Best Mixed Herbs in the UK: A Practical Guide for Everyday Cooking

Mixed herbs are a quiet staple in many British kitchens. They save time, add balance, and bring a familiar savoury note to everything from shepherd’s pie to tomato sauces. With so many jars and packets on the shelf, choosing a good one can feel unnecessary complicated.

This guide looks at some of the most reliable mixed herbs available in the UK, focusing on flavour, consistency, and everyday usefulness.

What to Look for in Mixed Herbs

A good blend should be well balanced rather than dominated by one herb. You should be able to spot the individual leaves, not just dust at the bottom of the jar. Aroma matters too: even before cooking, the herbs should smell fresh and green, not flat or stale. Finally, versatility counts. The best mixes work across many dishes without overpowering them.

Schwartz Mixed Herbs

Schwartz is one of the most familiar names in British cupboards, and its mixed herbs are popular for a reason. The blend typically includes basil, oregano, thyme and marjoram, cut to a practical size that works well in both slow-cooked meals and quick midweek dishes.

The flavour is steady and predictable, which suits classic recipes such as spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, or vegetable soups. It is not overly bold, making it suitable for cooks who prefer gentle seasoning they can build on. The jar packaging also helps keep the herbs fresh for longer when stored properly.

Best for: family favourites, tomato-based dishes, and everyday cooking.

Bart Mixed Herbs

Bart takes a slightly more characterful approach. The herbs are often a little larger in cut, which gives better texture and a more noticeable aroma once heated. This mix tends to shine in Mediterranean-style cooking, especially with olive oil, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Because the flavour is more pronounced, a lighter hand is useful at first. Once you learn how much to use, it becomes a dependable option for cooks who enjoy clearer herbal notes rather than background seasoning.

Best for: roasted vegetables, marinades, and dishes where herbs play a leading role.

East End Mixed Herbs

East End is well known for spices, but its mixed herbs are also worth attention. The blend leans towards robust, savoury flavours, making it particularly suitable for heartier meals. It works well in stews, lentil dishes, and slow-cooked sauces where herbs have time to soften and release their oils.

The packaging is often generous in size, which suits households that cook from scratch regularly. The value is good, especially if mixed herbs are used often rather than occasionally.

Best for: batch cooking, stews, and filling vegetarian dishes.

Natco Mixed Herbs

Natco mixed herbs offer a straightforward, no-frills blend that focuses on practicality. The flavour profile is balanced and adaptable, sitting comfortably in both British and European-style cooking.

These herbs perform reliably in dishes such as casseroles, baked fish, and simple pasta sauces. They may not stand out for intensity, but they do their job without drawing attention away from the main ingredients.

Best for: everyday meals where you want subtle herbal support rather than a strong statement.

Tesco Mixed Herbs

Supermarket own-brand options are often overlooked, yet Tesco mixed herbs provide solid performance for the price. The blend is familiar and easy to use, especially for home cooks who want consistent results without spending more than necessary.

They work particularly well in quick meals, such as omelettes, traybakes, or soups made with store-cupboard ingredients. While the aroma may be slightly lighter than premium brands, the flavour comes through well once cooked.

Best for: budget-conscious kitchens and simple, quick recipes.

How to Use Mixed Herbs Well

Mixed herbs benefit from being added at the right moment. For slow-cooked dishes, add them early so they have time to soften and blend. For quicker meals, sprinkling them in halfway through cooking helps avoid a dull or bitter taste.

Crushing the herbs lightly between your fingers before adding them can help release more aroma. Storing them in a cool, dark place also helps keep their flavour intact for longer.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” mixed herb for everyone. The right choice depends on how you cook, what you cook most often, and how bold you like your flavours. Schwartz offers familiarity, Bart brings depth, East End suits hearty meals, Natco delivers reliability, and Tesco provides good everyday value.

Keeping one or two of these in your cupboard can make daily cooking simpler and more enjoyable, without needing a shelf full of individual jars.