What Are the Ingredients in Cha Tra Mue Tea?

With a history stretching back over 80 years, Cha Tra Mue has perfected its tea blends to become a Thai national treasure. For fans and new tasters alike, knowing what are the ingredients in Cha Tra Mue tea is key to understanding its iconic flavor and vibrant color.

Quick Summary

Breaking down the contents of Cha Tra Mue's popular Thai Tea and Green Tea mixes. Explore the Assam tea bases, flavor compounds, and color additives that define these renowned blends.

Key Points

• Assam Tea Base: Both the Thai Tea Mix and Green Tea Mix use fine Assam tea powder.

• Artificial Color: The classic orange color comes from FD&C Yellow No. 6.

• Added Flavorings: The distinct taste is due to added artificial or natural identical flavors.

• Contains Sugar: The mixes include sugar in their dry form.

• Milk is Added Separately: Creamy texture is achieved by adding condensed or evaporated milk during preparation.

• Green Tea Color: The green tea mix uses multiple food colors (Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1).

• Certified Halal: Many of the Cha Tra Mue mixes are certified Halal.

Decoding the Classic Cha Tra Mue Thai Tea Mix (Red Label)

Cha Tra Mue's Original Thai Tea Mix, often identified by its red label, is the brand's flagship product and the foundation for the beloved Thai iced tea, or cha yen. Its signature orange color and unique flavor profile come from a specific combination of ingredients.

The main components are:

• Red Tea Powder (Assam): Sourced from the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, this finely ground black tea provides the robust, earthy base for the mix.
• Sugar: Added as a sweetener to balance the tea's natural bitterness.
• Artificial Flavour: This ingredient is responsible for the distinct, creamy, and slightly spiced aroma and vanilla-like flavor that consumers expect from authentic Thai tea.
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 (INS110): This synthetic food coloring gives the tea its characteristic bright orange hue. In certain regions, regulations may lead to a version without coloring.

The Role of Color in Thai Tea

Many consumers are surprised to learn that the vibrant orange color of traditional Thai iced tea is not natural. The Assam tea base is reddish-brown, and the orange color is a result of added food dye. While some regions, like Malaysia, prohibit food coloring in tea products, Cha Tra Mue's version sold in Thailand and many other markets includes this additive to achieve the iconic look. The coloring is purely for aesthetic appeal and does not affect the flavor, though some customers may perceive a difference.

Dissecting the Cha Tra Mue Green Tea Mix (Green Label)

Beyond its classic red label, Cha Tra Mue also offers a Green Tea Mix, popular for making Thai milk green tea (cha nom khiao). The ingredient list for this variant shares some similarities with the Thai Tea Mix but features a different tea base and additional colorings.

The ingredients include:

• Green Tea Powder (Assam): This version uses green tea leaves from the cool, mountainous regions of Northern Thailand.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness, similar to the Thai Tea Mix.
• Natural Identical Flavour: Rather than an artificial flavor, this blend uses a natural identical flavor to achieve its profile.
• Food Colorings (FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, and FD&C Blue No. 1): A combination of these colorings creates the bright green shade associated with Thai green milk tea.

Other Cha Tra Mue Tea Varieties and Additives

Cha Tra Mue also offers other product variations, each with its own ingredient list. For example, their premium Gold Label mix uses top tea leaves for a stronger taste, while their convenient 3-in-1 instant mixes contain higher percentages of sugar and creamer mixed in, simplifying the preparation process.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cup

Making Cha Tra Mue tea is a simple process that requires strong brewing and a sweet, creamy finish. The steps generally include:

1. Steep the tea powder in hot water for a few minutes to create a strong concentrate.
2. Strain the tea to remove the fine leaves.
3. Mix it with generous amounts of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
4. Serve over ice for the classic iced version.

The key to the final taste is adjusting the milk and sugar to personal preference. For a stronger flavor, some users recommend increasing the steeping time.

Additives and Quality Considerations

Beyond the core ingredients, Cha Tra Mue ensures its products meet international standards. The brand holds Halal certification for its mixes, ensuring they adhere to specific dietary requirements. The company also emphasizes its over 80 years of experience in creating a consistent, beloved taste.

Comparison Table: Classic Thai Tea vs. Green Tea Mix

Feature	Cha Tra Mue Thai Tea Mix (Red Label)	Cha Tra Mue Green Tea Mix (Green Label)
Primary Tea	Red Tea Powder (Assam)	Green Tea Powder (Assam)
Flavoring	Artificial Flavour	Natural Identical Flavour
Primary Color	FD&C Yellow No. 6 (INS110)	FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1
Final Beverage Color	Bright orange when mixed with cream	Bright green when mixed with milk
Typical Aroma	Spiced, robust, vanilla-like	Fresh, floral, and grassy

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Cha Tra Mue tea reveals a straightforward yet carefully crafted formula that relies on Assam tea, sugar, and specific flavorings and food colorings. Whether you prefer the classic Thai Tea Mix or the vibrant Green Tea Mix, the core components are designed to deliver a consistent and enjoyable flavor. The final product's success lies in its ability to combine these simple elements into a distinct and memorable taste that has captivated tea lovers worldwide for generations. While the mixes provide the necessary tea base, the creamy and sweet character that most people associate with Thai tea is completed with the addition of condensed and evaporated milk during preparation.

ChaTraMue's official website offers more information on its products and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cha Tra Mue tea vegetarian or vegan?

The dry tea mixes themselves are typically vegetarian or vegan, as they contain only tea leaves, sugar, and flavorings. However, the prepared beverage usually includes sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, making it non-vegan. For a vegan drink, use plant-based milk alternatives.

Why is Thai tea so orange if it's black tea?

The intense orange color of Thai tea is not natural but comes from the addition of food coloring, specifically FD&C Yellow No. 6. The natural Assam tea leaves are a reddish-brown color.

Does Cha Tra Mue mix contain milk?

The Cha Tra Mue tea mixes (loose leaf or powder) do not contain milk. Milk is added by the user during the preparation of the beverage, with recipes calling for sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.

Is Cha Tra Mue tea gluten-free?

Based on the ingredients listed on various product sites, Cha Tra Mue's standard tea mixes do not contain gluten. However, products may not be certified gluten-free, and individuals with severe allergies should exercise caution.

Does Cha Tra Mue tea have caffeine?

Yes, since Cha Tra Mue tea mixes are made from Assam black or green tea, they contain a medium to high level of caffeine. The exact amount depends on the product and how it is brewed.

How should I store Cha Tra Mue tea mix?

Cha Tra Mue tea mixes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their flavor and freshness. Once opened, storing in an airtight container is recommended.

What is the difference between the red and gold label Cha Tra Mue tea?

The red label is the original Thai Tea Mix. The gold label is a premium version carefully selected from top-grade tea leaves, resulting in a stronger aroma and flavor.

Can I use Cha Tra Mue tea for baking?

Yes, the fine tea powder from Cha Tra Mue's mixes is versatile and can be used as an ingredient for flavoring various desserts, baked goods, and ice cream.