Why You Should Know What’s in Your Masala

Indian cooking is nothing without its masalas. The right spice blend can turn a simple dish into an unforgettable meal, layering it with depth, warmth, and complexity. But do you really know what’s in your masala?

If you're buying your spices off supermarket shelves, chances are you’re consuming more than just pure, aromatic spices. Most store-bought masalas—even those claiming to be “authentic” or “homemade”—often contain artificial colours, excessive salt, low-quality fillers, and preservatives that dilute both flavour and nutrition.

Understanding what goes into your masala is essential—not only to ensure great taste but also to avoid unnecessary additives that might be harming your health.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the hidden ingredients in mass-produced masalas, why traditional spice blends matter, and how Aazol’s range of handcrafted Maharashtrian masalas can bring authenticity, purity, and superior flavour to your cooking.

What’s Hiding in Your Store-Bought Masala?

Walk into any supermarket and you’ll find shelves lined with spice blends, each promising rich flavour and authentic taste. But a closer look at the labels tells a different story.

1. Artificial Colours & Preservatives

Ever wondered why some masalas look too bright and vibrant? That’s often due to synthetic food dyes, added to make the product look fresh and appealing. But these artificial colours contribute nothing to taste and may even pose health risks when consumed regularly.

2. Excessive Salt & Cheap Fillers

Many mass-produced masalas bulk up their weight by adding excess salt, starch, or other fillers. This means you’re getting less of the actual spice blend and more of unnecessary ingredients that reduce the masala’s strength and purity.

3. Synthetic Flavour Enhancers

Instead of using high-quality spices, some brands rely on chemical flavour boosters to mimic the aroma and taste of real spices. These additives may make the masala smell strong, but they lack the natural depth and richness of a well-balanced, traditional spice blend.

4. Low-Quality, Mass-Processed Spices

Unlike handpicked, sun-dried, and carefully blended spices, store-bought masalas are often made from low-grade bulk spices that have been stored for long periods, losing their essential oils and freshness. The result? A masala that tastes flat and lifeless compared to the aromatic, freshly ground spices of traditional kitchens.

This is why it’s important to know your masala and choose spice blends that are made using time-honoured techniques, without artificial additives or shortcuts.

Aazol’s Masalas: Pure, Authentic, and Packed with Flavour

At Aazol, we believe that spices should be pure, unadulterated, and full of character. Our range of handcrafted Maharashtrian masalas is made by self-help group women, using time-tested methods and the finest locally sourced spices.

Each blend captures the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra, bringing bold, distinctive flavours to your kitchen—without any preservatives, artificial colours, or fillers.

Let’s take a look at Aazol’s premium masala range and how each blend can transform your cooking.

1. Malvani Chicken Masala – A Taste of the Konkan Coast 

If you love bold, coastal flavours, Aazol’s Malvani Chicken Masala is for you. This blend, sourced directly from Malvani women, combines spicy, smoky, and peppery notes, making it perfect for Konkani-style chicken and seafood dishes.

✔ Best for making Kombdi Vade (Konkani-style chicken curry), seafood curries, or grilled meats.
✔ Adds a rich, coastal depth to both traditional and fusion recipes.

💡 Try This: Mix a spoonful of Malvani Chicken Masala with yoghurt and marinate chicken or prawns for a spicy coastal barbecue twist!

2. Goda Masala – The Signature Maharashtrian Blend 

Unlike fiery spice blends, Aazol’s Goda Masala is known for its mildly sweet undertone, making it unique to Maharashtra. Made from a mix of aromatic spices, it is essential in many vegetarian dishes.

✔ A must-have for dishes like Masale Bhat, Bharli Vangi (stuffed brinjal), and Pithla.
✔ Brings warmth and complexity to curries and dals without overpowering other flavours.

💡 Did You Know? Goda Masala is Maharashtra’s most famous spice export, used in homes across the state.

3. Ghati Masala – The Spicy Red Chilli Blend from the Western Ghats 

If you enjoy bold and spicy flavours, Aazol’s Ghati Masala is perfect for you. This potent red chilli spice blend originates from the Western Ghats and adds an unmistakable fiery kick to any dish.

✔ A key ingredient for Vada Pav chutney, making it irresistibly spicy.
✔ Enhances curries, vegetable stir-fries, and even khichdi with intense heat and flavour.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix Ghati Masala with oil and spread it over parathas for a spicy breakfast twist!

4. Kala Masala – The Bold and Smoky Spice Mix 

Named for its deep, dark colour, Aazol’s Kala Masala is a roasted spice blend that brings a smoky, earthy richness to any dish.

✔ Ideal for classic dishes like Usal (spiced lentils), Pithla, and Maharashtrian-style dals.
✔ A great alternative to garam masala, adding depth and warmth to curries and gravies.

💡 Did You Know? Kala Masala recipes vary across Maharashtra, with each region having its own special blend!

5. Aagri Fish Masala – A Coastal Secret for Bold Seafood Flavours 

A spice mix deeply rooted in Aagri fisherfolk traditions, Aazol’s Fiery Fish Masala brings bold, spicy, and tangy notes to seafood dishes.

✔ Best for Aagri-style fried fish, prawns, or rich seafood curries.
✔ Works beautifully in mutton and chicken dishes for a fiery, flavour-packed meal.

💡 Try This: Sprinkle Aagri Fish Masala over roasted cashews for a quick and spicy snack!

Why Knowing Your Masala Matters

Cooking is an act of love, tradition, and creativity. The right masala enhances the flavour of your dishes, while low-quality spice blends can dull or overpower them.

1. Flavour Matters

Authentic masalas are crafted with carefully selected spices, delivering layered, bold, and natural flavours that mass-produced masalas simply cannot replicate.

2. Health Matters

By choosing traditionally made masalas, you avoid artificial colours, preservatives, and excessive salt, ensuring you and your family consume only natural, wholesome spices.

3. Culture Matters

Each regional masala carries the legacy of centuries-old cooking traditions. Choosing locally sourced, handcrafted masalas preserves this rich culinary heritage while supporting small-scale artisans.

🌟 Upgrade Your Kitchen with Aazol’s Authentic Maharashtrian Masalas! 🌟

✅ No artificial colours or preservatives
✅ No synthetic additives
✅ Made using time-honoured techniques by self-help group women

Taste the difference. Cook with authenticity. Choose Aazol.

Author, 

Grishma Sharma.