The Day I Decided India Deserved Better Masala

It started with a news report.

A major spice brand — one found in millions of Indian kitchens — had been found to contain lead chromate in its turmeric. The colouring agent, used to make turmeric look more vibrantly yellow, is toxic. It had been in the product for years.

The brand issued a statement. The news cycle moved on. The product returned to shelves.

I couldn't move on.

The Scale of the Problem

Spice adulteration in India is not a fringe issue. Studies by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have found adulteration rates of 20–40% in random market samples of common spices. Common adulterants include:

• Artificial colours (lead chromate in turmeric, Sudan dyes in chilli powder)
• Fillers (rice flour, chalk powder, sawdust in ground spices)
• Inferior substitutes (cheaper spice varieties mixed into premium blends)
• Excess moisture (added weight, reduced shelf life)

The consumer has almost no way to detect this at the point of purchase. The packaging looks the same. The price is competitive. The brand is familiar.

→ Learn how to read a spice label and spot misleading claims

Why the Market Allows It

The Indian spice market is driven by price competition at scale. Margins are thin. Sourcing is opaque. Regulatory enforcement is inconsistent.

In this environment, the incentive to cut corners is enormous — and the risk of getting caught is low. Premium, honest products are not rewarded by the market because consumers have been conditioned to distrust premium pricing.

What Phoran Is Doing About It

We cannot fix the entire market. But we can offer a clear alternative.

Every Phoran product is:

• Made without artificial colours or fillers
• Sourced from trusted farm partners in premium growing regions
• Produced in small batches with full quality care
• Honestly labelled — the ingredient list contains only what is in the jar

We also believe in education. The more consumers understand about what goes into their masala, the more they will demand better. That is part of why we write these posts.

Start here: How to Read a Spice Label → | Why Erode Turmeric Is Different → | Single-Origin Spices Explained →

An Invitation

If you have been buying the same masala brand for twenty years out of habit, we are not asking you to distrust your kitchen. We are asking you to try one jar and taste the difference.

That is all it takes.

Shop Panch Phoran Six-Spice Bundle → | Shop Pure Turmeric (Haldi) → | Shop Premium Garam Masala →

Or explore our full range: 5 Masala Spice Bundle Pack | Indian Spice Starter Kit | Festival Special Gift Pack

FAQ

Q: Is spice adulteration common in India?
A: Yes. FSSAI studies have found adulteration in 20–40% of random market spice samples. Common adulterants include artificial colours, fillers, and inferior substitutes. Learn how to identify quality spices →

Q: How can I tell if my masala is adulterated?
A: Some tests can be done at home (e.g., dissolving turmeric in water to check for artificial colour), but most adulteration is undetectable without lab testing. Buying from transparent, traceable brands is the most reliable protection.

Q: What makes Phoran Masala different from commercial brands?
A: Phoran uses no artificial colours or fillers, sources from trusted farm partners in premium growing regions, and produces in small batches. Read about our sourcing commitment →

Q: Where can I buy Phoran Masala?
A: Shop directly at phoranmasala.com. We ship across India and offer wholesale options for restaurants and businesses. Contact us for wholesale enquiries →