Question 1

does this have salt?

Accepted Answer

Yes it DOES HAVE SALT. At least now it does. Your question was written 5 years ago and they've apparently changed the recipe. Contrary to the old package in the picture (with its VERY different list of ingredients from Laxmi's description, so different that Laxmi now just lists the ingredients on the package I received in April 2022 as "Blend of Spices"), which says there is only a "trace" amount of sodium in 1 tablespoon, the package I received lists Salt as the second ingredient (after "blend of unknown spices we have no knowledge of anymore") and the amount of sodium is 300mg in 1 tablespoon (13% US RDA). Rather a lot really. They're trying to hide it too. Instead of 1 tablespoon being a "serving", which would be normal for use of Garam Masala, it indicates 1/4 teaspoon as a serving (a twelfth of the size), and gee only 25mg sodium a mere 1% daily value. Sure, and there are 1144 servings in this average size bag. Gimme a break. Knock it off spice-makers with the added Salt!!

Question 2

Could you confirm that ingredients shown in photo are correct? "black pepper, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg" (don't want cumin/coriander)

Accepted Answer

Your question is recent, and I too wondered what the correct ingredients were. Laxmi's ingredients description on the page (also listed in the Amazon description but in a different order), is so different from the ingredients in the photo. That package in the picture looks rather old. What I received was a package with a best-buy date almost two years hence, so I know it's new. The ingredients are: Blend of Spices, Salt, Triphala Powder. Rather a copout. Another customer asked if this has Salt, and the answer indicated a No. But it does: 300mg sodium in 1 tablespoon (13% US RDA). The photo says "trace" amount of sodium in 1 tablespoon. And what is Triphala Powder? It's a LAXATIVE. The package says it's Amalaki fruit, Bibhitaki fruit, and Haritaki fruit. Slightly poisonous fruit that gives you the runs. What is fruit doing in my Garam Masala? What is a medicine doing in my spices? What is a poisonous fruit doing in my food at all? This is irresponsible. And just what spices are in the "blend"? It's irresponsible as a company to not list them properly. As a customer, I've written to Laxmi, and so has my Amazon seller. Laxmi isn't responding.

Question 3

Does this have a strong cinnamon flavor?

Accepted Answer

Who knows. The ingredients have changed over time. I notice the manufacturer House Of Spices "answered" this question with a non-answer advertisement. On a recent (as of April 2022) package (with an expiration Jan. 2024) the ingredients just say "Blend of Spices", which is a copout. They've got no business hiding it from you. I haven't tasted it. It has added Salt (and too high Sodium listed), and a medicinal laxative powder added to it, so I won't eat it. I have had Garam Masala strong on cinnamon (one I have lists that as the first ingredient), and I've had others that are spicy hot (with pepper as the first ingredient). I've seen some that have no cinnamon in it at all. Everybody makes Garam Masala with different ingredients. This one by Laxmi (House of Spices) is a mystery.

Question 4

How is it for a vegan diet?

Accepted Answer

Definitely good for a vegan diet. Delicious blend of spices that go well with kale, spinach, and other leafy greens, as well as tofu and legumes of most sorts.

LAXMI BRANDGaram Masala 14 Oz (400gm) | A spicy and aromatic blend of our various salt free seasonings and spices | Non-GMO Product | For cooking and seasoning

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