Top Zesty Picks: Must-Try Za'atar Brands for Flavorful Dishes

Zaatar, a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend made of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, has become a culinary staple worldwide. As its popularity rises, discerning consumers seek out the best brands to ensure authentic flavor and quality. From artisanal small-batch creations to larger, well-established names, the choices are as diverse as the regions that produce them. For those eager to explore the top contenders and their unique offerings, the list below provides a comprehensive guide.

Illustration of zaatar

Best brands of zaatar in 2025

Ziyad

Ziyad, a family-owned business since 1966, is a well-regarded producer of zaatar, crafting a savory and earthy blend using high-quality ingredients such as thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds, with some variations including sumac and roasted wheat, making it a versatile spice perfect for breads, meats, and vegetables. Often recognized for its vibrant green color and fragrant aroma, it is frequently recommended by chefs and foodies.

Sadaf

Sadaf is a premier brand for zaatar, offering a savory and tangy blend of high-quality herbs and spices including thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, salt, and sumac, with some variations including cilantro or coriander, in a 6 oz or 9.4 oz size, packed in the USA; additionally, the zaatar is versatile, ideal for seasoning meats, vegetables, and bread, and the product is Halal and Kosher.

Al Wadi Al Akhdar

Al Wadi Al Akhdar, established in 1979, is a leading Lebanese food brand with over 40 years of experience, offering more than 150 products and is recognized as a top producer of authentic zaatar, alongside other Lebanese and Middle Eastern specialties, using the finest ingredients and maintaining high food standards, and is available in more than 25 countries.

Pereg

Pereg, a family-owned company established in 1906, is a top producer of zaatar, offering a signature blend made with hyssop, sesame seeds, ground chickpeas, and other spices, with a sodium content of only 9mg per serving. This versatile spice mix is a popular choice for both traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and modern dishes like pizza and hummus. Available in 4.25 oz jars, it also comes in a Passover blend, catering to diverse culinary needs.

Cortas

Cortas, a brand with a long history in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a top producer of zaatar, a spice blend typically containing thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, with some variations including coriander. While the exact percentages of each ingredient in Cortas' zaatar blend are proprietary, it's known to be a high-quality mix, often used in traditional dishes and gaining global popularity. Cortas zaatar can be found in various sizes, including 1kg packages, and it is a staple in many households across the Levant region and beyond, showcasing its commitment to authentic flavors since its establishment.

Alkanater

Alkanater, established in 1977, is a renowned producer of traditional foods, including zaatar, using high-quality, natural ingredients, and is ISO 22000 certified, ensuring top-notch safety and quality with a commitment to customer satisfaction; their zaatar, though specific ingredient percentages are not listed, is considered a premium blend of herbs and spices, with no preservatives and is enjoyed globally, demonstrating their dedication to excellence. You can explore their range on their official website.

Lebanese Valley

Lebanese Valley, established in 1998, is a top zaatar producer, hand-harvesting wild thyme and oregano in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, then sun-drying them for a month before blending with sumac and sesame, resulting in an authentic and fragrant mix with approximately 74% carbohydrates. Known for using 100% Lebanese ingredients, they ensure a rich flavor that's not too salty. For more information, visit their official website.

Terra Delyssa

While Terra Delyssa is well-known for its high-quality olive oil, they also offer za'atar seasoning, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, that is featured in several of their recipes, such as Za'atar Roasted Squash with Crispy Kale and Pomegranate, showcasing its versatility and authentic flavor profile; the brand emphasizes quality and natural ingredients, often using their own olive oil in recipes that call for za'atar. Although specific data regarding the za'atar production are not available, Terra Delyssa focuses on a transparent process from harvesting to bottling, ensuring the high quality of their products; they are committed to sustainability and traceability with a focus on providing customers with authentic flavors. You can find more information about their products and recipes on their website.

Za'atar Road

Za'atar Road, established by Maya Hachem, is a curated marketplace that sources za'atar and other goods directly from farmers and artisans in the Levant, aiming to provide economic stability to the region and offer authentic products to expatriates and enthusiasts. Celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions of the area with their unique blends of herbs and spices, including sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, and oregano, which vary in each family recipe, the brand focuses on high-quality, traditionally crafted products with a mission to improve the lives of the artisans they work with.

Spice Station

Spice Station offers a variety of za'atar, including brown, green, and red, each with a unique flavor profile rooted in the culinary traditions of the Levant, using a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, with the red version including Aleppo pepper for extra spice; their za'atar is known for its aromatic and authentic taste, perfect for seasoning meats, bread, or salads. Spice Station also provides other Middle Eastern spices and blends, ensuring high-quality and flavorful options for customers seeking authentic culinary experiences, reflecting the heritage of the region. You can explore their selection of za'atar and other spices on their website.