This one doesn't, and stands up quite nicely to cream and sugar. Many American companies don't add the peppercorns or star anise that belongs in an authentic Chai, and have very little cardamon. Tazo has lots of cardamon, anise, peppercorns, and a rich strong base tea that carries the whole blend nicely. This tea is fantastic brewed strong and sweet, cut half and half with either cow or rice milk. My friends and I frequent a coffeehouse that serves Tazo teas and Zen is definitely the favorite.
Many people agree that it is one of the best green teas they have ever had.
I think that Zen tastes best with a bit of honey added, some people will add raw sugar. Hints of wood, mild cedar, and herbalness surround a core of green tea flavor. Zen features some astringency, and is surprisingly complex for a bagged tea. There is a sweet smooth finish. This is the most wonderful Earl Grey I have ever had.