In commercial food production, the particle size of spices, herbs, and blends, also known as mesh size, directly impacts efficiency, consistency, and finished product quality. At Pacific Spice Company, mesh size is more than a line on a COA; it is a key lever for meeting your flavor, appearance, and processing requirements.
What Mesh Size Means in a Commercial Context
Flow and coverage
Finer cuts enhance surface coverage and adhesion in seasoning drums and dusters.
Coarser cuts can reduce dusting and deliver defined visual cues.
Uniformity and segregation
Mismatched particle sizes in a blend can let heavier fines settle during shipping or handling.
Aligning the particle size distribution (PSD) across components reduces sifting and keeps the flavor profile uniform from top to bottom of the bag or tote.
Flavor release and appearance
Fine particles release flavor quickly and disperse invisibly in slurries, sauces, and batters.
Coarse cuts release more gradually, which is ideal for longer cook times, and provide visible texture such as cracked pepper or herb flakes.
Equipment performance
Right sized particles move predictably through vibratory feeders, augers, and automated applicators, reducing clogs and line stops.
Impact on Single Ingredients
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Flavor release rate – finer particles release quickly, coarse cuts release gradually and are ideal for longer cook times.
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Visual presentation – large cut parsley signals freshness and craft, fine oregano disperses invisibly into sauces.
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Performance – fine garlic powder for snack dusts versus coarse granulated garlic for meat rubs.
Mesh Size in Seasoning Blends
In large scale production, mesh size consistency is as important as the ingredient list.
Why it matters:
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Even distribution – Matching particle sizes prevents heavier fines from settling at the bottom of bags or drums
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Consistent flavor delivery – Uniform particles ensure the same taste profile in every bite or serving
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Equipment performance – Helps prevent clogs and uneven feed in automated systems
Example: In a BBQ rub, pairing 30 mesh black pepper with granulated garlic creates visual appeal while helping avoid segregation.
Mesh in Real-World Applications
Whether in food manufacturing, CPG blends, or foodservice kitchens:
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Fine mesh ensures seasonings disperse evenly in snack dusts, sauces, or shake-on applications
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Coarse mesh provides visual impact and texture for proteins, rubs, or artisan-style inclusions
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Controlled mesh sizing keeps blends performing consistently across automated production lines and manual prep environments
Ingredient Examples and Common Mesh Options
Pacific Spice Company carries a broad range of spices and herbs, each available in multiple mesh sizes and cut styles. The items below are representative only.
Garlic
Typical uses: Fine powder for snack dusts and even dispersion in batters and slurries. Granulated or coarse for rubs on proteins with lower dusting and slower release.
Common meshes and cuts: Powder; Granulated; Minced larger particle.
Onion
Typical uses: Powder for even dispersion in bases and batters. Granulated for better flow with reduced dust. Chopped for visible inclusions in toppings and mixes.
Common meshes and cuts: Powder; Granulated; Chopped larger particle.
Black Pepper
Typical uses: Coarse cracked for texture and visual interest. Fine ground for fast release and uniform heat.
Common meshes and cuts: Whole; Cracked; Coarse; Ground 16 mesh medium; Ground 20 mesh; Ground 24 mesh dust free; Ground 28 mesh dust free; Ground 30 mesh; Fine ground.
Parsley
Typical uses: Large cut for visible inclusions that signal craft and freshness. Fine cut for rapid flavor dispersion in sauces or emulsions.
Common cuts: Large cut flakes; Granules.
Beyond these examples, PSC supplies many other spices and herbs in different mesh sizes and cuts. Items like chili flakes, sage, rosemary, oregano, basil, and thyme are commonly supplied in multiple particle sizes to align with flavor, visual, and processing requirements.
Looking for more? Explore our full range of spices and herbs on the Product Page.
Ready to Dial In Your Mesh Specs?
Mesh size impacts product quality, processing efficiency, and customer satisfaction. If you need to meet a specific mesh spec or want help determining the best particle size for your application, we can help.
Contact us to discuss your requirements or request a sample.