FAQ
About the Blends:
What’s in your spice blends?
Each of our blends is made from a custom mix of 5–12 spices — no fillers, no weird stuff, and no shortcuts. Just real, high-quality spices we source, test, and mix ourselves. We add a touch of salt to help the flavors pop, but you’ll still want to season your dishes to taste. We never add sugar, starches, or artificial flavoring.
You can find the full list of ingredients on each product page.
Are your blends gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO?
Yes to all three! Every Little Big Spice blend is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and made only from pure spices — no additives, preservatives, or genetically modified ingredients.
Do your blends contain allergens?
Most of our blends do not contain common allergens. However, some do include sesame seeds (like our za’atar) or sliced almonds (in select rice mixes). All our products are blended in a facility that also processes nuts and sesame, so if you have a severe allergy, please proceed with caution.
We list all ingredients on each product page, but we recommend checking with a medical professional if you're unsure.
Where are your spice blends made?
All of our European blends are currently mixed and packed in Ericeira, Portugal — a small surf town just outside Lisbon, where ocean breeze meets spice jars. We blend everything ourselves in small batches, so you get maximum freshness and flavor.
Where do you source your spices from?
We get our spices from trusted partners sourcing the spices in India, Spain, and a few other specialty regions known for growing bold, flavorful herbs. These countries have long-standing spice traditions and meet the strict health and safety standards of the EU, which ensures high quality from farm to jar — and you taste the difference.
While not all Chinese spices are low quality, we choose not to source from China due to concerns about traceability and food safety. We prefer suppliers with tighter standards, so you always know exactly what’s in your jar.
How long do the blends stay fresh?
Spices don’t exactly go bad — but they do lose flavor over time. Thanks to small-batch blending and high-quality sourcing, our mixes stay potent for at least 18–24 months.
To keep your blends fresh and bold:
- Store in a cool, dark place (not near the stove or in direct sunlight)
- Use them often and replenish as needed
- If you cook less frequently, stash them in the fridge
- Transferring to your own jars? Add a small sticker with the best-by date from the original pouch so you never wonder
How to Use the Blends
How much should I use per dish?
Our spice blends are bold by design — a little goes a long way. Most recipes call for 1–2 tablespoons per dish (like a pot of soup or a full shakshuka). Some blends are stronger and need just a touch: For example, Arabica Bake only needs 1/8–1/4 teaspoon for coffee and 1–2 teaspoons for dessert batters.
You’ll find suggested quantities on each product page and in our recipes. But as always, trust your taste buds.
Do I need to cook the spices or can I sprinkle them raw?
Most of our blends are best when cooked — a quick sear or simmer opens up the flavors and makes your kitchen smell incredible. In general:
- Add to soups and stews during cooking
- Mix with oil for roasted vegetables before baking
- Use as a rub before grilling, searing, or baking meats
-
Stir our rice blends into the pot before adding water
That said, some blends shine raw too:
Za’atar is made to sprinkle on bread, cheese, or salads. And Sssmokin’ works beautifully in a raw chimichurri. Be bold — it’s how new recipes are born.
Are the blends spicy?
Most of them are not. We want everyone — including your kids (and maybe your dog) — to enjoy bold, delicious flavor without heat overload.
However, a couple blends pack a gentle kick. For example, our Shake-Shuka has a subtle warmth that we tested on actual children (They survived.) and Sssmokin’ is smoky and spicy.
If a blend has noticeable heat, it’s clearly labeled on the product page.
Can I use the same blend for different types of dishes?
Absolutely! Our blends are designed to be versatile. Every product page lists dishes and recipes beyond the obvious.
For example, Shake Shuka isn’t just for shakshuka — it’s also incredible in tomato-based pasta sauces, poached fish, or roasted eggplant.
Found a new dish we should try? Send it our way! If we feature it on our site or social channels, we’ll tag you — or keep it anonymous if that’s more your vibe.
Ordering & Shipping
Where do you ship?
Right now, we ship across Portugal and are working on expanding to the rest of the EU very soon. If you're outside Portugal and interested, send us a quick note — we’ll try to make it happen, or at least let you know when we’re ready to ship to your country.
How long will my order take to arrive?
We pack all of our blends in small, fresh batches, so nothing sits on a shelf feeling sad and forgotten. Orders are usually processed within 1–2 business days, and shipping times vary depending on the destination and carrier — but expect your spices to arrive in about 5–7 business days for most EU destinations.
What’s your return or refund policy?
Because our blends are food products, we can’t accept returns. But if something’s wrong with your order — whether it arrived late, damaged, or just isn’t what you expected — please reach out to us at info@littlebigspice.com or via our Contact page. We’ll make it right. Promise.
Can I send a gift to someone else?
Absolutely — and honestly, we think our blends make an epic gift. Pick a bundle or build your own, add a note if you’d like, and we’ll wrap it nicely before it heads to your lucky friend, sister-in-law, favorite neighbor, or that cousin who still thinks black pepper is spicy.
Business & Brand
Who’s behind Little Big Spice?
Little Big Spice is the brainchild of Yael — a former pianist turned full-time flavor fanatic. What started as a home kitchen obsession grew into a full-on mission: to help anyone cook boldly and easily with spice blends that do the heavy lifting.
What makes your spice blends different?
These blends are straight from Yael’s own kitchen — tried, tested, and used weekly in real meals for real families. Every mix was created after countless test runs, adjusting the tiniest amounts to find the perfect balance.
Just ask Yael’s best friend, who swore off cinnamon for life... until she fell for our Souper Spice and Potayto blend — both of which have just a hint. That’s the magic: these aren’t just random spices tossed in a jar. They’re carefully layered blends that bring something totally new to the table.
Do you sell wholesale or to restaurants?
We do! Whether you want to stock our blends in your store or need help replicating a signature flavor in your kitchen staff’s hands — we’ve got you. Give your cooks the right quantity and let our blends do the rest.
Email us at info@littlebigspice.com to chat about wholesale or food-service needs.