Tetley Taps into At-Home Indulgence Trend with New Condensed Milk Chai Latte

It seems ‘cocooning’ is here to stay.

Originally coined in the 1980s to describe the impulse to retreat into a ‘shell’ for safety and comfort against a chaotic world, modern cocooning has been normalised by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now evolving into an established trend driven by technological advancements, economic factors, and a desire for familiarity.

Running parallel to this is the rise of at-home indulgence as a defining lifestyle shift. From fine-dining-inspired meals and gourmet treats to spa-style rituals enjoyed in living rooms, people are reimagining everyday routines as opportunities for self-care and elevated enjoyment. This movement reflects a growing desire to balance convenience with sophistication, transforming homes into sanctuaries of relaxation, creativity and comfort. 

With rising living costs making home comforts more essential than ever, South Africans can embrace this trend with Tetley’s new Condensed Milk Flavoured Chai Latte – a café-style treat designed to deliver indulgence within the comfort of your own four walls.

“With budgets feeling the pinch, South Africans are looking for small, meaningful moments of enjoyment at home in place of splurging on outings,” explains Candice Sessions, Joekels Marketing Manager. “Rather than giving up on comfort, we’re looking for value and convenience…those small luxuries that make everyday moments special. Our Tetley Chai Lattes have tapped into this perfectly, and the new Condensed Milk flavour delivers the ultimate at-home treat.”

Sessions explains that there are 3 dimensions to the ‘affordable comfort at home trend’, which the new Tetley Condensed Milk flavoured Chai Latte meets.

1.       Daily Micro-Indulgences

Small, pleasurable moments are increasingly important as people search for emotional well-being through everyday rituals. The home is now a space for nurturing solace and self-care, with Tetley’s Condensed Milk Chai Latte providing the warmth and comfort of real spices to offer a mood-lifting moment in seconds.

2.       Meaningful Experiences

Consumers are prioritising experiences that enrich their lives, whether that means travel, community activities, or sensory encounters. Tetley’s Chai Lattes turn a simple tea break into a sensorial experience that provides a moment of escape and indulgence without the price tag of a day out.

3.       Personalised Touches

From custom routines to personalised lifestyle products, consumers want products that feel made ‘just for me’. Tetley’s Chai range meets this need through a selection of flavour profiles — Original, Vanilla, and now Condensed Milk — giving fans the chance to choose their preferred indulgence depending on mood.

Introducing Tetley’s Most Indulgent Chai Latte Yet

Tetley’s Condensed Milk flavoured Chai Latte takes inspiration from the popularity of the brand’s Original and Vanilla Chai Latte range, while adding a decadent new twist. Tetley’s Chai Lattes are crafted with real spices and inspired by the traditional preparation of Indian Chai, which is brewed rich, milky, fragrant and sweet.

The latest addition offers a smooth, fragrant spice blended with the velvety richness of condensed milk, resulting in a drink that is:

Luxuriously creamySweetly comfortingConvenient (ready in seconds)Affordable (no milk needed, just hot water)“Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or craving a café-style pick-me-up at home, Tetley’s Condensed Milk Chai Latte offers you indulgence in one quick stir,” says Sessions. “The new Tetley Condensed Milk Chai Latte allows South Africans to indulge in something special, without breaking the budget, without leaving home, and without compromising on quality.”

Condensed Milk Chai Latte 3 Ways

1.     Hot Chai Latte

Quick: Add 175-200ml boiling water to the contents of the Tetley condensed milk chai latte sachet in a mug, and stirExtra creamy: Substitute boiling water for boiled milk (or ½ boiled milk and ½ boiling water) for a creamier flavourDecadent: Add 175ml-200ml boiling milk to the contents of the sachet in a mug, and stir. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey or condensed milk (optional) 

2.    Iced Chai Latte

Add 100ml of boiled milk to the contents of 2 Tetley condensed milk chai latte sachets and stir. Allow to cool, then add to a blender with a handful or 2 of ice (or frozen milk ice cubes) and blitzPour into a glass and enjoy! 

3.    Chai Latte Milkshake

Add 100ml boiling water or boiled milk to the contents of 2 Tetley condensed milk chai latte sachets and stir. Allow to cool, then add to a blender with 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream and ½ cup milk and blitz.Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey or condensed milk (optional) 

Tetley’s Chai Lattes and range of leading tea products is available in key supermarkets as well as at www.joekels.co.za. For more info on Tetley’s products, as well as recipes and tips, visit www.joekels.co.za or follow @TetleyTeaSA on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       Why is chai latte so popular?

Chai latte offers a comforting balance of warmth, spice and sweetness, while still feeling indulgent and familiar. Blended with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, chai lattes provide a sensory experience that goes beyond an ordinary cup of tea or coffee.

2.       What brands does Joekels own and distribute in South Africa?

Joekels packs, blends and distributes some of South Africa’s most trusted beverage brands, including Tetley tea, Laager Rooibos, Tea Time, Tea4Kidz and Society Coffee.

3.       What is Tetley Condensed Milk Chai Latte?

Tetley Condensed Milk Chai Latte is a new instant chai latte that combines real aromatic spices with the rich, creamy sweetness of condensed milk. Unlike traditional chai lattes that require added milk or sweeteners, this all-in-one sachet delivers a café-style indulgent drink by simply adding hot water. It builds on the popularity of Tetley’s Original and Vanilla Chai Lattes, offering a decadent option that aligns with the growing trend of affordable comfort at home.