Even if you aren’t exactly a Sohla El-Waylly or Julia Child in the kitchen, you probably know that the secret to really exceptional cooking comes down to making good use of your spices. Just a flick of the wrist can transform an otherwise bland dish into one that’s bursting with flavor.
The vast majority of the time, spice shopping is done at the grocery store and the choice of what to buy often comes down to whatever’s the cheapest. Gourmet spices are a luxury; it can seem like an extravagant purchase to buy yourself. That’s exactly why gourmet spice kits make such great gifts—it’s something people who like to cook love and lust over, but may not buy themselves. If you’re stuck on what kit to buy, look no further. All the ones rounded up here wow in their presentation just as much as taste.
Scroll down to see 7 gourmet spice kits the chef in your life will love.
1. Diaspora Co. The Trio, $54
All sourced from India in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, this spice gift box comes with Pragati turmeric, Guntur Sannam chili powder, and Aranya peppercorns. Not only is the quality the best you can get, but the jars are also pretty enough to leave on the kitchen counter all the time. (You can also buy spices separately and DIY your own box if the Trio set sells out.)
Shop now: Diaspora Co. The Trio, $54
2. Mantova Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety Pack, $25
One of the best ways to incorporate spices into cooking is with infused olive oils. This set comes with garlic-infused, basil-infused, and Tuscan herb-infused oils. Also included is a truffle extra virgin olive oil, perfect for adding a decadent finishing touch to pasta, pizza, or even popcorn.
Shop now: Mantova Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety Pack, $25
Watch the video below to learn about the health benefits of cooking with olive oil:
3. Spiceology BBQ Rubs Variety Pack, $108
This eight-pack of flavored rubs is the perfect gourmet spice set for the person in your life who loves a good cookout. They’ll have fun coming up with new ways to use and combine the blends; true cooking chemistry.
Shop now: Spiceology BBQ Rubs Variety Pack, $108
4. Trader Joe’s Spice Seasoning Variety Set, $29
This set might not immediately jump out to you as a gourmet spice kit, but for those who love all things TJ’s, it’s a surefire winner. Gift them six new blends to get creative with (including the cult-favorite Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend). The 21 Seasoning Salute just might become their new favorite.
Shop now: Trader Joe’s Spice Seasoning Variety Set, $29
5. Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set, $23.50
This gift is perfect for your fave quarantine movie night buddy. It comes with non-GMO popcorn kernels and five different spice blends: caramel corn, white cheddar, chili lime, spicy sriracha, and sweet and salty kettlecorn.
Shop now: Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set, $23.50
6. Fuego Spice Co. Spicy Honey and Hot Sauce Gift Set, $30
Fuego Spice Co. incorporates some other garden favorites into its sauces for a complex, layered taste. The set comes with a hot sauce made with garlic, habanero, and carrot; one with kale, ghost pepper, and jalapeno; and honey infused with Carolina reaper, a red pepper native to South Carolina.
Shop now: Fuego Spice Co. Spicy Honey and Hot Sauce Gift Set, $30
7. Dean Jacob’s Porcelain 5-Piece Bread Dipping Set, $36
Sometimes all you need is bread, olive oil, and the right spices. This set comes with an Italian spice blend, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, and small porcelain plates for dipping. Add a bottle of wine and you’ll flat-out win holiday giving.
Shop now: Dean Jacob’s Porcelain 5-Piece Bread Dipping Set, $36
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