Biltong Spices: The Ultimate List
If there’s one thing that defines truly great biltong, it’s the spice.
Every slice of biltong tells a story — not just of the meat or the drying process, but of the carefully balanced blend of herbs, salts, and seasonings that transform raw beef into South Africa’s most iconic snack.
At Northern Food Ingredients, we understand that perfecting biltong spice is both an art and a science. The right combination enhances flavour, improves preservation, and keeps customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re a traditional butcher, a home-based biltong maker, or a food manufacturer producing at scale, this ultimate list of biltong spices will help you refine your recipe and master the craft.
The Role of Spices in Biltong Making
Before we dive into the list, let’s understand why spices matter.
The biltong process uses vinegar, salt, and air-drying to preserve the meat — but it’s the spice mix that defines the aroma, taste, and texture.
Each spice plays a unique role:
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Salt draws out moisture and prevents spoilage.
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Coriander adds nutty warmth and the signature South African flavour.
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Pepper gives depth and heat.
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Brown sugar balances saltiness and enhances colour.
The best biltong spice blends strike harmony — salty, savoury, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
The Classic Biltong Spice Base
Nearly every authentic biltong recipe starts with these five essential ingredients:
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Coriander Seeds
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The heart of South African biltong.
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Roasted and ground, coriander gives a citrusy, nutty flavour.
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Toasting enhances aroma and reduces bitterness.
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Black Pepper
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Adds warmth and complexity.
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Use coarsely ground black pepper for texture and bite.
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Coarse Sea Salt
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Essential for curing.
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Helps draw out moisture, creating the ideal dry texture.
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Brown Sugar
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Balances salt and enhances the natural umami of meat.
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Adds slight caramel notes.
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Vinegar
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Usually malt or apple cider vinegar.
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Aids preservation and gives the tangy flavour biltong is known for.
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These five form the foundation. From here, you can add depth and character with secondary spices and herbs.
The Ultimate List of Biltong Spices
Here’s a complete guide to the most popular and effective biltong spice ingredients — from traditional essentials to modern flavour enhancers.
1. Coriander (Whole or Ground)
No biltong blend is complete without it. It’s the defining spice of South African biltong.
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Best used freshly roasted and crushed.
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Provides warm, nutty, citrusy notes.
2. Black Pepper
A must-have for savoury heat.
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Adds depth and complements coriander perfectly.
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Use cracked pepper for visual appeal.
3. Coarse Sea Salt
The foundation of curing.
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Regulates drying and prevents spoilage.
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Enhances every other flavour.
4. Brown Sugar
A touch of sweetness brings balance.
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Aids colour development during drying.
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Can be replaced with honey or molasses for variation.
5. Vinegar (Malt, Apple Cider, or Wine Vinegar)
Technically not a spice, but a crucial part of biltong’s flavour.
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Adds tang and acidity.
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Creates the perfect pH for safe curing.
6. Crushed Red Chilli or Cayenne Pepper
For those who like heat.
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Adds kick without overpowering.
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Works well with garlic and paprika.
7. Paprika (Sweet or Smoked)
A vibrant red spice that adds colour and warmth.
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Sweet paprika gives a mild, slightly sweet tone.
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Smoked paprika adds bold, barbecue-like richness.
8. Garlic Powder
A modern favourite for savoury depth.
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Works well with chilli and coriander.
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Avoid using too much — a little goes a long way.
9. Onion Powder
Adds a subtle, rounded sweetness.
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Enhances umami without overpowering.
10. Crushed Bay Leaves
Adds complexity and a herbal, earthy aroma.
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Especially effective in gourmet or premium blends.
11. Mustard Seeds or Powder
Adds a tangy, spicy undertone.
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Often used in Cape-style or Western biltong blends.
12. Cumin
For a slightly smoky, nutty aroma.
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Pairs beautifully with coriander and chilli.
13. Cloves
A traditional spice sometimes used in small amounts.
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Adds sweetness and a hint of spice.
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Best used sparingly — strong flavour.
14. Nutmeg
Used in small amounts for warmth and aroma.
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Works beautifully in sweet-spicy combinations.
15. Allspice
A subtle, peppery sweetness similar to cloves and cinnamon.
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Adds a traditional touch to heritage-style recipes.
16. Peri-Peri or African Bird’s Eye Chilli
For fiery biltong lovers.
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Creates bold, unmistakably African flavour.
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Can be blended with vinegar or oil for a peri-peri marinade base.
17. Worcestershire Powder or Sauce
Adds umami and tang.
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Often used by modern manufacturers for richer flavour.
18. Liquid Smoke
Optional, but adds a distinctive smoky aroma.
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Popular for export-style or “BBQ” biltong varieties.
19. Dried Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, or Rosemary)
For a Mediterranean twist.
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Adds complexity and freshness.
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Common in gourmet or fusion-style biltong.
20. Lemon or Lime Zest
A modern touch for citrus brightness.
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Complements coriander and pepper blends.
Building Your Own Biltong Spice Blend
While there are many pre-made spice mixes on the market, creating your own allows for signature flavour control.
A classic ratio to start with:
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50% coriander
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25% black pepper
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15% salt
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10% sugar and other spices
From here, you can add chilli for heat, garlic for savouriness, or paprika for colour.
At Northern Food Ingredients, we supply all the core ingredients you need — from bulk spices to curing salts and marinades — helping businesses craft unique blends at any scale.
Specialised Spice Blends for Biltong Makers
Many producers develop blends tailored to specific customer preferences or market demands. Popular variations include:
1. Traditional Blend
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Coriander, pepper, salt, brown sugar.
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The timeless South African classic.
2. Chilli or Peri-Peri Blend
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Red chilli, cayenne, or African bird’s eye.
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Spicy, bold, and ideal for export.
3. Garlic & Herb Blend
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Garlic powder, dried herbs, and coriander.
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Savoury and aromatic.
4. BBQ or Smoked Blend
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Smoked paprika, Worcestershire, and pepper.
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Perfect for modern or international markets.
5. Sweet & Spicy Blend
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Brown sugar, paprika, chilli, and a hint of clove or nutmeg.
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Popular for snack-sized or gourmet biltong ranges.
Tips for Perfecting Your Biltong Spice Recipe
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Roast Whole Coriander Seeds – lightly toasting releases oils and enhances aroma.
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Grind Freshly – for the best flavour, grind seeds before use.
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Test Small Batches – before scaling up, test different ratios for flavour consistency.
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Control Salt Levels – too much can overpower the meat; too little risks spoilage.
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Adjust for Moisture Levels – wetter biltong needs slightly more salt and vinegar for preservation.
Why Source Your Spices from Northern Foods
At Northern Food Ingredients, we supply the wholesale spice and seasoning essentials that drive South Africa’s biltong industry.
Our Advantages:
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Bulk supply of premium herbs, spices, and blends.
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Custom formulation for butchers and food manufacturers.
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Reliable quality and freshness across every delivery.
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Nationwide distribution with competitive pricing.
We work with butchers, biltong producers, and meat processors who demand consistent flavour and quality. Whether you’re perfecting a traditional recipe or developing a new premium range, Northern Foods has the spice base to make it happen.
Conclusion
Biltong may start with beef and vinegar — but it’s the spices that make it unforgettable. From traditional coriander and pepper to modern chilli and garlic blends, the possibilities are endless.
The key to success is quality ingredients — fresh, balanced, and reliable every time.
At Northern Food Ingredients, we’re proud to be a trusted supplier to South Africa’s food industry, helping businesses large and small craft the perfect biltong flavour.
Whether you need bulk coriander, curing salts, chilli flakes, or custom blends, we’ve got your recipe covered.
