Freshly Spiced

Freshly Spiced: small-batch spice blends and recipe kits from Nottingham

Freshly Spiced is a spice blend and recipe kit business run by Tom and Claire from Nottingham. What began as a hobby rooted in cooking, fitness and trying new dishes became a full-time operation in February 2016, and the company has been developing its range ever since. Its stated focus is high-quality, vibrant spices and blends paired with simple recipes, presented as a unique range of recipe kits.

The business draws part of its background from the food industry and from family knowledge passed down through generations. Tom's grandfather set up the first spice shop in Nottingham in the 1950s; although that shop no longer exists, Freshly Spiced presents its own methods and blends as a continuation of that heritage.

How the spices are made and packed

All spices and blends are ground in small batches on a regular basis. The company describes the result as a fresh, natural product free from additives or preservatives. Products are sold in BRC-accredited re-sealable pouches designed to keep light, air and heat away for optimal spice storage.

The stated aim is to move customers away from cupboards full of old, out-of-date spices. Freshly Spiced suggests using its blends within a three-month window to take advantage of flavour and health benefits, while noting that the best-before date is often between 6 and 12 months.

Blends, recipe kits and the recipe library

The range covers around 30 spice blends, with the site also referring to 40 different world flavours across its signature blends. Best sellers listed at the time of writing include Ras El Hanout, Poudre De Colombo, Fajita, Advieh, Kebab, Chilli, Berbere and Garam Masala, each priced at £2.50 including VAT. The catalogue also names Ras El Hanout, Poudre De Colombo, Fajita, Advieh and Kebab among its highlighted blends.

Every blend has accompanying recipes on the website. The recipe library currently holds approximately 130 free recipes and is continually growing, with multiple recipes offered per blend. Recent examples include Pistachio & Orange Spiced Brownie Bites, Spiced Fluffy American-Style Pancakes, a Healthy Advieh Beef & Veggie Noodle Stir-Fry, Cajun Spiced Chicken Burgers with Avocado Smash, an Ultimate Za'atar-Infused Stone Baked Pizza, a Middle Eastern Salmon Bowl using Baharat, a Cajun Chickpea Wrap, an Adobo Chicken Bake, a Hariyali Chicken Curry using Panch Phoron, Garam Masala and Turmeric, and a Smokey Lentil Stew with Harissa.

Gifts, subscriptions and cupboard essentials

Beyond individual blends, the shop is organised into signature spice blends, cupboard essentials, gifts and spice subscriptions. The gifts section includes themed gift boxes and a variety of presents for spice lovers, while subscriptions allow customers to receive spices each month or to give a gift subscription. The cupboard essentials line covers everyday items.

Awards and where to buy

Freshly Spiced describes its spices as award winning and states that it has received six Great Taste awards. The company also maintains a wholesale side: its products are found in various farm shops and delis, and it supplies restaurants, butchers and bakers. In addition to its own online shop, it sells through other selling platforms. The range continues to expand with new blends and recipes.

Customer feedback and environmental note

Testimonials published on the site highlight flavour, quick delivery and the usefulness of the online recipes for new meal ideas; one customer mentions meeting the founder at the Chilwell garage food market. The company also states that it buys trees for all new customer orders through Ecologi.