USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice (4.8 oz) - Diverse Asian Flavor Profile for Culinary Delights, Ideal for Marinades, Rubs, Baking - No-Salt, Vegan, Non-GMO, Made in USA

Before buying this, I did a lot of research on what the five spices in five spice powder should be. This one appeared to be the most authentic, with nothing else added and all five included: star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves and Szechuan peppercorns. It is a small amount, 2.4 oz. for $10.95, but you don't use it every day and you don't use a lot. It has a very distinctive and unique taste. I made a five spice beef stew, and it was to die for. For comparison's sake, I bought a less expensive version of five spice powder, 3.5 oz. for $4.47. I compared them both. The less expensive one had an added ingredient, dextrose, and no pepper (the fifth flavor) and was partially produced with genetic engineering, yet neither the color nor the pungent fragrance were as intense. For authentic cooking, I preferred USimplySeason Asian Seasoning Chinese Five Spice Powder. If I ever use it up, this is the one I'll buy again.

Now Chinese Five spice isn't just a set mix of spices. Here in America it is basically just what the Spice traders years ago brought to the New World and what little the traders knew of what was out there.From what I have seen, there are many varieties of Chinese Five spice with each variation being unique and meant for different dishes. I have seen at least seven different variations, most of which have come out of China and I have my favorites too which like to cook with. But the sad thing is many of these you are unlikely to see unless you go to an Asian market which may be full of items you've never seen before.This particular Chinese Five spice contains Szechuan Pepper and I forget what other differences there are.

This is such an amazing spice mix. It has great flavor and adds so much depth to your dishes. It truly is a spice I can use for many recipes, sweet or savory. A little goes a long way so you can get many uses with this jar!

We use it for Brisket, Chicken, and sauces, works great!

I decided to make my own Char Siu for my Pork Fried Rice. It tasted authentic and a definite repeat. I was taken aback with the strong cinnamon smell, but when mixed with the other ingredients in the marinade it was perfect. This was my first purchase of a Chinese Five Spice and read plenty of reviews for them. This has the Szechuan peppercorns which was what I wanted.

I was looking for a Chinese 5 spice mix of the traditional spices for a pork chop recipe. It seems most have some sort of substitute for one or two of the spices. This is a wonderful sized package for the price, and very fragrant and delicious!

Not too shabby but used to be better. The mix has been altered and not for the better.

Spice smells perfect. The last time I ordered Chinese Five Spice they used the wrong type of Anise or something and it smelled really wrong, like pumpkin pie spice mixed with black licorice. This is the right stuff. If you wanted a container as pictured though, you might not get one. I didn't get a tall container but that isn't making a difference in my cupboard. Still 5 stars.