Best Thai Iced Tea Mix, Bags, Concentrate & Bottled Brands

Looking for the best Thai iced tea you can make at home? This guide covers Thai iced tea mix (powder and Thai tea packets), Thai iced tea bags, Thai iced tea concentrate, and bottled Thai iced tea — so you know what to buy and what to look for.

What to Look for in a Thai Iced Tea Mix

A good Thai iced tea mix should give you strong, slightly spicy black tea with the classic orange color and flavor that work with condensed milk and ice. When comparing Thai tea packets, Thai iced tea bags, or powder:

• Tea base — Black tea (often Ceylon or Assam style) plus spices like star anise and tamarind. That's what makes the best Thai iced tea taste like the real thing.
• Form — Loose powder or Thai iced tea bags for brewing, or Thai iced tea concentrate / bottled Thai iced tea for no-brew options.
• Color — Many Thai iced tea mix products include coloring for the classic look; some brands offer no-dye options (see our vegan guide).
• Convenience — Thai tea packets (sachets) and Thai iced tea concentrate are the quickest; loose powder or Thai iced tea bags need straining or removing.

Thai Iced Tea Mix (Powder)

Thai iced tea mix in powder form is the most common way to get the best Thai iced tea at home. You steep the powder (or use a filter bag), then add sweetener and milk. Popular options include:

• ChaTraMue (Number One) — A long-standing Thai brand; their Thai iced tea mix is a classic choice for authentic flavor and orange color. Often sold in 400 g bags.
• Bossen — A Thai iced tea mix aimed at bubble tea use; works well for boba Thai iced tea and straight cha yen. Sold in larger containers (e.g. 2.2 lb).
• MOCAFE — Thai tea mix with black tea and spices; suited for home, café, or boba. Available in bulk.
• Rishi — A Thai iced tea mix option that uses organic tea and natural coloring (e.g. beet); good if you want fewer artificial additives.

You'll find Thai iced tea mix at Asian grocers, online (e.g. Amazon), and some specialty food sites.

Thai Tea Packets (Sachets)

Thai tea packets are single-serving sachets — like tea bags but often with a finer Thai iced tea mix inside. They're handy for one glass at a time. Brands to look for:

• Ranong — Thai tea packets in multi-pack sachets (e.g. 10 per box); one sachet per drink.
• Prince of Peace — Instant Thai tea packets (e.g. 24 sachets); add water hot or cold for a quick drink. Often includes sweetener and creamer in the sachet.

Thai Iced Tea Bags

Thai iced tea bags are similar to Thai tea packets but usually look like traditional tea bags — filled with broken-leaf Thai tea (and sometimes spices). You steep one or two Thai iced tea bags per cup, then sweeten and add milk. They're a middle ground between loose Thai iced tea mix and instant Thai tea packets. Look for "Thai tea bags" or "cha yen tea bags" at Asian grocers or online.

Thai Iced Tea Concentrate

Thai iced tea concentrate is pre-brewed, strong tea in liquid form. You mix it with water (or not), add milk and ice, and get the best Thai iced tea with minimal work. No steeping or Thai iced tea mix to measure.

• Thaiwala — A widely available Thai iced tea concentrate in a bottle (e.g. 32 fl oz). Made with organic black tea and natural flavors; you add milk and serve over ice. Sold at many US retailers (e.g. Amazon, Target).

Bottled Thai Iced Tea

Bottled Thai iced tea is ready-to-drink: tea (and often milk and sugar) already mixed in the bottle. You don't need a Thai iced tea mix, Thai tea packets, or Thai iced tea concentrate — just open and pour over ice. Options are more limited than Thai iced tea mix or concentrate, but you can find bottled Thai iced tea at Asian supermarkets, some convenience stores, and online. Bottled Thai iced tea is convenient for on-the-go; for the best Thai iced tea flavor at home, most people prefer a Thai iced tea mix or concentrate so they can control sweetness and milk.

Quick Comparison

Where to Buy

• Thai iced tea mix, Thai tea packets, and Thai iced tea bags: Asian grocery stores, Amazon, and specialty food websites.
• Thai iced tea concentrate and bottled Thai iced tea: Supermarkets (e.g. Target), Amazon, and regional retailers depending on your area.

Prices vary by brand and size. Larger Thai iced tea mix containers (e.g. Bossen, ChaTraMue) are often better value if you drink it often.

Summary

The best Thai iced tea at home comes down to the Thai iced tea mix or format you like: powder, Thai tea packets, Thai iced tea bags, Thai iced tea concentrate, or bottled Thai iced tea. For the most authentic, café-style result, use a good Thai iced tea mix or Thai iced tea concentrate and follow our classic recipe or boba recipe. For ingredients and brewing basics, see What is Thai iced tea?