Ingredient

Thai Basil

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Thai basil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in foods, adding a unique …

What it is

Thai basil is a variety of basil with a distinct anise or licorice flavor. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines. The plant is grown for its aromatic leaves, which are used fresh or dried.

Why it's used

Thai basil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in foods, adding a unique sweet and slightly spicy taste. It is frequently found in dishes like curries, stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes. Manufacturers use it to impart an authentic Asian flavor profile to packaged meals and sauces.

Health notes

Thai basil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of various vitamins and minerals, though amounts are typically small in processed foods. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated basil and its extracts, but no specific health concerns are associated with its consumption at typical dietary levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from consuming Thai basil in food.

Allergen info

Thai basil is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Thai Basil

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Thai Style Red Curry Noodles With Red Curry Coconut Sauce And Vegetables, Thai Style Red Curry LIDL Thai Style Red Curry Noodles With Red Curry Coconut Sauce And Vegetables, Thai Style Red Curry Frozen Dinners & Entrees 121kcal 2.9Protein 5.7Fat 14.3Carbs GOOD & GATHER Thai-Style Coconut Curry Salsa With Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers, Coconut Cream, Thai Basil & Lemongrass, Thai-Style Coconut Curry Salsa Dips & Salsa 48kcal 0Protein 1.6Fat 9.7Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Smart Made, Thai-Style Chicken & Vegetables Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 88kcal 7.4Protein 1.4Fat 11.7Carbs Lemon Grass Basil Simmer Sauce, Lemon Grass Basil American Halal Company, Inc. Lemon Grass Basil Simmer Sauce, Lemon Grass Basil Other Cooking Sauces 100kcal 1.7Protein 5.8Fat 13.3Carbs Preferred Brands International Tasty Bite, Pad Thai Asian Noodles, Pad Thai All Noodles High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 6.4Protein 6.4Fat 30.4Carbs American Halal Company, Inc. Lemongrass Basil Chicken With Basmati Rice Roasted White Meat Chicken, Green Peppers And Onions Simmered In A Lemongrass Basil Green Curry, Lemongrass Basil Chicken Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 110kcal 5.7Protein 2.8Fat 15.2Carbs Ajinomoto USA Inc. Hawaiian Style Dressing, Ranch Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 323kcal 0Protein 32.3Fat 12.9Carbs Epicare Ltd. Thai Style Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 141kcal 9.8Protein 1.1Fat 23.9Carbs Naam Som LLC Drinking Vinegar, Soda, Thai Basil Other Drinks 29kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.1Carbs Target Stores Red Curry, Thai-Inspired Meal Kit, Medium Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 181kcal 3.1Protein 4.7Fat 31.5Carbs Thai-Style Chicken Fried Rice, Green Curry Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Thai-Style Chicken Fried Rice, Green Curry Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 173kcal 5.8Protein 3.5Fat 29.5Carbs Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Drunken Noodles With Chicken, Thai-Style Spicy Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 44% DV per serving 148kcal 6.0Protein 4.2Fat 21.2Carbs

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.