?Have we found the cardamom tea that strikes the right balance between spice and classic black tea?
Overview of Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags
We regard this as a straightforward offering for lovers of spiced black teas. Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags pairs a robust black tea base with a clear cardamom character that aims to be bright rather than cloying.
This section gives a snapshot of what to expect: a strong-flavoured brew, convenient string-and-tag bags, and a product backed by a British family-run blender with decades of experience. We’ll cover specifics on taste, preparation, packaging and value so that we can decide whether this is the tea to keep in our cupboard.
What the product is
This is a 100-bag pack of cardamom-flavoured black tea produced by Ahmad Tea, a British family business with four generations of tea blending expertise. The blend uses high-quality black teas that are combined with Ahmad Tea’s exclusive cardamom flavouring to create a spice-infused cup.
We appreciate that the product highlights convenience — string-and-tag teabags for easy brewing — and that it has received external recognition in the form of a Great Taste Award in 2016. The tea is also listed as Halal, which broadens its suitability.
Key features at a glance
We note the main selling points as: bold black tea, distinct cardamom flavour, store-friendly packaging and award recognition. It’s intended for everyday brewing and pairs well with milk or taken plain.
Below we provide a quick reference table to summarise the technical specifications and main details for easy comparison.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags |
| Tea type | Black tea, flavoured with cardamom |
| Teabags | 100 string-and-tag teabags |
| Origin / Country string | Sri Lanka (blend origins indicated) |
| Preparation | Add boiling water; infuse 3–5 minutes |
| Specialty | Halal |
| Award | Great Taste Award 2016 |
| Manufacturer | Ahmad Tea (British family-run, 4th generation) |
| Flavour profile | Strong, spice-infused with cardamom notes |
| Number of items | 1 pack (100 teabags) |
Aroma and flavour profile
We find the aroma to be immediately cardamom-forward, with warm, slightly citrusy spice notes and a clean black tea base behind it. The fragrance tends to be sharper straight from the bag than from the brewed cup, where the spice and tea integrate more fully.
On the palate, the cardamom tends to present as a bright, aromatic top note rather than a heavy, syrupy sweetness. The black tea provides a solid backbone with enough tannic structure to carry the spice, giving a satisfying mouthfeel that works both with and without milk.
First-sip impressions
Our first sips reveal that the blend is unapologetically bold; it does not hide behind subtleties. Cardamom lands quickly, delivering a warming, slightly resinous quality that sits atop a brisk, malty black tea.
We feel that the initial impact is lively rather than mellow, so this tea is well suited to those who prefer a more pronounced spice profile. If we’re used to delicate floral teas, this one will be a marked contrast.
How the cardamom works with black tea
Cardamom functions as the aromatic highlight here, lifting the black tea and adding a hint of citrusy sweetness. In our experience, it enhances the natural maltiness of the base tea instead of masking it.
The balance leans towards the cardamom being clearly audible in flavour and smell; it is integrated, but it remains the star performer. For those who love spice, the combination is precisely what they’ll be seeking.
Strength and balance
We find the strength to be moderate to strong, depending on infusion time. The recommended 3–5 minutes presents a useful range: 3 minutes gives a brisk, cleaner cup, while 5 minutes extracts deeper tannins and increases the intensity of the cardamom.
Overall, the tea’s equilibrium is designed for robustness: it holds up well to milk and sugar, yet still performs admirably when taken plain. The blend is neither shy nor overbearing — it offers a bold profile that still feels well-balanced.
Brewing and preparation
We believe proper brewing enhances what this tea offers, so following the recommended method is sensible. The manufacturer’s advice to add boiling water and infuse for 3–5 minutes is simple and effective.
Below we cover our tested brewing tips, time and temperature considerations, and variants for different preferences. Small adjustments in infusion time and milk or sweetener additions can change the tea’s character quite noticeably.
Recommended brewing method
We recommend using fresh, just-boiled water and a clean cup or teapot. Place a single string-and-tag teabag in the vessel, pour boiling water over it and let it steep for the time that suits our taste: 3 minutes for a brisk cup, 4 minutes for balance and 5 minutes for fuller strength.
