Best Chinese Five Spice of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 27, 2026

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Chinese Five Spice is a blend of five different spices that is a staple in Chinese cuisine. The mixture typically includes cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. It is commonly used to add a complex, sweet and savory flavor to dishes such as stir-fries, marinades, and roasted meats. While the exact recipe can vary, the combination of these five spices creates a unique and delicious taste that is sure to enhance any dish. Chinese Five Spice can be found in most grocery stores and is an essential ingredient for those looking to explore the flavors of Chinese cooking.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Frontier Five Spice Powder Cover #TOP 1
Frontier Five Spice Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Natural Plus Green Chinese Five Spice Cover #TOP 2
Natural Plus Green Chinese Five Spice
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Five Spice Asian Blend – 4 oz Cover #TOP 3
Five Spice Asian Blend – 4 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Chinese Five Spice

#TOP 1

Frontier Five Spice Powder

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Frontier Five Spice Powder Cover
Frontier Co-op Five Spice Powder, 1.92 oz - Seasoning Mix of Cinnamon, Fennel Seed, Cloves, Star Anies, and White Pepper - For Chinese Inspired Entrées

Frontier Five Spice Powder is a Chinese spice blend that includes all five tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and hot). It is a 1.92-Ounce Bottle, Non-GMO Verified, Non-Irradiated, and Kosher. Customers love the flavor and freshness of the product, and appreciate the convenience of having it delivered to their door.

What We Like
Fresh aroma
Balanced spice blend
Versatile cooking uses
Good value
Authentic flavor profile
What We Don't Like
Packaging could be sturdier
Price slightly high
#TOP 2

Natural Plus Green Chinese Five Spice

NPG
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Natural Plus Green Chinese Five Spice Cover
NPG Authentic Chinese Five Spice Blend 1.08 Oz, Gluten Free, All Natural Ground Chinese 5 Spice Powder, No Preservative, No MSG, Mixed Spice Seasoning for Asian Cuisine & Stir Fry

Natural Plus Green Chinese Five Spice is a classic blend of five spices including star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin, and sichuan pepper. This seasoning is 100% natural, non-GMO, vegan, no irradiation, no additives, no preservatives, and no MSG. Customers have praised the complex flavors and fragrant aroma of this blend, and it is a great addition to many dishes.

What We Like
Fresh powdered spice
Unique, authentic flavor
Secure packaging
Enhances duck recipes
Flexible portion control
What We Don't Like
Some customers found the flavor to be mild
#TOP 3

Five Spice Asian Blend – 4 oz

SUVELAM
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Five Spice Asian Blend – 4 oz Cover
Badia Five Spice Asian Blend, 4 oz – Sweet Aromatic Flavor – Asian Fusion Blend of Anise, Cloves, Cinnamon, Fennel & Ginger, No Salt, Gluten Free

This Five Spice Asian Blend is a top-quality and always fresh product that comes with fast and free shipping. It is 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed or money-back. Moreover, it is Kosher and Gluten-free, and it is packed in the USA. This product belongs to the category of Chinese Five Spice, which is useful for adding a unique flavor to your cooking.

What We Like
High quality spices
Affordable price
Versatile for Asian dishes
Strong, fresh aroma
Great for desserts
What We Don't Like
Somewhat sweet flavor
Heavy fennel or cinnamon notes
#TOP 4

Soeos Chinese Five Spice Powder 4oz

4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Soeos Chinese Five Spice Powder 4oz Cover
Soeos Chinese Five Spice 4 Ounce, Five Spice Powder, Five Spice Chinese Seasoning Non-GMO, Non-irradiated, No preservatives, No MSG

The Soeos Five Spice Powder brings a unique blend of flavors that balance sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty tastes, giving your dishes an exciting and exotic touch. This versatile seasoning works well with meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and tofu, making it easy for you to enhance many meals. Made from authentic spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, it ensures a genuine Chinese flavor and aroma. Using this seasoning can inspire you to get creative in the kitchen, adding rich and complex tastes that deepen the flavor of your favorite recipes.

What We Like
Authentic, intense flavor
Reasonable price point
Long-lasting, small amount needed
Excellent for Asian dishes
What We Don't Like
Occasional bitter aftertaste
Ingredient listing concerns
#TOP 5

Yuki Sichuan Doubanjiang 130g by ユウキ食品

ユウキ食品
4903024010016
Yuki Sichuan Doubanjiang 130g by ユウキ食品 Cover
Yuki Sichuan Doubanjiang 130g

The Yuki Sichuan Doubanjiang is a 130g jar of flavorful Chinese five-spice paste, perfect for adding authentic Sichuan taste to your dishes. It contains a blend of pepper, broad beans, salt, and alcohol, which work together to give your meals a rich, spicy, and savory kick. The 130g size is convenient for home cooking, offering enough paste to season multiple meals without taking up too much space. With a compact product size of about 95mm tall and 50mm in depth, it fits easily into your kitchen cabinet or spice rack, making it simple to grab whenever you want to enhance your cooking.

