July Must-Haves: 5 Bold Ingredients to Try This Summer

Summer’s in full swing, and if you’re anything like us, you're leaning into longer evenings, laid-back meals, and experimenting with new flavours in the kitchen. Whether you're throwing together quick home-cooked meals or planning ahead for weekend BBQs and alfresco lunches, now is the perfect time to shake up your ingredient game.

At i4C, we’ve handpicked 5 standout ingredients that are all about big flavour and versatility. These are perfect for home cooks looking to spice things up, quite literally, or for anyone who just loves discovering new ways to enjoy food. From Korean gochujang to refreshing peach iced tea, here's what we’re loving this month and how to use each one.

Cajun Seasoning: Smoky Heat for Grills, Fries and More

If you're not already using Cajun seasoning in your kitchen, now’s the time to start. This bold and smoky spice blend is a go-to for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and homemade fries. Made with a punchy mix of paprika, chilli, garlic, oregano, and cumin, Cajun powder is the secret behind some of the best summer barbecue recipes and is incredibly easy to use. Just a generous sprinkle over chips or wedges before baking adds instant restaurant-style flavour, and it's equally good rubbed into chicken thighs or prawns before grilling.

If you’re searching for the best cajun seasoning for fries, BBQ’s or for everyday cooking, Centaur’s Cajun Seasoning 250g is a must-have. Many cooks also love using Cajun seasoning as a dry rub for fish, sweet potatoes, and even tofu. Once you’ve tried it, it’s likely to become a staple in your spice rack.

Gochujang Paste: A Little Spoon Goes a Long Way

There’s a reason gochujang has gone from niche ingredient to kitchen essential. This Korean chilli paste delivers a unique combination of heat, sweetness, saltiness, and deep umami, perfect for turning basic meals into something exciting. Made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and chillies, gochujang is thick, sticky, and incredibly versatile. Just a spoonful stirred into stir-fries, marinades or sauces can completely change the depth and complexity of your dish.

If you’re new to it, you might be wondering what the difference is between gochujang paste and gochujang chilli sauce, the paste is thicker and more concentrated, making it ideal for cooking, while the sauce is often a ready-to-use condiment. You can mix gochujang with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and honey to create a spicy-sweet glaze for chicken, or stir it into mayo for a Korean-inspired spicy mayo that’s brilliant in sandwiches or burgers.

Whether you're looking to buy gochujang online, trying to recreate your favourite bibimbap at home, or just looking for a bold new condiment, Centaur Gochujang Korean Chilli Paste 575g packs in flavour like no other.

Peach Iced Tea Syrup: Summer in a Glass

When it comes to refreshing summer drinks, few things hit the spot like a chilled glass of peach iced tea. 1883 Maison Routin Peach Iced Tea Syrup is a quick and easy way to enjoy café-style iced drinks at home, just dilute with still or sparkling water, add ice, and you’ve got summer in a glass. For a twist, try mixing it with green tea for a light and fruity iced peach green tea, or add lemon and mint for a homemade take on a cold brew peach iced tea that’s as good as anything you’d find in a bottle.

Many people search for the best peach iced tea or wonder how to make peach tea at home, and this syrup really is the easiest answer. It can also be used in baking, stirred into cake glazes or drizzled over fresh fruit salads for an extra layer of sweetness. And if you’re more of a cocktail fan, try using it as a base for a peach bellini, or to add depth to gin and vodka-based drinks. This syrup is a must-have for your summer drinks shelf.

Perelló Gordal Olives: Big Flavour, Bold Snack

Snackable, shareable and full of bold, briny flavour, Perelló Gordal olives have quickly become a firm favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. These plump Spanish green olives are known for their meaty texture and generous size, with a taste that’s both savoury and slightly sweet. The picante versions, like the Perelló Gordal Pitted Olives Picanté 150g, come with a subtle chilli warmth that makes them especially moreish.

If you've ever wondered about the difference between Perelló Gordal olives and other varieties, it really comes down to texture and size; Gordal translates to “fat one” in Spanish, and they’re as juicy and satisfying as the name suggests. They're perfect served straight from the tin as part of an antipasti spread, chopped into summer salads, or even stirred into pasta dishes for a Mediterranean twist. And yes, they’re available in a variety of sizes, from Perelló olives 600g tins to larger bulk formats like Perelló Gordal olives 4.15kg, ideal for gatherings, gifting, or just keeping well-stocked for spontaneous snacking.

With many people searching where to buy Perelló olives online, we’ve made it easy: browse the full Perelló range on the i4C website and discover why these olives are a pantry essential.

Irish Black Butter: Unexpectedly Brilliant

And finally, Irish Black Butter. If you haven’t tried this unique preserve yet, you’re not alone, but once you do, it’s hard not to fall for its deep, spiced sweetness. Made with Irish apples, treacle, cider, and spices, this rich black spread is often compared to apple butter, but with more complexity and warmth. It's fantastic on toast or crumpets, but really comes into its own when paired with cheese, particularly strong cheddars or creamy brie.

You can also use it in baking, swirled through cake batters, spooned into tarts, or layered into fruit crumbles for extra depth. For those who enjoy thoughtful home prepared meals and like experimenting with seasonal ingredients, Irish Black Butter is a delicious addition to your fridge, ideal for sweet and savoury cooking alike. It’s not just a talking point at dinner parties, it’s a genuinely useful and flavourful addition to your home cooking repertoire.

Try Them All and Make July Taste Amazing

Whether you’re craving the comforting spice of Cajun seasoning, the umami kick of gochujang paste, the fruity refreshment of peach iced tea, the salty tang of Perelló olives, or the unexpected charm of Irish Black Butter, these five ingredients offer fresh inspiration for the summer table. They’re versatile, packed with flavour, and easy to incorporate into your day-to-day cooking.

You’ll find all five available now at infusions4chefs, along with thousands of chef-approved products, everyday ingredients, and exciting pantry additions. Whether you’re upgrading your spice rack, prepping for a summer picnic, or experimenting with global flavours at home, i4C is the essential ingredient for every kitchen.

Keep an eye on our socials (@i4cfood) and blog for recipes, tips, and new ways to use these brilliant ingredients, and let us know which one you're trying first.