If brewing in a teapot for multiple cups, increase the number of bags accordingly (e.g. 1 bag per cup) and allow a slightly longer steeping time to account for the larger volume. Always remove the teabag at the end of the infusion to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
Time and temperature specifics
We use boiling water (100°C/212°F) for this robust black tea — that high temperature extracts the full flavour and allows the cardamom notes to shine. Shorter infusions (3 minutes) yield a lighter, more aromatic cup, while longer infusions (up to 5 minutes) bring out deeper tannins and a stronger spice presence.
If we prefer less bitterness, we stop at the lower end of the range and occasionally give the teabag a gentle squeeze against the side of the cup just as we remove it, rather than leaving it submerged.
Tips for making the perfect cup
We find the following small practices helpful:
- Use filtered water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or hard, as this affects taste.
- Pre-warm the teapot or mug with a little boiling water to maintain infusion temperature.
- If adding milk, warm it slightly first; this helps the tea remain hot and the flavours meld better.
- Try a 3-minute infusion with no milk to appreciate the cardamom’s aromatic profile, then experiment with milk at 4 minutes if we prefer a creamier texture.
These modest adjustments let us fine-tune the brew to our individual preferences.
Packaging and teabags
We appreciate the use of string-and-tag teabags for everyday convenience. The individual bags make it simple to brew single cups or multiples with consistent results.
The packaging is pragmatic — a box that’s easy to store and stack. For those who prefer loose-leaf, this product won’t satisfy that requirement, but the teabags are well-suited for quick preparation and office use.
String-and-tag teabags and convenience
The string-and-tag format is particularly handy for rapid preparation and to prevent over-steeping: we can easily remove the teabag at the ideal moment. The tag also means we don’t need to fish around with a teaspoon or strainer.
For travel, office or busy mornings, these teabags are efficient. We can brew directly in mugs or a teapot without extra equipment, which is a practical advantage.
Box and storage
The box is compact and labelled clearly with brewing instructions and product details. Once opened, we recommend transferring the teabags into an airtight tin for prolonged freshness, though kept sealed in the original box they will retain reasonable flavour for a standard shelf life.
Because the box is not foil-lined, protecting the teabags from moisture and strong odours after opening is important. A kitchen cupboard away from direct sunlight is usually adequate.
Quality and sourcing
We place trust in Ahmad Tea’s multi-generation experience in blending, and the company’s British roots are a reassuring sign of consistent quality control. The blend lists Sri Lanka in the country string, indicating that at least part of the tea leaf origin is Ceylon, which often brings brisk and bright qualities to a cup.
While the cardamom flavouring is indicated as exclusive to Ahmad Tea, the exact proportions and the sourcing of the flavouring are not extensively detailed on the pack. Still, the combination of award recognition and the brand’s reputation gives us confidence in the blend’s overall quality.
Tea origin and blending expertise
Ahmad Tea is a family-run business with four generations of blending expertise, which suggests institutional knowledge about matching tea bases with flavourings. The use of high-quality black teas is consistent with the brand’s other offerings.
We see Sri Lanka’s mention as a nod to the tea origin; Ceylon teas typically offer bright, citrusy, or malty notes which complement cardamom well. The blending expertise helps ensure the flavouring does not overwhelm the base tea.
Halal and awards
The product is listed as Halal, which is important to many consumers and indicates consideration for specific dietary requirements. Additionally, the Great Taste Award 2016 is an independent endorsement that highlights the blend’s positive reception among food industry judges.
These credentials add to our confidence that the product has been recognised for a clean, authentic flavour and is suitable for a broad audience.
Value for money
We evaluate the value proposition by considering quality per cup, convenience and pack size. With 100 bags to a pack and a strong-flavoured blend that stands up well to milk and sugar, the product offers solid everyday value.
When compared to single-origin or loose-leaf premium blends, this product sits in an accessible middle ground: superior to cheap supermarket flavoured teas in aroma and balance, but more affordable and convenient than specialist loose-leaf cardamom blends.
How 100 teabags compares to alternatives
Having 100 teabags in one pack is convenient for households and offices, reducing the need for frequent re-ordering. Compared with smaller boxes (20–50 bags), the larger pack is often more economical per cup.