What We Like
Intense authentic flavor
Strong spiciness
Gluten-free
Preservative-free
Long-lasting small jar
What We Don't Like
Small jar size
Price slightly high
#TOP 6

McCormick Culinary Chinese Five Spice

McCormick Culinary Chinese Five Spice Cover
McCormick Culinary Chinese Five Spice, 16 oz - One 16 Ounce Container of Chinese Five Spice Powder with Sweet and Savory Flavor in Stir-Fries, Stews and More

McCormick Culinary Chinese Five Spice is an all-purpose blend of ginger, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and anise. This 16-ounce container of Chinese spice blend is a perfect size for any spice and seasoning collection. It is blended specifically for chefs to enhance the flavor and aroma of various recipes and is made without added MSG and is kosher. Customers have praised its sweet and savory flavor, perfect for sweet and savory applications such as cookies, cakes, meats, chips, and casseroles.

What We Like
Excellent, authentic flavor
Large long-lasting container
Versatile for sweet and savory
Convenient dual-purpose cap
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Flavor differs from some brands
Possible discontinuation concern
#TOP 7

The Spice Way Shanghai Chinese Five Spice

2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
The Spice Way Shanghai Chinese Five Spice Cover
The Spice Way Shanghai Chinese Five Spice - A Traditional Chinese 5 spice seasoning (2 oz) for Asian style dishes with the Chinese staples including pepper. All-purpose, No preservatives, No Salt

The Spice Way Shanghai Chinese Five Spice is an authentic Chinese blend that includes five staples from the Chinese cuisine including white pepper. This blend can be used for meat dishes as well as lentils and rice. It is free of preservatives and contains no GMO, no irradiation, no additives, and no fillers. Customers have praised its freshness and flavor, and have used it in a variety of dishes to add a hint of Chinese cooking.

What We Like
Very fresh flavor
Authentic Chinese taste
Great value
Versatile seasoning
No added sodium
What We Don't Like
Slightly floral for some
#TOP 8

Spice Appeal Chinese Five-Spice

Spice Appeal Chinese Five-Spice Cover
Spice Appeal Chinese Five-Spice, 16 Ounce

Spice Appeal Five-Spice, a blend of fresh spices, is perfect for enhancing your dishes. Blended upon ordering, ensuring freshness, it's an all-natural, vegetarian, and vegan option. Ideal for restaurants, catering, or food service, this high-quality spice mix adds a unique flavor to various dishes. The packaging may vary, but the quality remains consistent, making it a versatile and convenient choice for your culinary creations.

What We Like
Excellent value
Versatile seasoning blend
Balanced flavor profile
Large quantity
Pleasant aroma
What We Don't Like
Mismatched ingredients list
Occasional weak aroma
#TOP 9

Dynasty Five Spices Powder

Dynasty
03023
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Dynasty Five Spices Powder Cover
Dynasty Five Spices Powder, 2 Oz

Enjoy the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with the Dynasty Five Spices Powder. This traditional blend of five different spices is perfect for use as seasoning for marinades or stews. The 2 oz pack is enough to last you several meals, and it is a must-have ingredient for anyone who loves to cook Chinese dishes.

What We Like
Authentic spice blend
High quality ingredients
Long shelf life
Fresh and aromatic
Great for various dishes
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
Expiration date concerns
#TOP 10

Spicy World Chinese Five Spice Powder - 20oz Bag

Spicy World Chinese Five Spice Powder - 20oz Bag Cover
Spicy World Chinese Five Spice Powder 1.25 Pound (20oz) Bag - Great for Asian meals, Chinese 5 Spice Seasoning, Cinnamon, Fennel Seed, Cloves, Star Anise & Black Pepper

The Spicy World Chinese Five Spice Powder comes in a 20oz bag that contains a blend of five Asian-inspired spices, including cinnamon, anise, fennel, black pepper, and cloves. This chef-approved seasoning is freshly blended in the USA and packaged regularly to ensure maximum flavor. It is an excellent value for those who love to cook Asian meals.

What We Like
Fresh and flavorful
Good balance of spices
Versatile in Asian dishes
Reasonable price
Convenient package size
What We Don't Like
Packaging may differ
Some batches lack flavor
Buying Guide Image

Explore Your Options of Chinese Five Spice

What is Chinese Five Spice?

Chinese Five Spice is a blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically includes cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. The blend is named for the five ingredients it is made from, and is used to add depth and complexity to dishes.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Five Spice

When choosing a Chinese Five Spice blend, there are a few key factors to consider.

