Aniseed
What is Aniseed?
Aniseed comes from the dried seed of the Pimpinella anisum plant, native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. The seeds are harvested when ripe and can be used whole or ground. They have a distinctive, strong liquorice-like flavour and aroma.
Is Aniseed vegan?
Aniseed is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Aniseed a major allergen?
Aniseed is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Aniseed used for?
Aniseed is primarily used as a flavouring agent in a wide variety of foods.
Is Aniseed safe?
Aniseed is not considered a food additive and is used for its flavour.
Why it's used
Aniseed is primarily used as a flavouring agent in a wide variety of foods. Its sweet, aromatic profile makes it popular in confectionery, baked goods, and savoury dishes like curries and stews. It can also be found in some beverages and spice blends.
Health notes
Aniseed is not considered a food additive and is used for its flavour. The UK does not have specific regulatory limits for aniseed consumption. Some research suggests potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but robust evidence from large-scale human trials is limited. EFSA has not evaluated aniseed as a food additive. Evidence on its health effects at typical dietary intakes is mixed and requires further investigation.
Allergen info
Aniseed is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not related to celery, which is sometimes confused with aniseed. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Aniseed
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