Known as the 'Golden Spice', turmeric is a household staple in India used for cooking and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Apart from being a natural food dye, turmeric is an excellent immunity booster. In many Indian religions, it is even considered auspicious; Indians often use it during religious ceremonies.
In the culinary world, turmeric or haldi is a vital ingredient. It is used almost in every Indian dish. It has a distinct aroma and adds a pleasant flavour to the food. Besides, you can also use it on your face as a beauty product. In this article, we have listed the best turmeric powders in India, including Zizira, Tata Sampann, and more. Read on to know about them! This article is medically reviewed by nutritionist Ruchi Wadhwa, keep reading as she explains in detail the relevance of colour, ingredients in turmeric.
Ruchi Wadhwa is a certified Nutritionist with a keen interest in Ayurvedic science. She has a wholesome, holistic, and sustainable approach to nutrition.
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the relevant research (as of 15-03-2023).
Table of Contents
Ruchi Wadhwa is a certified Nutritionist with a keen interest in Ayurvedic sciences. She has a wholesome, holistic, and sustainable approach to nutrition. Check out our Food and drinks section as more articles are reviewed by expert Ruchi Wadhwa.
Choosing a turmeric powder can be tricky. All you see is a yellowish-orange colour when you buy it. So how do you know if the turmeric powder is pure? Well, there are some ways of knowing that. In this guide, we have explained a few points you must consider when buying turmeric powder. These include higher curcumin percentage, colour, certification, and more.
Curcumin is one of the primary ingredients in turmeric that provides several health benefits. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect your body against inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also known to cure stomach ulcers and reduce the possibility of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, curcumin helps in the development of the brain hormone BDNF. This hormone is responsible for the growth of new neurons and slows down the degenerative processes in your brain. That helps in preventing brain-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
So, always go for a product that has a high percentage of this healing compound. An average turmeric powder contains about 3% of curcumin. However, most products that we have listed in this article have a high content of curcumin. For example, Zirazira and Looms & Weaves turmeric powder contains up to 8% curcumin.
Curcumin, a polyphenol, is responsible for the majority of health benefits associated with turmeric. In fact, this ingredient is so important that it is marketed alone as a supplement. Moreover, to experience the beneficial effect of turmeric, you need to consume more than 1 gram of curcumin per day which is possible if turmeric powder has 5-8% of curcumin.
When you're buying loose turmeric powder, one easy way to ascertain its purity is to check its appearance and colour. It can be a little tricky. But if you buy from a trusted and known brand, there will be fewer chances of being cheated.
The colour of pure Lakadong turmeric would either be fluorescent deep orange or bright yellow. If the colour is lighter or dull yellow, the chances are that it not so authentic. When you are purchasing online, read the customers' reviews about its colour and smell.
The authentic powder will have deep orange to bright yellow color. Turmeric powder can be adulterated by mixing chalk powder or adding metanil yellow to it. So, impure turmeric will have a lesser or duller yellow that can be identified easily. Turmeric powder is widely used for therapeutic purposes, and contaminating it can have adverse effects.
You should buy food products only from trusted, licensed, and certified brands. That way, you can be assured of their quality and authenticity. Always look for the certification mark when buying turmeric powder. It is one good way of knowing its credibility.
Besides, every country has some laws and regulations on food items. For example, In India, the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Act of India) ensures the safety of all food products. You must look for its logo and other important information regarding ingredients and nutritional value on the product's label.
Spices like other food items can be adulterated with husk, artificial color, starch, chalk powder, sawdust, papaya seeds, etc. So, certification marks are employed to assure consumers of the product's quality. In India, all agricultural commodities need to have mandatory AGMARK and FSSAI certifications. So, all good-quality products will bear their certification logos.
₹599.00
Arguably one of the best turmeric powders, it is 100% organic and free of any added preservatives and flavours. The powder contains about 7.94% of curcumin, a healing compound with anti-inflammatory effects and an excellent antioxidant. This percentage is much higher compared to other turmeric powders that have only 3% curcumin.
Many customers have spoken about its rich colour and pleasant aroma, which signify its superior quality. This pure turmeric is directly sourced from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, where it is produced through traditional farming methods.
Every batch of turmeric goes through mandatory testing to ensure they are free of pesticides and chemicals. This turmeric is also known for medicinal purposes and helps improve your overall health. Besides, the brand uses eco-friendly packaging, keeping in mind the safety of the environment.
₹53.00
Tata Sampan is one of the most trusted and oldest manufacturers of spices in India. Their turmeric powder is entirely organic and comes with a minimum shelf life of 12 months. It contains 3% curcumin and a good amount of natural oils that enhance the flavour and provide many health benefits.
Having its origins in Salem, Tamil Nadu, this powder is grown without using any chemicals and pesticides. The turmeric is dried naturally under the sun and is cultivated through controlled organic farming practices.
The customers have made a special mention about its price and quality which they found better than many other brands. Also, the product is packed hygienically, ensuring complete protection.
₹174.80
This product is again entirely natural and ayurvedic. Made from the dried root of the Curcuma longa plant, it is free of additives. Compared to ordinary turmeric, lakadong turmeric has a distinct flavour and light brown colour. It has a minimum curcumin content of 8%, which is much higher than other turmeric brands.
This turmeric powder is made through a simple and all-natural process. First, the turmeric is sorted and washed with water about three to four times. Then, it is sliced into small pieces, sun-dried, crushed into powder, and put in small batches.
Looms & Weaves turmeric powder is a perfect remedy for an uneven skin tone; it improves skin pigmentation with its bleaching properties. You can also use it to treat acne, dry skin or other skin-related problems. It will make your skin glowing and refreshing.