If we drink multiple cups daily, buying larger packs lowers per-cup costs and is likely the better choice. For occasional drinkers, a smaller pack or trial size might tempt us to test the flavour before committing to 100 bags.
Cost per cup and shelf-life
We calculate cost per cup by dividing the pack price by 100; this gives a simple metric to compare with other teas. Given typical retail pricing, cardamom-flavoured black tea from a recognised brand tends to be good value when the per-cup cost is low.
Shelf-life depends on storage conditions, but if kept dry and away from strong smells, the teabags will retain an acceptable flavour for months. For the best experience, we recommend consuming within a year of purchase and storing in an airtight container after opening.
Who is this tea best for?
This tea suits those who enjoy robust, spiced black teas and want convenience without compromising on flavour. It’s particularly suitable for people who like a pronounced cardamom accent rather than a subtle hint.
We also see it working well for households where different members prefer milked tea or plain tea, as the blend is forgiving and adaptable. Office environments, busy mornings and social tea moments all benefit from the product’s consistency and simplicity.
Ideal occasions
We find it excellent as a morning pick-me-up due to its brisk black tea backbone and warming spice, and it also reads well as an afternoon comfort drink. It pairs nicely with light biscuits, savoury pastries and sweeter baked goods.
For those who enjoy a spiced tea after a meal, the cardamom’s digestive-friendly reputation makes it a suitable choice. It also works in social settings where a reliable, flavourful tea is appreciated without fuss.
Suitability for dietary preferences
The product is Halal-certified, which is reassuring for many consumers. It is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly when taken without milk, and the teabags themselves are suitable for most diets.
If we need a caffeine-free or herbal option, this is not appropriate; it is a full-bodied black tea and will contain caffeine consistent with its type.
Pros and cons
We prefer to highlight both the strengths and limitations so we can make a balanced decision. The pros tend to focus on flavour, convenience and pedigree; the cons centre on lack of loose-leaf option, packaging details and the strength of the flavour for sensitive palates.
Below we present a clear list to help with quick assessment.
Pros:
- Strong, aromatic cardamom flavour that complements the black tea base.
- Convenient string-and-tag teabags suitable for mugs and teapots.
- Good value for 100 teabags; cost-effective for regular drinkers.
- Halal-certified and from a respected family-run brand with award recognition.
- Versatile: performs well plain or with milk and sweetener.
Cons:
- Cardamom is fairly forward and may be too intense for fans of subtle tea aromas.
- Teabags are not loose-leaf, so those seeking a premium loose-leaf experience might be disappointed.
- The box is not foil-sealed for long-term aroma preservation; requires transfer to an airtight container after opening.
- The precise origins of all tea leaves and the cardamom flavouring are not fully detailed on packaging.
Comparisons with other cardamom teas
We compare this product with chai blends, single-ingredient additions and other branded cardamom teas to see where it fits. The main differentiator is the balance between a clear cardamom note and a full black tea base.
When set against chai blends that include multiple spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger), Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea is simpler and more focused. Compared to pure cardamom-infused black teas or loose-leaf single-origin offerings, it’s more accessible and convenient but less bespoke.
Compared to chai blends
Chai blends usually present a complex profile with several spices in roughly equal measure. Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea, by contrast, keeps cardamom as the focal spice, yielding a cleaner, more defined spice experience.
If we prefer a multi-spice cup with layered complexity, traditional masala chai blends or homemade chai might be more satisfying. For those who favour a single, well-executed spice, the Ahmad Tea option is ideal.
Compared to pure cardamom seed additions
Adding whole cardamom pods to black tea or brewing with fresh ground cardamom yields a different intensity and freshness that some purists prefer. The Ahmad Tea product uses flavouring that achieves consistent results and convenience, though it lacks the hands-on control and variability of fresh pod use.
For daily convenience and reliability, we favour Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea. For ritualistic or craft preparations where freshness and pod quality are paramount, brewing with whole cardamom may edge ahead.
Sustainability and ethical considerations
We believe transparency around sourcing and packaging is important. Ahmad Tea is a well-known brand that emphasises blending expertise, but details on sustainability practices specific to this product (such as whether the teabags are compostable or the sourcing standards for the cardamom flavouring) are not prominent on the pack.