First and foremost, check the ingredients list to ensure that the blend contains the five traditional spices: cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. Some blends may also include additional spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, which can add extra flavor. However, these additional spices are not essential for a authentic Chinese Five Spice blend.

Next, consider the quality of the spices used in the blend. The best Chinese Five Spice blends are made with whole spices that are freshly ground, rather than pre-ground spices that have been sitting on a shelf for an extended period of time. Whole spices retain their flavor better than pre-ground spices, so a blend made with whole spices will have a richer, more complex flavor.

Finally, think about the intended use of the Chinese Five Spice blend. Some blends are more balanced, with equal amounts of each spice, while others may have a heavier emphasis on certain spices, such as cinnamon or Szechuan peppercorns. Consider the type of dishes you plan on using the blend in, and choose a blend that will complement the flavors of those dishes.

How to Store Chinese Five Spice

Once you have chosen the perfect Chinese Five Spice blend, it is important to store it properly to ensure that it retains its flavor and freshness.

First, transfer the Chinese Five Spice blend to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to keep the spices fresh and prevent them from absorbing moisture or other odors.

Next, store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. The pantry or spice cabinet are both good options for storing Chinese Five Spice.

It is also a good idea to label the container with the date that the blend was purchased or made, so that you can easily keep track of its freshness. As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about a year, while pre-ground spices will lose their flavor more quickly, usually within six months.

Conclusion

Chinese Five Spice is a delicious and versatile blend of spices that can add depth and complexity to a wide variety of dishes. When choosing a Chinese Five Spice blend, look for a blend that contains the traditional five spices, is made with high-quality whole spices, and is well-suited to the dishes you plan on using it in. Proper storage will help to keep the blend fresh and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I substitute Chinese five spice?

If you don't have Chinese five spice, allspice can be a good substitute. Ground allspice can be used as a direct substitute for Chinese five spice, or you can add dried allspice berries to pickling or braising liquids for a similar flavor profile.

2. What does Chinese five spice taste like?

Chinese five spice has a unique flavor profile. It has a distinct licorice-like taste from star anise, with sweet and warm flavors from cinnamon and fennel. Cloves add a cooling sensation, while Szechuan peppercorns provide a numbing and peppery note.

3. What are the secret spices in five spice?

Chinese five spice typically consists of Chinese cinnamon, fennel seed, star anise, and cloves. The fifth spice can vary and may include ginger, white pepper, or Szechuan peppercorns.

4. Is Chinese five spice the same as allspice?

No, Chinese five spice and allspice are different. Allspice is a single spice made from the dried fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. On the other hand, Chinese five spice is a mixture of spices, including fennel seeds, cloves, star anise, Szechuan pepper, and Chinese pepper.

5. What is Chinese 5 spice made up of?

Chinese five spice is made up of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. If you don't have Szechuan peppercorns, you can use black peppercorns as a substitute, although it won't have the same level of heat.

6. Is Chinese five spice spicy hot?

Chinese five spice is not spicy-hot, but it is intense in flavor. It's best to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way. It adds complex flavor to dishes and can be used in both savory and sweet applications.

7. Does five spice have MSG?

Some brands of five spice may contain MSG, but there are also options available that are made without added MSG. It's always a good idea to check the ingredients list or choose a brand that specifically states it is MSG-free if you want to avoid it.

8. Can I replace allspice with five spice?

Yes, you can replace allspice with five-spice powder. Five-spice powder has a similar warm and spicy-sweet flavor to allspice. Use equal parts of five-spice powder in place of ground allspice in both savory and sweet recipes for a similar taste.

Editor's Notes

During our chinese five spice research, we found 24 chinese five spice products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 69,377 customer reviews through our big data system to write the chinese five spice list. We found that most customers choose chinese five spice with an average price of $7.61.

The chinese five spice are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of chinese five spice, including Frontier Co-op, NPG, Badia, Soeos, McCormick Culinary. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Chinese Five Spice Comparison Table

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Brand Frontier Co-op NPG Badia Soeos ユウキ食品 McCormick Culinary The Spice Way Spice Appeal Dynasty Spicy World
Units 1.92 Ounce 1 Ounce 4.0 Ounce 4.0 Ounce 4.55 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 2.0 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 1.0 Ounce 20.0 Ounce
Unit Count 1.92 Ounce 1 Ounce 4.0 Ounce 4.0 Ounce 4.55 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 2.0 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 1.0 Ounce 20.0 Ounce
Item Form Powder Powder Powder Powder - Powder Powder Powder Crystal Powder
Specialty Organic gluten free, natural, no msg, vegan Gluten Free, Kosher, Halal, MSG Free, Free of Sodium No preservatives - high-fructose-corn-syrup-free, kosher, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian No Additives,No Preservatives 100 Natural Great Product Pepper
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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