₹299.00
Carrying the spirit of the tribe in a true sense, Lakadong turmeric comes from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is said to be one of the finest quality turmerics. Spirit of the Tribe Lakadong turmeric powder is healthy, fresh, and tasty, so it is a favourite.
It has a high concentration of curcumin (more than 5%) and is perfect for immunity. The powder is made of turmeric rhizomes (a plant belonging to the ginger family). These are carefully picked and then processed meticulously to give the best quality turmeric powder.
The Lakadong turmeric latte made with milk, turmeric powder, honey, and cinnamon is a close alternative for coffee addicts. People love it because it is healthy, delicious, and creamy. As per customer reviews, this is one of the best turmerics in the country, with a great smell and flavour packed in a durable glass jar.
₹299.00
Also known as Red Turmeric, this turmeric powder is directly sourced from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It consists of high amounts of curcumin (up to 8%), as stated by the Indian Council of Agricultural research.
You can use this powder with milk by adding 1tsp or relish its rich flavour in your everyday food. It is loaded with several health benefits and has anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties that help boost immunity. It works great on burns, cuts, and various skin-related infections.
As per the customers, the product is hygienically packed as it comes in a glass bottle. Its colour is also quite dark, different from the ones available in cities. Besides, it dissolves easily in milk, which reflects its purity and superior quality.
₹42.00
Another highly trusted spice brand, their turmeric powder is exceptionally healthy and wholly natural with no added preservatives or artificial dyes. The brand believes that using organic cultivation methods gives the best quality and sustainable consumption results. At the same time, it provides a better livelihood to the farmers of India.
There are a variety of uses for this powder. You can mix it with different ingredients, sprinkle on salad, add a teaspoon in milk, or simply use it while cooking a meal. You can also use it for medicinal purposes and as a cosmetic product too.
₹239.00
It is again 100% certified organic turmeric sourced from various organic farms across the country. The powder contains between 4%-7% curcumin, depending on the batch. The quality control team of the company analyses it to ensure that the powder is chemical-free.
This turmeric powder is ideal for preparing turmeric lattes, a.k.a 'Golden Milk'. You can also add it to smoothies, curries, salads, soups, and baked goods. For optimal curcumin absorption, pair it with black pepper. This premium quality turmeric powder has a powerful aroma and pleasant taste that makes it essential in your kitchen.
₹43.00
Another highly loved food product, Pure & Sure turmeric powder by Phalada Agro, comes with a 100% organic certification. It is cultivated using traditional farming practices and is free of artificial chemicals and dyes.
The refreshing aroma of the turmeric powder is a mark of the authenticity it carries from the farms to your kitchen. This extremely affordable and organic turmeric powder is good for your body as well as your budget.
Try this if you miss your native turmeric taste, as it is completely pure & different from those you see in the urban markets. It will delight all your senses and bring you good health.
₹221.00
Made in accordance with GMP (good manufacturing practices), this turmeric powder has no harmful additives like filler, binders, and artificial ingredients. It is a 100% organic turmeric powder with 4% to 7% curcumin depending on the batch.
This organic powder is entirely vegan as it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. All the products manufactured are tested and analyzed carefully by a team of experts. It results in better absorption, improved digestion and has a high therapeutic value.
Customer reviews say that it has a warm fragrance and great taste. And, also has multiple uses – you can use it as a flavouring agent in foods, on your face as a beauty product, or to treat skin diseases.
₹40.00
The organic tattva turmeric powder is another pure vegan, gluten-free and certified 100% organic turmeric powder. Based on the four pillars of health, fairness, care, and ecology, it has been made with a purpose to bring a difference in people's lives in terms of nutrition and health.
The brand's mission is to help people lead a healthy lifestyle by providing wholly organic food. There is no use of chemicals and pesticides in the production of turmeric. Also, no artificial colouring or preservatives are added to make it look more appealing.
Using turmeric powder on the face can give you glowing, radiant, and spotless skin. Here is a video by a popular YouTube channel called SuperWowStyle that talks about eight different ways of using turmeric for beauty purposes. These include –
Watch the whole video to find out the best secret ways to use turmeric on the skin.
Water Test – Take a glass of lukewarm water and drop a teaspoon of turmeric powder on the surface. Do not mix it with the water and wait for about 15 minutes. If the powder settles at the bottom of the glass and the water above remains clear, that means it is pure. But if it doesn't settle down and the water becomes cloudy, it may be adulterated.
Metanil Yellow Test – Metanil yellow is a toxic synthetic dye that enhances food colour. To check its presence in the turmeric – take a pinch of turmeric powder in a test tube and add a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid into it. If the water turns pink, it means there is a presence of this adulterant. Consuming metanil yellow can cause indigestion and food poisoning.
Adulteration is the process of making a product less pure by adding foreign or inferior substances to it. This can be intentional and is done to increase profit margins. It is hard to check the purity of turmeric powder from its aroma and appearance alone. So, the above-mentioned at-home tests can help you check the extent of adulteration and help you choose better.
You must know what you are eating. As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Always check the information given on the product label for any food item you purchase. You may have a busy lifestyle, but that should not be a reason to not pay attention to your food. To know about other food products, check the articles below.
There is no substitute for healthy eating. These days many healthcare supplements are available to fill the gaps in your diet, but you cannot rely on them alone. You must consume the right food first. Even when you buy an item as simple as haldi powder, consider the points mentioned in this guide. We care for you!
Author: Deeksha Mangla
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
PC and Cameras
Home Appliances and Electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Household goods
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Smartphones and mobile phones
Investment and asset management
Music
Smartphone applications