The Asian Larder

Best Chinese Five Spice Powder to Buy in the UK

Bart Chinese Five Spice is a reliable everyday jar and one of the easiest to find in UK supermarkets. Five spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed, used in Chinese roasting and braising.

Read more on what Chinese five spice is, or see our five spice substitute guide if you run out.

What to check on the label

Shop-bought vs homemade five spice

TypeConvenienceBest for
Shop-boughtReady to useEveryday convenience
HomemadeNeeds grinding whole spicesStronger, fresher flavour

FAQ

What is five spice powder used for?

Rubbed on pork belly and duck before roasting, and added to marinades and braises.

Is five spice spicy?

Not hot-spicy, though Sichuan pepper gives a mild tingling warmth.

How long does five spice keep?

About six months once opened, kept in a sealed jar away from light.

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Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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