5 Underrated Spices You’ll Want in Your Kitchen—For Flavor and Wellness

If you’ve ever heard me talk about food, you know I light up when we get to the spices.

They’re not just a way to season your meals—they’re a celebration of culture, creativity, and nourishment. Spices connect us to culinary traditions across the globe while offering some serious health benefits in the tiniest doses.

While most kitchens stock the basics—think garlic powder, oregano, and cinnamon—there’s a whole world of flavor-packed, antioxidant-rich spices that often get overlooked.

Today I’m sharing five of my favorites that are probably not in your spice drawer right now… but absolutely deserve a spot.

Each one brings bold flavor, vibrant color, and plant-powered compounds that can support everything from digestion to inflammation to mood.

Ready to spice things up? 😉

5 Underrated Spices You’ll Want in Your Kitchen

🌺 1. Sumac

Bright, lemony, and antioxidant-rich

Sumac is hands-down my new favorite spice discovery.

Deep red-purple in color, this tangy gem comes from dried and ground berries of the Rhus plant and is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Not only does it add a gorgeous hue to your plate, but its color signals its high polyphenol and antioxidant content—compounds that help fight inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

How to use it:

• Sprinkle it over roasted veggies, hummus, or avocado toast for a lemony kick.

• Add to grain bowls, salads, or lentil soups for brightness and color.

• Mix with extra virgin olive oil and garlic for a zesty marinade or dip.

Try it as a blend with other spices in these za’atar roasted chickpeas.

🟤 2. Whole Cumin Seeds

Nutty, earthy, and great for digestion

Cumin is a staple in many kitchens, but most people only use it ground.

Trust me when I say, whole cumin seeds are a game-changer.

When lightly toasted or “popped,” they release essential oils that bring out deeper, nuttier flavors—and preserve more of their digestive-supportive compounds. Whole cumin is key in Indian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines and is incredibly versatile.

How to use it:

• Dry toast in a skillet for 1 minute, then add to rice, lentils, or soups

• Use in homemade taco seasoning or sprinkle on roasted chickpeas

• Try in dressings, sauces, or chutneys.

Try it in one of my favorite dishes of all time, Cauliflower Lentil Kitchari.

🧡 3. Saffron

Golden, luxurious, and mood-lifting

Yes, saffron is famously the world’s most expensive spice—but here’s the secret: you only need a pinch.

Literally. A few threads go a long way in flavor, aroma, color, and health benefits. Saffron has been studied for its potential role in supporting mood, sleep, hot flashes, and even joint health—all thanks to its unique compounds like crocin and safranal.

How to use it:

• Steep 4–6 threads in warm plant-based milk or broth, then add to rice, couscous, or paella.

• Use in saffron cashew cream for pasta or as a drizzle over roasted veggies.

• Add to lattes, desserts, or even smoothies for a luxurious golden twist.

Try it in my Soothing Saffron Golden Milk.

🌿 4. Whole Fennel Seeds

Sweet, licorice-like, and soothing

Fennel seeds bring a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of licorice flavor. They’re often used in Indian cooking and herbal teas—and yes, they’re also what gives fennel sausage its signature taste (minus the meat, of course!).

Fennel is known for its digestive-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties, and using the whole seed ensures you’re getting the full nutritional spectrum.

How to use it:

• Toast and grind for homemade spice blends or vegan sausage patties.

• Chew a few seeds after meals to support digestion.

• Steep into tea with ginger and lemon for an after-dinner digestive sip.

🌱 Try it in my Vegan Fennel Tempeh Sausage.

🍂 5. Clove

Warming, aromatic, and antioxidant-packed

Clove might pop up in your spice drawer during the holidays, but it’s a powerhouse worth keeping year-round.

It’s one of the highest antioxidant spices by weight and contains eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and even mild analgesic properties. Clove is warming, slightly sweet, and adds depth to both sweet and savory dishes.

How to use it:

• Add ground clove to oatmeal, chai, or baked fruit.

• Use whole cloves in broths, soups, or to infuse hot cider.

• Combine with cinnamon and ginger for a cozy fall-inspired spice blend.

🍎 Try it in my Spiced Nut Milk Latte.

💫 Final Thoughts: A Little Goes a Long Way

The beautiful thing about spices is that you don’t need a lot to make a big impact—on flavor and health. Just a pinch or a sprinkle can infuse your meals with vibrant color, tradition, creativity, and plant-powered benefits.

So the next time you're reaching for your usual go-to seasoning, consider giving one of these underrated spices a moment to shine. You might just fall in love with your food—and your spice drawer—all over again.