Filé Powder is also known as gumbo filé or ground sassafras leaves. 

Pronounced “FEE-lay,” our Filé Powder is an herbal thickening agent made primarily from ground sassafras leaves. Sassafras leaves have an essential oil content of about 2% to 3% and exude a natural mucilage, the thickener that gives the powder its name.

Filé Powder is a blend of ground sassafras powder, ground oregano, and ground thyme. It is popular with seasoning companies; independent spice shops; brewpubs; seafood restaurants; breweries; and manufacturers of sausages and kettlecorn or popcorn.

Flavor Profile

Filé Powder has a peppery depth and herbal lemon flavor with bitter notes reminiscent of root beer.

How to Use

Filé Powder should be used sparingly as it is very potent. If you add too much, cook it for too long, or cook it at too high a heat, your dish will likely turn stringy and gummy. It is most commonly used to thicken gumbos, like this hearty Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Filé Powder can also be used to season shrimp and grits, and stews like crawfish etouffee. It can be a recipe rescue if you have a chowder that’s too milky or need to add that extra heft to vegetable gravy. Use it as a thickener instead of roux, but be prepared for the final product to reflect the flavor of the changed ingredients.