Mixala Chai has just unveiled a beautiful rebrand, complete with refreshed packaging and we couldn’t be more excited to see where the next chapter takes them. At Mash + Mint, we love spotlighting independent brands with deep roots and meaningful stories, and Mixala is exactly that. Founded on the comforting, communal traditions of chai, this brand blends Indian heritage, British culture, and Tanzanian warmth into every cup. We sat down with founder Jaspreet to talk about the rituals that inspired her, what makes authentic chai so different from the western version, and why sharing chai is more than just drinking tea, it’s sharing a part of yourself.
What role did chai play in your home growing up, and how has that shaped Mixala Chai?
Chai was a big part of my life growing up in Arusha, Tanzania. It was something we had every day, often more than once; part of family life, catching up with people, or just taking a moment to breathe. With Mixala, I wanted to honour that tradition, but also bring in a bit of my British side too. That mix of cultures is a big part of who I am, and I wanted the brand to reflect that.
For those unfamiliar with authentic chai, how does it differ from the western 'chai' experience?
A chai latte isn’t really chai; it’s a bit like calling chicken tikka masala Indian food! Authentic chai uses proper spices, real tea leaves, and is brewed in a completely different way. It’s much richer, spicier, and has that real homemade feel. There are a few brands doing proper chai now, but it’s still not something that’s fully made its way into the mainstream yet.
Can you tell us about the cultural rituals or family moments that inspired your blends?
We wanted our blends to tell a bit of our story, mixing British, Indian, and Tanzanian influences. Each flavour is personal: Cocoa Chai, because I love chocolate; English Rose, which reminds me of rose water from my childhood; Toffee Mint, which was my husband’s favourite sweet growing up; and Italian Biscuit, because we’ve always loved marzipan. Every blend has a little family connection.
How do you honour the heritage of chai while also making it accessible to new audiences in the UK?
Our tea comes from India, and we use proper spices you’d find in authentic chai. But we’ve created blends that bring something new, flavours that people in the UK might recognise or feel curious to try. It’s about keeping the heart of chai while making it feel approachable for people who might not have grown up with it.
Where do you source your spices and tea leaves, and how important is origin in creating the perfect blend?
Our blends are made here in the UK, but we source our tea and spices from India, the home of chai. It’s really important to us that we use proper ingredients from where chai originally comes from. You can really taste the difference when you use good quality tea leaves and spices.
Are there any lesser-known ingredients or regional styles of chai that you're passionate about introducing?
We’re always playing around with new flavours and ideas. In fact, we’ve just launched a new blend: Apple and Cinnamon Chai. It’s a bit different from the traditional flavours, but still feels warm and comforting, perfect for any occasion. We love finding ways to bring something fresh while staying true to the feel of chai.
What's the proper way to prepare Mixala Chai to get the full, traditional experience?
We thought a lot about whether to offer loose leaf, which is how chai is traditionally made, but we wanted to make it easy and convenient for people to enjoy every day. So we decided on biodegradable pyramid teabags. They still give you plenty of space for the tea and spices to infuse properly, but you don’t need any special equipment or a long brewing process. Just steep the bag in boiling water for a few minutes, add milk and sugar if you wish.
What does drinking chai mean to you on a personal and cultural level?
Honestly, everything. It’s a daily ritual for me. It’s how I start my day, how I unwind, how I connect with family and friends. It’s always been part of my life.
Do you think there's something universal about the way people gather around tea across cultures?
Yes, definitely. There’s something about tea that brings people together, no matter where you’re from. It creates space to pause, chat, and connect, whether that’s over a cup of chai in Tanzania, afternoon tea in the UK, or anywhere else.
Why did you feel it was important to create Mixala Chai, and what does the brand name represent?
I wanted to bring chai to a new audience, but also make it feel approachable and familiar, which is where the different flavours come in. The name ‘Mixala’ is a little play on words; it comes from ‘mixing masala,’ with masala being the Punjabi word for spices. So it’s about blending spices, cultures, and stories together.
Was there a defining moment when you realised there was a gap in the UK market for truly authentic chai?
Yes, I definitely saw a gap. Coffee has been played around with for years with all kinds of flavours, syrups, and blends, and even tea has seen a lot of variety. But with chai, there wasn’t much beyond the usual chai latte. I thought: why not bring proper, authentic chai into that space, but make it fun and a bit adventurous? That’s when I decided to launch Mixala.
How do you balance the history of chai with a modern design and packaging aesthetic?
We stay true to the roots of chai with tea from India and traditional spices. But we also wanted the brand to feel premium, modern and personal to us, so the packaging uses soft colours and artwork inspired by Tanzania, where I’m from. It’s a little nod to our heritage, but still feels fresh and inviting on the shelf.
If someone wanted to introduce chai into their home for the first time, where should they start?
With Mixala, of course! We’ve made it easy to get started, no complicated brewing, just great flavours that anyone can enjoy.
Mixala Chai makes such a meaningful gift, what does it represent when given to someone else?
We’ve had lots of customers buy Mixala as gifts. For us, it’s a way of showing love and care, something you give to someone you enjoy spending time with. Sharing a cup of chai has always been about connection, and gifting it feels like you’re passing that on.
At the heart of Mixala Chai is a desire to share something real: a tradition passed down through generations, lovingly reimagined for modern life in the UK. Each blend tells a personal story, bridging cultures and honouring heritage in a way that feels warm, familiar, and fresh. Whether you're new to chai or looking for something beyond the usual latte, Mixala offers a way in, easy, flavourful, and full of meaning. We’re proud to champion this thoughtful brand and can’t wait to see what’s next for Mixala Chai. To find out more about Mixala Chai visit https://www.mixala-chai.com/
