Ingredient

Star Anise

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Star anise is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of …

What is Star Anise?

Star anise is a spice made from the star-shaped fruit of the Illicium verum tree, native to Vietnam and China. The fruit is harvested just before it ripens and then dried. It has a strong, distinct licorice-like flavor and aroma.

Is Star Anise vegan?

Star Anise is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Star Anise gluten-free?

Star anise is not one of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

What is Star Anise used for?

Star anise is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods and beverages.

Is Star Anise safe?

Star anise is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice.

Why it's used

Star anise is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Its intense flavor makes it a popular addition to spice blends, baked goods, savory dishes, and teas. It is often used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese cooking, to add depth and complexity.

Health notes

Star anise is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated star anise and found it to be safe for consumption. While generally safe, consuming large amounts of unrefined star anise can be toxic, as it may contain a related plant, Japanese star anise, which is poisonous. Regulatory bodies advise against consuming Japanese star anise.

Allergen info

Star anise is not one of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Star Anise

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Paya Masala Spice Mix Laziza International Paya Masala Spice Mix Herbs & Spices High in sodium — 35% DV per serving 429kcal 14.3Protein 14.3Fat 57.1Carbs
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Organic Apple Orange Spice, Apple Orange Thomas Le Prince Organic Apple Orange Spice, Apple Orange Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 205kcal 0Protein 0Fat 55Carbs
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Beef Pho Beef Flavor Noodle Dish With Soy, Garlic & Ginger, Beef Pho Kusari Noodles Beef Pho Beef Flavor Noodle Dish With Soy, Garlic & Ginger, Beef Pho All Noodles High in sodium — 47% DV per serving 341kcal 12.9Protein 2.9Fat 69.4Carbs
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Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Japanese Style, Medium Hot S&B Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Japanese Style, Medium Hot Entrees, Sides & Small Meals High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 81kcal 0Protein 3.3Fat 13.3Carbs
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Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Mild S&B Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Mild Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 86kcal 0Protein 3.3Fat 13.8Carbs
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Thai Yellow Curry With Jasmine Rice Entree Kit, Thai Yellow Curry With Jasmine Rice Saffron Road Thai Yellow Curry With Jasmine Rice Entree Kit, Thai Yellow Curry With Jasmine Rice Entrees, Sides & Small Meals High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 152kcal 3.0Protein 5.2Fat 24.4Carbs
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Curry Powder S&B Curry Powder Herbs & Spices 500kcal 0Protein 0Fat 50Carbs
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Natco, Hot Madras Curry Powder Natco Natco, Hot Madras Curry Powder Herbs & Spices 400kcal 20Protein 20Fat 30Carbs
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Prana Chai, Masala Blend Chai Prana Chai Prana Chai, Masala Blend Chai Tea Bags 167kcal 0Protein 0Fat 26.7Carbs
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Por Kwan, Instant Beef Flavor Paste Por Kwan Por Kwan, Instant Beef Flavor Paste Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 150kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs
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Chinese Five Spices Dynasty Chinese Five Spices Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs
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Brown Rice Noodles, Creamy Coconut Star Anise Foods Brown Rice Noodles, Creamy Coconut Other Soups 407kcal 7.4Protein 14.8Fat 66.7Carbs
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Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Bowl, Savory Peanut Star Anise Foods Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Bowl, Savory Peanut Other Soups 511kcal 7.4Protein 22.2Fat 66.7Carbs
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Vegetable Vietnamese Pho Delicious Rice Noodle Soup Bowl, Vegetable Vietnamese Pho Snapdragon Vegetable Vietnamese Pho Delicious Rice Noodle Soup Bowl, Vegetable Vietnamese Pho Other Soups High in sodium — 54% DV per serving 350kcal 6.7Protein 2.5Fat 75Carbs
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Mushroom Vietnamese Pho Delicious Rice Noodle Soup Bowl, Mushroom Vietnamese Pho Snapdragon Mushroom Vietnamese Pho Delicious Rice Noodle Soup Bowl, Mushroom Vietnamese Pho Other Soups High in sodium — 56% DV per serving 350kcal 6.7Protein 3.3Fat 73.3Carbs
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Medium Hot Golden Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Medium Hot Golden Curry S&B Medium Hot Golden Curry Sauce With Vegetables, Medium Hot Golden Curry Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 47% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 104kcal 1.7Protein 4.8Fat 13.5Carbs
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Mild Korma Curry Sauce Kit, Korma Patak'S Mild Korma Curry Sauce Kit, Korma Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 129kcal —Protein 6.5Fat 11.3Carbs
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Japanese Curry Noodles Ready To Eat Meal, Japanese Curry Miracle Noodle Japanese Curry Noodles Ready To Eat Meal, Japanese Curry Entrees, Sides & Small Meals 57kcal 0.7Protein 1.4Fat 10Carbs
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Mild Thai Coconut Curry Sauce, Mild Thai Coconut Curry Watcharee'S Mild Thai Coconut Curry Sauce, Mild Thai Coconut Curry Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving 176kcal 0.8Protein 15.2Fat 8.8Carbs
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Spicemode, Masala Cooking Sauce, Mild, Mild Spicemode Spicemode, Masala Cooking Sauce, Mild, Mild Other Cooking Sauces High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 71kcal 1.8Protein 1.8Fat 10.7Carbs
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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.