand based in San Francisco, California, known for its premium chai made with real, freshly ground spices. You can also find selected David Rio products in the JAVA Coffee range.

  • Brand History

    The company was founded in 1996 by Rio Miura and David Scott Lowe. Initially, they planned to export coffee, tea and brewing accessories exclusively to Japan. For that market, they developed their first chai blend — but due to growing demand, it was soon introduced to the domestic U.S. market as well.

    The success of their first product led to the development of additional blends. Today, David Rio is a globally recognised brand, supplying cafés, restaurants and retail stores in dozens of countries worldwide.

  • Mission & Values

    David Rio set out to create a premium chai brand delivering exceptional quality and distinctive flavour experiences to consumers around the world.

    The company also places strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Many blends are made with organic ingredients, and each variety is named after an endangered animal species. Beyond symbolism, the brand actively supports foundations dedicated to wildlife protection — combining outstanding products with meaningful values.

  • What Is Actually Chai?

    Chai originates from India and is traditionally based on a combination of high-quality ground tea leaves (most commonly black tea) and a blend of herbs and spices. Classic recipes typically include:

    • ginger
    • cardamom
    • cloves
    • cinnamon
    • cane sugar.

    Depending on the proportions and spice intensity, chai can be smooth and mellow or bold and expressive — but it is always aromatic and comforting.

  • Find Your Favourite David Rio Chai at JAVA

    In our selection, you’ll find several iconic blends, including:

    • Tiger Spice
    • Elephant Vanilla
    • White Shark
    • Orca Spice
    • Power Chai Matcha
    • Flamingo Vanilla (Decaf)
    • Toucan Mango
    • Tortoise Green Tea.

    Each blend features a unique composition of spices and teas, offering a distinct yet always intense and pleasantly warming flavour journey — from classic, spicy notes and creamy vanilla to more exotic and fruity accents.

  • Benefits & Characteristics

    Beyond its complex flavour, chai is appreciated for its naturally warming properties, making it an excellent choice for cooler mornings and evenings.

    The combination of tea and spices may:

    • gently stimulate and enhance mood
    • support digestion
    • contribute to overall digestive comfort
    • support blood circulation
    • provide anti-inflammatory properties (especially thanks to ingredients like ginger).

    Chai is a beverage that combines pleasure with functionality — aromatic, comforting and perfect for moments of relaxation.

  • How to prepare David Rio Chai at Home?

    Preparing David Rio Chai is quick and simple — you don’t need any special equipment.

    Hot version

    1. Add 2 teaspoons (approx. 28 g) of chai powder to 200 ml of hot milk. Alternatively, you can use plant-based milk such as oat, pea, almond or soy.
    2. Stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
    3. Enjoy your chai!

    For green tea or matcha-based blends, avoid boiling liquid — 80–90°C works best to preserve flavour.

    Iced version

    1. Add 2 teaspoons of powder to 200 ml of milk or plant-based milk.
    2. Blend with ice until smooth to create a refreshing, smoothie-style iced chai.

    Extra tip

    For a more indulgent texture, froth the milk before mixing — this works especially well for Tiger Spice and Vanilla variants.

    Discover the story and another recipe behind this iconic drink: Chai Latte – from India to San Francisco.