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Five spice is a blend, which means you can build it yourself from things already in the cupboard.
The best Chinese five spice substitute
Mix equal parts ground cinnamon, ground star anise, ground fennel seed, ground cloves and ground Sichuan or black pepper. If you are missing one, drop it and keep the rest in balance. Star anise and cinnamon are the two that carry the flavour, so do not skip those.
Make your own five spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground star anise
- 1 tsp ground fennel seeds
- Half tsp ground cloves
- Half tsp ground Sichuan pepper, or black pepper
Mix and keep in a small jar out of the light. It will hold its punch for about three months, which is longer than most people take to use it.
Quick swaps if you are mid recipe
- Allspice plus a pinch of ground star anise. Closest single jar answer.
- Garam masala. Different, but it shares the cinnamon and clove backbone. Use two thirds.
- Pumpkin spice mix. Sounds wrong, works in a pinch. It is cinnamon, clove and ginger. Leave out any added sugar.
- Star anise alone. Ground fine, a quarter of the amount. It dominates, so go carefully.
What is in Chinese five spice?
The classic blend is star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed. Some commercial versions swap in ginger, cardamom or liquorice root. The idea is to cover sweet, bitter, sour, salty and savoury in one spoon.
Where to buy five spice in the UK
Every supermarket carries it in the herbs and spices aisle. Chinese supermarkets sell larger bags for a fraction of the price, and the quality is usually better because it turns over faster.
Frequently asked questions
Is five spice hot?
No. It is aromatic and slightly sweet. Sichuan pepper gives a tingling sensation rather than heat.
Does it always contain exactly five spices?
No. The name refers to the five flavours it covers, not a fixed count. Some blends run to seven or eight ingredients.
Can I use it in the salt and pepper seasoning?
Yes, and you should. Five spice is one of the four ingredients in a proper salt and pepper mix.
How long does it keep?
Ground spice loses aroma within six months to a year. If it smells of nothing, it will taste of nothing.
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- Chinese five spice powder. The ready mixed blend.
- Whole star anise. One of the five spices, sold on its own.
