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.”
She explains 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 wellbeing 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.
Tetley’s most indulgent chai latte yet
Tetley’s Condensed Milk flavoured Chai Latte takes inspiration from the popularity of the brand’s 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 creamy, sweetly comforting, convenient (ready in seconds) and 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
Hot Chai Latte
- Quick: Add 175ml–200ml boiling water to the contents of the Tetley Condensed Milk Chai Latte sachet in a mug, and stir.
- Extra creamy: Substitute boiling water for boiled milk (or ½ boiled milk and ½ boiling water) for a creamier flavour.
- Decadent: 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).
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 two of ice (or frozen milk ice cubes) and blitz. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
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 to 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 are available in key supermarkets as well as online.
