The 10 Best Spice Sets
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in September of 2020. Throughout the world, spices and herbs are used to preserve food and improve its flavor. Nowadays people are increasingly interested in new and exciting culinary experiences, not only at the hottest new restaurant in town but also in their own kitchens. The selection of spices in this ranking will have you creating vibrant dishes to get you and your family's taste buds fired up in no time. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Trader Joe's Variety Set
2. Nomu Essentials Starter Set
3. Cpise Organic Basic 15
Editor's Notes
September 29, 2020:
Historically, culinary spices and herbs have been used as food preservatives and for their health-enhancing properties. Ancient cuneiform records referenced spices and herbs used in Mesopotamia and Assyria, while spice trade is well documented between historical civilizations in Asia, Northeast Africa, and Europe. In modern times, especially with the popularity of TV cookery shows and celebrity chefs, the desire to experience and experiment with new and exciting flavors has never been stronger. The sets we selected for this ranking will not only stock your pantry with the essential everyday staples, but will equip you for a whole range of cooking styles and techniques, from rubbing and marinating meats before grilling to creating the robust flavors of Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Europe.
For those who need to start from scratch with their spice collection, a selection of the core essentials is a good place to begin. The Nomu Essentials Starter Set, the Kamenstein Revolving Tower, and the McCormick Gourmet Three Tier all contain what would be considered the standard staples of any modern kitchen, the latter two conveniently include storage racks to keep all those jars in order. The Cpise Organic Basic 15 includes a similar selection, with the added advantage of being packaged in resealable pouches, which makes it a good choice for small kitchens or to take traveling.
For the more adventurous home chefs, a dedicated smaller set that focuses on a particular type of cuisine will undoubtedly be a great addition to their cooking arsenal. The Trader Joe's Variety Set, The Spice Lab Taste of America, and the Dak's Spices Best Sellers all include a selection of rubs and marinades ideal for preparing meat for a barbeque, whereas the Everglades Seasoning Sampler, although similar, is better suited to fish and poultry. The Spicewalla Kitchen Essentials are selected, roasted, and ground in small batches by Indian chefs and come packaged in metal tins. For a touch of European flavor, the Silk Route Spice Company French Gourmet are packaged in grinders rather than shakers, and contain blends of herbs and spices designed to capture the essence of French cuisine.
Special Honors
The Spice House Since 1957 this company has been building a global network of premium growers and distributors in order to offer their customers unrivaled quality and selection. Their products range from essential and rare spice varietals to proprietary rubs and blends, which can all be purchased for delivery through their website. thespicehouse.com
4. The Spice Lab Taste of America
5. Silk Route Spice Company French Gourmet
6. Dak's Spices Best Sellers
7. McCormick Gourmet Three Tier
8. Spicewalla Kitchen Essentials
9. Kamenstein Revolving Tower
10. Everglades Seasoning Sampler
Starting his career in the building industry, Chris built and managed a plumbing and heating company in northern England. After 13 years, seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle, he moved to southeast Asia, eventually settling in Vietnam, where he teaches writing and comprehension at a number of international universities. Drawing on his previous experience, and his passion for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Chris is knowledgeable in all things water related both recreationally and within the construction industry.