Aniseed
Aniseed is a small-seeded spice with a sweet liquorice flavour that perfumes breads, drinks, and some moles. It is essential in pan de muerto for Day of the Dead, Christmas rosca bread, anise atole, and spirits such as anís del mono. It pairs well with cinnamon in traditional desserts and festive sweet breads.
Estimated retail price
~£1.79 / 30g
Typical price at UK Mexican grocers
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How it's used in Mexican cooking
Aniseed, part of the spices section of the Mexican pantry, appears in 17 recipes in our collection, including Mole Poblano, Baked Gorditas and Bunuelos de Viento (Puffed Mexican Fritters). Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes with Aniseed
MolesMole Poblano
Street FoodBaked Gorditas
DessertsBunuelos de Viento (Puffed Mexican Fritters)
DrinksPineapple and Mint Agua Fresca
DrinksWatermelon Agua Fresca
DessertsMexican Lime Sorbet
Pan Y ReposteríACocoles (Tlaxcalan Anise & Piloncillo Bread)
DessertsKnee-Stretched Buñuelos (Oaxacan Style)
DessertsBorrachitos (Pulque-Soaked Sweets)
DessertsDulce de Biznaga (Barrel Cactus Candy)
TamalesAnise Sweet Tamales
Pan Y ReposteríAOaxacan Egg Yolk Bread (Pan de Yema)
DessertsMuñuelos Tlaxcaltecas (Fried Dough Balls in Piloncillo Syrup)
DessertsPemoles (Piloncillo and Anise Biscuits from the Huasteca)
DessertsSweet Sugar Gorditas
Pan Y ReposteríAPiedras Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Rolls
DessertsPiloncillo Piggy Biscuits
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Aniseed?
Aniseed is used in 17 recipes in our collection, such as Mole Poblano and Baked Gorditas. The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Aniseed in the UK?
You can buy Aniseed online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Latin American grocers in the UK.
How should Aniseed be stored?
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
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