Lieferung heute & morgen
Qualitätsgarantie
Willkommens-Angebote freischalten: KOSTENLOSE Lieferung | Bis zu 80 % RABATT | Kostenlose 30-Tage-JoyPlus-Testphase
App herunterladen
If you want to buy Chinese food online, you'll find a huge selection of sauces, spices, dried mushrooms and long-life ingredients. Product names often sound similar, yet ingredients, heat levels, pack sizes and preparation methods can differ significantly. That's why it pays for home cooks, vegetarian and vegan households, and catering businesses to take a close look at the label and how each product is used.
A Chinese sauce or spice blend shouldn't just rely on traditional recipes in its marketing. What really matters is the full ingredients list. With five-spice powder, for example, the individual spices should be clearly stated. The WEI MEN Flavors Five Spice Powder lists star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves and Sichuan pepper as its components.
Allergens also need attention with Chinese sauces and spices. Zhenjiang vinegar, for instance, may contain wheat and barley. If you need to avoid gluten-containing ingredients, always check the labelling before you buy.
Dried chillies, chilli powder and pickled chillies are not interchangeable. Whole chillies are ideal for flavouring oil, broths and braised dishes. Chilli powder can be measured out more evenly. Pickled vegetables such as radish with chilli also bring acidity, salt and a crunchy texture to the table.
Figures like 60,000 or 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) give you a guide to the heat level. They are not an indication of how much of the product to use in a dish. With very hot varieties, it's best to start with a small amount.
Chinese mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, cloud ear fungus, snow fungus and tofu skin are often sold dried. This saves space and extends shelf life, but it does require proper preparation. Depending on the type, the products need to be soaked, thoroughly rinsed and then fully cooked.
With dried spices and mushrooms, avoid moisture, heat and direct sunlight. After opening, airtight containers help to reduce flavour loss and moisture absorption.
Before you buy, compare the following details:
With salted duck eggs, for example, egg is listed as an allergen. According to the product information, Shen Dan Salted Duck Eggs 408 g contain duck eggs, water and salt. The eggs should be refrigerated after opening. Given the stated salt content, they are best used as a small side dish or seasoning ingredient.
Not every vinegar serves the same purpose. Zhenjiang vinegar typically has a dark, malty, sour and aromatic profile. It works well with jiaozi, braised dishes, stir-fries and marinades. Red vinegar is often served with seafood, wontons, noodles and dumplings.
With Shaoxing rice wine or Shaoxing Huadiao Wine, you also need to consider the alcohol content. The stated variety contains at least 15% alcohol by volume and is intended for both drinking and cooking. It is therefore not suitable for alcohol-free households without careful consideration.
Small packs are great for trying something new or for occasional cooking. Bulk packs such as 500 g of bay leaves or cumin seeds are aimed more at heavy users, restaurants and catering businesses. The key is whether you can use the product regularly before its flavour and quality start to decline.
For vegetarian and vegan dishes, dried Chinese mushrooms, tofu skin, sesame, chilli and pickled vegetables are all good options. With processed products, check the ingredients list, as seasoning mixes or sauces may contain additional components.
Why this product fits the profile: The 30 g pack offers an affordable introduction to Chinese spices and works well for marinades, braised dishes and soups.
The ingredients are clearly listed. This means you can compare the blend with other spices without relying solely on marketing claims.
Five clearly named spices; resealable packaging according to the product information.
Why this product fits the profile: This bottle is ideal for buyers who want to use acidity and aroma precisely in dumplings, marinades and braised dishes.
The product information states the three-year ageing process and lists wheat and barley as allergens. This makes it easier to make an informed choice.
500 ml content; according to the product information, versatile as a dip, cooking ingredient and dressing.
Why this product fits the profile: Dried wood ear mushrooms or cloud ear fungus are space-saving and work well in stir-fries, soups, salads and vegetarian recipes.
The required soaking time of one to two hours and the need for thorough cooking are stated. This makes preparation easy to plan.
100 g pack; according to the product information, suitable for various Chinese and vegetarian dishes.
Why this product fits the profile: Tofu skin made from soya beans can be used for hotpot, stir-fries, cold dishes and braised dishes.
The product information states 93 % soya beans and the required soaking time of 10 to 20 minutes. This makes preparation clear and easy to plan.
250 g content; versatile in use; soya is listed as an allergen.
We've put together a full, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply fully with EU safety regulations.
For your first dishes, five-spice powder, Zhenjiang vinegar, toasted sesame, chilli in moderate amounts and dried mushrooms are all practical choices. These ingredients can be used in small quantities and combined with rice, noodles, vegetables or tofu.
The specific best-before date is on the packaging. Stored in a dry, dark and airtight place, dried mushrooms generally remain usable for a long time. Before cooking, check them for any impurities, then soak, rinse and cook them thoroughly.
Delivery costs depend on the retailer, order value, delivery address and the terms and conditions that apply at the time. With heavy or large packs, it can be worth comparing the total cost of your order. For restaurants and catering businesses, pack size, storage space and monthly usage are also relevant factors.