Gourmet Spice Blends Guide: 17 Blends and What to Cook With Each
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Why reach for five different jars when one expertly crafted blend does the job better? Gourmet spice blends aren't just convenient—they're the result of careful balancing, toasting, and combining that brings out flavours you can't achieve by mixing spices yourself. Each ZEST blend is chef-crafted in Brussels to deliver authentic taste without the guesswork.
Whether you're building layers in a slow-cooked stew or adding a quick finishing touch to grilled vegetables, the right blend transforms ordinary cooking into something memorable. Here's your guide to 17 gourmet blends and exactly what to cook with each.
The ZEST Spice Blends
1. Nordic Wild
Origin: Scandinavian-inspired
Flavour Profile: Earthy, woody, slightly sweet with juniper and dill
Best Uses: Game meats, salmon, roasted root vegetables, pickled herring
Heat Level: Mild
2. Bella Italia
Origin: Italian
Flavour Profile: Herbaceous, aromatic with basil, oregano, and garlic
Best Uses: Pasta sauces, pizza, focaccia, grilled chicken, tomato-based dishes
Heat Level: Mild
3. Nonna Norma
Origin: Sicilian-inspired
Flavour Profile: Savoury, umami-rich with sun-dried tomato and Mediterranean herbs
Best Uses: Eggplant parmigiana, pasta alla Norma, roasted vegetables, ricotta spreads
Heat Level: Mild
4. Garlic Lovers' Gold
Origin: Universal
Flavour Profile: Intensely garlicky, savoury, slightly sweet
Best Uses: Garlic bread, roasted potatoes, aioli, compound butter, steak rubs
Heat Level: Mild
5. Gardener's Harvest
Origin: Garden-herb blend
Flavour Profile: Fresh, herbaceous, bright with parsley, chives, and dill
Best Uses: Salads, egg dishes, cream cheese spreads, roasted vegetables, herb butter
Heat Level: Mild
6. Zesty Za'atar
Origin: Middle Eastern
Flavour Profile: Tangy, nutty, herbal with sumac, sesame, and thyme
Best Uses: Flatbreads, labneh, roasted chickpeas, grilled lamb, hummus topping
Heat Level: Mild
7. Indian Butter Bliss
Origin: North Indian
Flavour Profile: Creamy, aromatic, mildly spiced with fenugreek and cardamom
Best Uses: Butter chicken, paneer makhani, creamy curries, naan dipping sauce
Heat Level: Mild-Medium
8. Papa Pastor Taco Seasoning
Origin: Mexican
Flavour Profile: Smoky, tangy, slightly sweet with achiote and pineapple notes
Best Uses: Tacos al pastor, grilled pork, pineapple salsas, street-style tacos
Heat Level: Medium
Shop Papa Pastor Taco Seasoning
9. Fabulous Five Spice
Origin: Chinese
Flavour Profile: Sweet-savoury-spicy balance with star anise, clove, and Sichuan pepper
Best Uses: Roast duck, pork belly, stir-fries, char siu, braised dishes
Heat Level: Mild-Medium
10. Thai Red Curry
Origin: Thai
Flavour Profile: Hot, aromatic, citrusy with lemongrass, galangal, and chili
Best Uses: Red curry paste, coconut curries, tom yum soup, marinades
Heat Level: Hot
11. Mole Rojo Fiesta
Origin: Mexican
Flavour Profile: Complex, smoky-sweet with chocolate, dried chili, and warm spices
Best Uses: Mole sauce, braised chicken, enchiladas, chocolate chili
Heat Level: Medium-Hot
12. Caribbean Jerk
Origin: Jamaican
Flavour Profile: Hot, sweet, aromatic with allspice, scotch bonnet, and thyme
Best Uses: Jerk chicken, grilled fish, pork shoulder, tropical salsas
Heat Level: Hot
13. Royal Biryani Blend
Origin: South Asian
Flavour Profile: Fragrant, warm, complex with saffron, cardamom, and rose
Best Uses: Biryani rice, pilaf, roasted lamb, spiced yogurt marinades
Heat Level: Medium
14. Chiang Mai Curry
Origin: Northern Thai
Flavour Profile: Rich, earthy, aromatic with turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger
Best Uses: Khao soi, yellow curry, coconut-based soups, chicken satay
Heat Level: Medium
15. Mole Negro Mystery
Origin: Oaxacan
Flavour Profile: Deep, smoky, bittersweet with dark chocolate, charred chili, and spices
Best Uses: Mole negro sauce, braised meats, tamales, complex stews
Heat Level: Medium-Hot
16. Asian Curry Set
Origin: Pan-Asian collection
Flavour Profile: Variety of curry profiles from mild to hot
Best Uses: Multiple curry styles, exploring regional flavours
Heat Level: Varies
17. Taste of Europe Spice Set
Origin: European collection
Flavour Profile: Mediterranean to Nordic herbal and aromatic profiles
Best Uses: Exploring European cuisines, versatile everyday cooking
Heat Level: Mild-Medium
Shop Taste of Europe Spice Set
How to Use a Spice Blend
Dry Rub
Pat meat or vegetables dry, coat generously with the blend, and let sit for 30 minutes to overnight. The spices form a flavourful crust when grilled or roasted. Perfect for chicken thighs, pork chops, or cauliflower steaks.
Marinade
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of blend with oil, acid (lemon juice or vinegar), and a touch of honey. Massage into protein and refrigerate for 2-8 hours. The oil carries fat-soluble flavours deep into the meat while the acid tenderizes.
Finishing Touch
Sprinkle a pinch over finished dishes just before serving. The heat from the food releases aromatic oils without cooking them away. Try this on scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, or flatbreads with olive oil.
Stir-Into-Sauce
Bloom the blend in hot fat (butter or oil) for 30 seconds before adding liquids. This "wakes up" the spices and creates a deeper, more rounded flavour. Essential for curry bases, pasta sauces, or braising liquids.
Build Your Collection
Starter Trio
New to spice blends? Start with three versatile options that cover the most ground: Bella Italia for Mediterranean cooking, Indian Butter Bliss for creamy curries, and Papa Pastor for Mexican-inspired dishes. This trio handles weeknight dinners across three continents.
Full Rack
Ready to explore? The complete collection gives you authentic flavour from every major cuisine. You'll reach for Nordic Wild on salmon nights, Zesty Za'atar for Middle Eastern spreads, and Mole Negro when you want something deeply complex. Each blend solves a specific craving without forcing you to stock 50+ individual spices.
Looking for bold, smoky flavours instead?
Check out our BBQ Rubs collection for outdoor grilling and low-and-slow cooking.
