Meet RUA: Award-Winning Granola from Dublin’s Chef-Founded Wellness Brand
When a chef of many years sets out to create wholesome treats that taste delicious, the result is something special:…
When Jacqueline O’Donnell arrived in Ireland from Melbourne’s renowned café culture, she discovered something was missing from the local wellness drinks scene: truly authentic chai that honoured traditional Indian brewing methods.
Moksh Chai creates handcrafted authentic chai using traditional Indian spice combinations and brewing methods. Their signature products include a Specialty Chai Blend made with premium black tea and warming spices, plus a caffeine-free Turmeric Latte Blend. Furthermore, these wellness drinks are crafted in small batches using ethically sourced spices, staying true to authentic Indian traditions rather than relying on artificial syrups or powders.
Moksh Chai was born in 2023 from a simple observation and a deep cultural connection. Having moved from Australia’s specialty coffee capital to the beautiful coastline of Donegal, Jacqueline noticed that whilst Ireland had an incredible artisan food culture, authentic chai was nowhere to be found. Moreover, what existed were syrups and powders that couldn’t capture the richness and soul of traditional chai.
“Chai, for me, is more than just a drink. It’s comfort, aroma, and ritual – a hug in a mug,” explains Jacqueline. Drawing from her Indian heritage, where brewing black tea with warming spices is a cherished daily tradition, she set out to fill this gap in the Irish wellness market.
After months of recipe testing and sourcing high-quality spices, Moksh Chai launched from their Rossnowlagh base with a mission to bring authentic, wellness-focused beverages to Ireland. Additionally, the name “Moksh” comes from the Sanskrit word for liberation and bliss, perfectly capturing the brand’s philosophy of conscious living and mindful consumption.
The Wellness Pantry proudly stocks two signature Moksh Chai products that have built a loyal local following. Their Specialty Chai Blend has become the bestseller, offering a comforting, aromatic alternative to coffee that customers return for again and again. Meanwhile, the Turmeric Latte Blend has grown its own dedicated fan base, especially among those seeking caffeine-free, health-boosting functional beverages.
What sets Moksh Chai apart from typical wellness drinks is their commitment to traditional brewing methods. Whilst many alternatives rely on powdered or syrup-based shortcuts, these blends stay true to the authentic process of brewing spices with tea. Consequently, this creates rich, aromatic drinks that feel both indulgent and nourishing. Each batch is handcrafted in small quantities using ethically sourced, premium spices.
For Jacqueline, wellness means making intentional choices about what we consume and how we support our community. “Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated – simple, natural ingredients are often the most powerful,” she shares. Her biggest piece of wellness advice resonates with The Wellness Pantry’s values: stay curious and informed, always read labels, and don’t take every health claim at face value.
This philosophy of conscious living runs through every aspect of Moksh Chai’s production. From honouring traditional heritage whilst supporting local Irish food culture to prioritising sustainable and fair trade practices wherever possible.
The partnership between Moksh Chai and The Wellness Pantry represents something special in Donegal’s wellness community. “The Wellness Pantry embodies this philosophy so beautifully. Jacqueline has created a space in Bundoran that champions ethical, sustainable and healthier options,” says Jacqueline O’Donnell. “There’s a real synergy between what The Wellness Pantry stands for and our own values of community, collaboration and innovation.”
To customers who have supported Moksh through The Wellness Pantry, Jacqueline’s message is heartfelt: “By choosing our products, you’re not only supporting a local business, but also a female-led brand built on passion, purpose, and community. Your support means everything to us, and we promise to honour that trust by staying true to our values and never compromising on quality.”
Ready to experience authentic chai in Bundoran? Visit The Wellness Pantry to discover Moksh Chai’s specialty blends, or follow their journey on Instagram @mokshchai.ie to be part of a community that values mindful living, good food, and supporting local artisan producers.
Moksh Chai products are available at The Wellness Pantry, your local wellness community hub in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.
