Spices that don’t go well together: The most unpopular combinations (2024)

Tastes can differ drastically, but some combinations of spices tend to be way less popular than others.

If you're new to cooking and not sure whether you should combine some spices or not, this article may help you.

Here are some combinations that most people dislike.

Cinnamon and Cumin

Cinnamon is sweet and warm, often used in sweet dishes or desserts, while cumin has an earthy and slightly bitter flavor commonly found in savory dishes. Combining the two can create an unbalanced flavor profile that may clash rather than complement each other.

Mint and Oregano

Mint is fresh and cooling, often used in beverages, desserts, and salads, while oregano has a strong, robust, and slightly bitter flavor commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. These two herbs have distinct flavor profiles that may not blend well together in most dishes.

Cloves and Fennel

Cloves have a strong, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor often used in baking and certain savory dishes, while fennel has a licorice-like flavor used in both sweet and savory dishes. Combining these two strong and distinct flavors can result in an overwhelming taste that may overpower the dish.

Nutmeg and Paprika

Nutmeg has a warm and slightly sweet flavor used in sweet and savory dishes, while paprika adds a mild heat and a distinct smoky or sweet flavor depending on the type. The contrasting flavors of nutmeg and paprika may not complement each other well, especially in delicate or subtle dishes.