Joybuy Insights

Buy Asian food online: choose the right spices, mooncakes and Chinese sweets

Anyone looking to buy Asian food online will quickly find a wide selection of spices, sweets and gift boxes. However, product images alone do not show whether a pack is suitable for your needs. Particularly with whole spices and Chinese mooncakes, details such as quantity, ingredients, allergens and shelf life can be crucial.

Common pitfalls when buying Asian food online

1. Large packs are not automatically better value

A 500-g pack of Asian spices may be useful for frequent cooks, but for occasional cooking it could remain open in the cupboard for unnecessarily long. Aromatic seeds lose quality when exposed to moisture, heat and light. So do not just check the price per kilo; also consider your expected usage and storage conditions.

2. Product names reveal little about ingredients and allergens

Terms such as “classic”, “traditional” or “Cantonese Style” do not fully describe what a product contains. Mooncakes may contain wheat, egg, soya, peanuts, sesame or tree nuts, among other ingredients. If you want to give Chinese sweets as a gift, check the ingredients list and allergen information before buying.

3. “Whole” and “ground” serve different purposes

Depending on the recipe, whole spices can be toasted, ground with a pestle and mortar or cooked directly in the dish. This applies, for example, to whole cumin, fennel seeds, coriander seeds and whole nutmeg. Ground products are quicker to use, but offer less flexibility when it comes to measuring and preparation. If you cook regularly, a small spice grinder or pestle and mortar may be worthwhile.

Important criteria when choosing Asian spices and mooncakes

Ingredients, origin and pack size

With Chinese spices, the ingredients list should be as clear as possible. Details such as “100% cumin” or “fennel seeds” make it easier to assess the product. The country of origin, net quantity and responsible person are also relevant. The right quantity depends on how you plan to use it:

  • 35 to 100 g: suitable for trying something new or for occasional recipes
  • 135 to 500 g: practical for families, frequent cooking and making your own spice blends
  • Gift boxes with several individual packs: ideal for celebrations or multiple recipients

The number of pieces is also important with mooncakes. A 360-g pack containing six pieces is more suitable for sharing, while a 150-g pack with one piece may be intended as a small gift.

Storage and best-before date

Whole seeds and nuts should be stored in a dry, dark place, preferably in an airtight container. Always check the best-before date shown on the packaging. Storage is particularly important for mooncakes: according to the product information, they should be kept in a cool, dry place and consumed soon after opening.

Nutritional values and allergens in Chinese sweets

Mooncakes often contain sugar, syrup and oil. Nutritional values vary considerably depending on the filling. For example, a product with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk may contain around 475 to 476 kcal per 100 g. This information is provided for product guidance and does not replace individual nutritional advice.

Before placing your order, pay particular attention to:

  • Gluten and wheat in the pastry
  • Egg or duck egg in the pastry and filling
  • Soya in oils, pastes or additives
  • Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and sesame
  • Information about sweeteners and any consumption restrictions

Our selection by shopping profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Taiyangmen Fennel 35g ×2

Taiyangmen Fennel 35g ×2

Why this product suits the profile: Two small packs containing a total of 70 g provide a manageable quantity for discovering fennel seeds in cooking, baking recipes or infusions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack size reduces the risk of a rarely used spice being stored open for a long time.

Key benefit & strengths

According to the product information, contains no additives or preservatives; net quantity 35 g × 2, origin China.

Suitable for: Quality-focused shoppers
TRS Dhania Coriander Whole 100g

TRS Dhania Coriander Whole 100g

Why this product suits the profile: Whole coriander seeds can be toasted or ground before use, or added to marinades, pickling liquids and spice blends.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies that these are whole seeds and recommends storing them in a cool, dry place protected from light.

Key benefit & strengths

100 g net quantity, whole coriander seeds and country of origin India according to the product description.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent cooks
HUASEED Cumin Seeds 500g

HUASEED Cumin Seeds 500g

Why this product suits the profile: This large pack is intended for households that cook frequently, make their own spice blends or use cumin in a range of cuisines.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 500-g quantity makes its stock-up purpose clear. To preserve its aroma, storage in an airtight container in a dry, dark place is recommended.

Key benefit & strengths

According to the product information, 100% cumin seeds with no fillers or preservatives; suitable for use whole or ground.

Suitable for: Festive gift shoppers
Wu Fang Zhai Mooncake Gift Box 1160g

Wu Fang Zhai Wu Fang Yong Li Mooncake Gift Box 1160g

Why this product suits the profile: With twelve pieces and six fillings, this gift box is designed for sharing or for a larger occasion such as the Mid-Autumn Festival.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page provides detailed information about the fillings, number of pieces, ingredients, nutritional values and allergens, including wheat, egg, soya, tree nuts and sesame.

Key benefit & strengths

1160 g total weight, twelve mooncakes, six flavours and a wood-effect gift box according to the product description.

More products to add to your basket

For smaller quantities, Seven Fresh Cumin Seeds 135g is a good option. If you need a larger quantity of whole fennel seeds, consider Nature's Best Harvest Fennel 100g. For whole nutmeg, Huaseed Nutmeg Seeds 40g is available; according to the product information, it consists of 100% nutmeg and is intended for stews, sauces and meat dishes.

For the Mid-Autumn Festival, different pack sizes may be suitable depending on the size of your household. A Mooncake Gift Box weighing 720 g and containing four pieces is intended for smaller gatherings, while six or twelve pieces are suitable for sharing with family and guests. Depending on the product, flavours range from lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk to red bean, black sesame, Chinese dates, pineapple and various nuts.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

FAQ: Buy Asian food online

Where can I buy Asian spices online?

Look for a clear ingredients list, the net quantity, country of origin, storage instructions and a best-before date. Large packs such as 500 g are practical for regular cooking, while smaller quantities are ideal for trying something new.

How should whole spices be stored?

Whole spices such as fennel seeds, coriander seeds and cumin should be stored in a dry, dark place protected from heat. After opening, a securely sealed container is recommended. Moisture can affect their texture and aroma.

Which mooncakes are suitable as gifts?

This depends on the number of pieces, packaging and flavour preferences. A gift box containing several varieties offers a choice for multiple people. Before giving them as a gift, check the allergens, as many mooncakes contain wheat, egg, soya, peanuts, sesame or tree nuts.