Still, the family-run nature and long-standing business history suggest a degree of corporate accountability, and the product’s straightforward packaging is conducive to household recycling or reuse if the teabags themselves are compostable.
Packaging recyclability
The outer box is recyclable as paperboard in most schemes, but individual tea bag envelopes or wrappers (if present) may vary. We recommend checking local recycling guidance and transferring opened teabags to a recyclable or reusable tin to limit waste.
If compostability of teabags is a priority, we advise checking the manufacturer’s website or contact channels to confirm materials used in the strings, tags and bags.
Company credentials (family-run, four generations)
Ahmad Tea’s branding emphasises four generations of blending expertise, a family-run ethos that can be reassuring for customers who value tradition and continuity. The company has a visible presence in many markets, and that scale often helps with consistent quality.
For further assurances on ethical sourcing or specific sustainability initiatives, we would consult Ahmad Tea’s corporate materials or direct customer support, as such details are sometimes provided separately from retail packaging.
Storage and shelf life
We recommend storing the box in a cool, dry, odour-free cupboard and transferring opened teabags to an airtight tin if we want to maintain freshness. Avoiding moisture and strong odours greatly helps in keeping both the black tea base and the cardamom aroma intact.
When stored properly, the teabags should remain flavourful for months; consuming within 6–12 months of purchase is a sensible rule of thumb for the best sensory experience.
How to store opened box
Use an airtight container or resealable tin to protect the teabags from light, moisture and kitchen odours. Glass, metal or BPA-free plastic tins with tight lids work well; adding a small desiccant packet (food-safe) can help in humid environments.
Label the container with the purchase or opening date to keep track of freshness, especially if we buy in bulk and rotate our tea stash.
Best-before and freshness tips
Check the pack’s best-before date at purchase and aim to consume most of the teabags before that date for optimal flavour. If we detect a stale or flat aroma, it’s a sign the tea has lost volatile oils and is past its prime.
For maximum flavour, store unopened packs away from heat sources and strong-smelling foods (onions, spices). Preparing tea with fresh, good-quality water also helps preserve the intended taste.
Frequently asked questions
We gather likely questions and provide concise answers to help with common queries about Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags. These practical points aim to assist decision-making and usage.
Q: Can we add milk to this tea? A: Yes — the robust black tea base stands up well to milk, making it suitable for those who enjoy a creamier texture. Start with a 4-minute infusion if adding milk for a balanced finish.
Q: Is this tea caffeinated? A: Yes — it is a black tea and contains caffeine consistent with that category. If we need a caffeine-free option, this is not appropriate.
Q: Are the teabags compostable? A: The packaging does not always specify compostability; we recommend checking Ahmad Tea’s website or contacting customer service for confirmation on bag materials.
Q: How strong is the cardamom flavour? A: The cardamom is pronounced and aromatic. A shorter infusion reduces intensity, whereas longer brewing emphasises the spice.
Q: Is the product suitable for vegetarians and vegans? A: The tea itself is plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans when taken without dairy. It is Halal-certified as well.
Q: Does it contain any artificial colours or preservatives? A: The product is a flavoured black tea; for specifics on additives, we advise checking the ingredient list on packaging or the manufacturer’s detailed product information online.
Final verdict
We find Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags to be a dependable, bold and aromatic spiced tea that suits daily drinking and social occasions alike. Its strengths lie in a well-balanced blend where cardamom takes a leading, clean role, supported by a sturdy black tea foundation.
For those seeking a convenient, flavour-forward tea with good value and broad appeal, this product is a strong contender. If we prefer bespoke loose-leaf preparations or extremely subtle spice notes, we may want to consider alternatives, but for most spiced-tea lovers this blend will be a reliable and enjoyable choice.
Rating summary (subjective):
- Flavour and aroma: 4.5/5
- Convenience: 5/5
- Value for money: 4/5
- Packaging and storage: 3.5/5
- Overall suitability for daily drinking: 4.5/5
We recommend trying Ahmad Tea Cardamom Tea – 100 Teabags if we enjoy a clear, aromatic cardamom presence paired with a full-bodied black tea. With simple brewing and consistent results, it makes for a satisfying addition to our tea collection.
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