Frequently asked questions
General questions
Who are you?
ZEST was founded by chefs Chloë and Dax to help home cooks and food lovers discover high-quality, hard-to-find ingredients. What started as a personal search for flavor has grown into a curated collection of bold, authentic products that inspire creativity in the kitchen.
Do you have a physical store?
We don’t have a physical storefront (yet!), but you can explore and order our full range of gourmet spices, salts, and home decor online. Every product is carefully selected to bring exceptional flavor and character to your kitchen.
What is your promise?
Ethically sourced premium ingredients, Hand-blended and ground in-house, Sustainable reusable packaging and original recipes crafted by professional chefs
What is the difference between Spice Blends and Salt Mixes
Spice blends contain little to no salt, perfect for people who want to control seasoning themselves or reduce sodium.
Salt mixes combine high-quality fleur de sel or maldon salt with herbs, spices, citrus zest, special or smoked ingredients. They’re ideal for finishing dishes or seasoning during cooking.
What is the difference between Spice Blends and Rubs
A spice blend is a mix of herbs, spices, and sometimes dehydrated vegetables designed to add flavour at any stage of cooking — marinades, sauces, soups, stews, or finishing.
A rub is slightly coarser and designed for coating meat, fish, tofu, or vegetables before cooking. Rubs create a flavourful crust when grilled, roasted, or seared.
How do I use chili flakes in recipes?
Chilli flakes add instant heat and aroma. Use them:
In pasta (Aglio e Olio, Arrabbiata)
In marinades and dressings
Over pizza, eggs, and roasted vegetables
In stews, curries, ramen and soups
Start with a pinch — our chilli flakes are stronger than supermarket versions.
Are your blends and rubs spicy?
Most of our chili flakes and chili powders are spicy, spice blends and rubs are low to moderately spicy. You can check the product description for more information on the level of heat of every spice!
Can I use rubs for oven and pan cooking (not just BBQ)?
Yes. Rubs work beautifully for:
Oven roasting
Cast-iron searing
Air-frying
Slow-cooking
Pressure cooking
BBQ flavours without the grill.
When should I use a spice blend vs. a rub?
Use a spice blend when you want to add flavour throughout a dish — soups, curries, dressings, pasta sauces, or roasted vegetables.
Use a rub when you’re preparing proteins and want caramelization or a smoky BBQ effect.
Are your products natural and free from additives?
Yes. All ZEST blends, rubs, salts, and chilli flakes are:
✔ 100% natural
✔ No preservatives
✔ No artificial flavours
✔ Gluten-free
✔ Many are vegan
We use whole spices ground in-house for maximum freshness.
Do the spices have health benefits?
While spices are not medical products, many contain naturally beneficial compounds:
Turmeric – anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger – digestive support
Garlic – antioxidant rich
Chilli – capsaicin for metabolism + circulation
Oregano/Basil/Thyme – antimicrobial and antioxidant
Always check dietary needs individually.
How long do the spices stay fresh?
Our jars stay fresh for 18–24 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from light.
Because we grind in small batches, your blend will always arrive at peak flavour.
Can I use your blends for vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Absolutely.
Almost all ZEST blends are designed for both plant-based and omnivore cooking, perfect for:
Roasted vegetables, tofu/tempeh, grains and legumes, soups and stews, pasta and rice dishes
Order questions
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking link by email. You can use it to follow your package via our website or directly through the carrier.
Can I cancel or change my order?
We process orders quickly, but if you need to make changes or cancel, reach out to our customer service team as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to help before your order ships.
What is your estimated delivery time?
We estimate to deliver each order in 1-3 business days
Our promise to you
Every ZEST blend tells a story. One rooted in tradition, culinary secrets,
and the vibrant cultures we’ve explored around the world. From the
bustling markets of Mexico to the sun-soaked coasts of Sicily, ZEST has traveled the globe
in search of the most authentic spices and exquisite flavors.
- Ethically sourced, premium ingredients
- Hand-blended and ground in-house
- Sustainable, reusable packaging
- Original recipes crafted by professional chefs
