Your Guide to Buying Mixed Herbs in the UK

A simple jar of mixed herbs can be the secret to transforming a weeknight meal from bland to brilliant. Whether you're simmering a rich bolognese, roasting a chicken or sprinkling a final flourish over vegetables, the right herb blend saves time and adds a complex, aromatic depth that is hard to achieve with single seasonings.

However, the seemingly straightforward act of buying a jar of dried mixed herbs is filled with potential pitfalls. Many shoppers find themselves with a product that doesn't deliver the expected flavour, or worse, is completely wrong for their intended dish. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options and find the right product for your pantry. Here are the common traps to avoid.

• The "Mixed Herbs" vs. "Mixed Spice" Confusion: This is a frequent mistake. "Mixed herbs" are typically a savoury blend of leafy herbs like oregano, basil and thyme, ideal for Mediterranean-style cooking. "Mixed spice," on the other hand, is a sweet, warming blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, designed for cakes, biscuits and puddings. Using one in place of the other can lead to a culinary disaster.
• The Salt & Filler Trap: Not all blends are created equal. Some lower-quality seasonings are bulked out with excessive salt or less aromatic fillers to keep costs down. A quick check of the ingredients list is crucial. If salt is one of the first ingredients, you are buying a seasoning salt, not a pure herb blend for cooking. This can easily lead to over-salting your food.
• The Vague "All-Purpose" Label: While versatility is a plus, a generic blend might lack the specific character needed for certain cuisines. An Italian herb seasoning should have a different profile from a French Herbs de Provence blend. A vague mix may not provide the authentic taste you are looking for in a specific recipe.

What to Check Before You Buy

To ensure you get a versatile and flavourful product, focus on these two key parameters before adding a jar to your basket.

1. Herb Composition and Balance

The ingredients list is your most valuable tool. For a classic, all-rounder mixed herbs blend, look for a balanced combination of the following:

• Oregano and Thyme: These form the robust, earthy backbone of most savoury herb blends.
• Basil and Marjoram: These add a touch of sweetness and a fragrant, slightly floral aroma.
• Parsley and Sage: Often included for fresh, peppery notes and added complexity.

The order of ingredients matters. The herb listed first is the most prominent in the mix. For a good quality Italian herb seasoning, you should expect to see oregano and basil near the top of the list.

2. Blend Type: Pure Herbs vs. Seasoning Mix

It is important to distinguish between a pure herb blend and a complete seasoning mix.

• Pure Dried Mixed Herbs: This will contain only dried, chopped herbs. It offers you complete control over the salt and other seasonings in your dish. This is the most versatile option for a home cook's pantry.
• Seasoning Blend: This type of product, often labelled as a seasoning for chicken or vegetables, will include herbs plus other ingredients like salt, garlic powder, onion powder or paprika. While convenient, you must be mindful of the high salt content and adjust your recipe accordingly.

Our Top Product Recommendations

Based on these practical criteria, here are a few options from our catalogue, matched to different cooking styles and needs.

MATCH FOR: The Everyday Home Cook

Morrisons Mixed Herbs 14g

Why This Fits Their Persona: This is a dependable, no-frills pantry staple for the UK home cook. It's perfect for adding a quick, balanced herbal note to daily meals like cottage pie, stews and tomato-based sauces without any fuss.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is a pure herb blend, not a "mixed spice" for baking. The ingredients list confirms it contains only classic savoury herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram, Basil, Parsley, Sage) with no added salt or fillers.

Key Advantage & Pros

A classic, versatile flavour profile that works well in a wide variety of British and European dishes. It provides excellent value for an everyday seasoning.

MATCH FOR: The Italian Cuisine Enthusiast

Schwartz Italian Herb Seasoning 55g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For the cook who frequently makes pasta sauces, lasagne or homemade pizzas, this blend is specifically formulated to deliver an authentic Italian flavour. The larger 55g jar is practical for regular use.

How It Avoids the Trap

It avoids the "vague blend" trap by focusing on a specific cuisine. The mix of oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme is balanced to complement tomato-based dishes perfectly, providing a more authentic taste than a generic mix.

Key Advantage & Pros

A targeted blend that provides consistent, authentic flavour for Italian cooking. It is a pure herb mix with no added salt, giving you full control over the final seasoning of your dish.

MATCH FOR: The Adventurous Cook

Bart Ras El Hanout Spice Blend 35g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For those looking to explore beyond European flavours, this Moroccan-style spice blend is an excellent choice. It's ideal for making authentic lamb tagines, seasoning couscous or creating aromatic marinades for grilled meats.

How It Avoids the Trap

This product highlights the importance of choosing a specific blend for a specific purpose. It is not a generic "mixed herb" but a complex, aromatic and pungent spice blend that delivers a distinct North African flavour profile.

Key Advantage & Pros

An authentic and complex blend of over ten spices, including rose petals, for a unique floral and warming flavour. It's a convenient way to achieve a genuine Moroccan taste without buying numerous individual spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mixed herbs and Italian seasoning?

While there is some overlap, the main difference is in the balance of ingredients. A standard mixed herbs blend is a general-purpose mix, often with a balanced profile of oregano, thyme and marjoram. An Italian herb seasoning is specifically blended to complement Italian food, which means it typically has a much higher proportion of oregano and basil to create that signature aromatic, slightly sweet flavour found in many pasta sauces and pizza toppings.

How long do dried mixed herbs last?

Most dried herbs have a "best before" date of one to three years. However, their potency diminishes over time. To check for freshness, crush a small amount between your fingers. If the aroma is faint, it's time for a new jar. To preserve their flavour, store them in a cool, dark and dry place away from the steam of your cooker. An airtight container is essential.

Can I use mixed herbs as a seasoning for chicken?

Absolutely. Mixed herbs are an excellent all-purpose seasoning for chicken. You can either rub the dried herbs directly onto the chicken skin with a bit of oil, salt and pepper before roasting, or you can incorporate them into a marinade. The blend of thyme, oregano and rosemary pairs particularly well with roasted or grilled chicken.