Should I use the ID or the full path for the category?

You can use either. The numeric ID 4608 is often preferred as it is language-independent, but the full text path is equally valid for Google Merchant Center.

Is it mandatory to provide a google_product_category?

It is optional, but highly recommended. If you omit it, Google will attempt to categorize the item automatically, which can often lead to incorrect classifications.

Can I use my own internal categories for this attribute?

No, you must use the official Google product taxonomy. Your internal classifications should be mapped to the product_type attribute instead.

Google product category

Seasonings & Spices

Category ID4608

Full path for the feedFood, Beverages & Tobacco > Food Items > Seasonings & Spices

All deeper subcategories

Herbs & Spices1529
MSG4610
Pepper6199
Salt4611

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Burlap & Barrel Sweet Allspice
It’s Delish Gourmet Toasted Minced Onion
Burlap & Barrel Black Urfa Chili Flakes
Burlap & Barrel Smoked Chipotle Chili Flakes
Burlap & Barrel Silk Chili Flakes
Burlap & Barrel Whole Cloud Forest Cardamom Pods
Burlap & Barrel Pemba Cloves
Burlap & Barrel Alphonso Mango Amchur
Burlap & Barrel Caribbean Bay Leaves
Burlap & Barrel Lucknow Fennel Seeds
The Spice Lab Carolina Reaper Chile Flakes
Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pepper
Chipotle Salt
Black Garlic Ground
The Spice Lab Birdseye Chili Pepper Powder

About Seasonings & Spices

The Seasonings & Spices category, identified by ID 4608, is part of the Food, Beverages & Tobacco hierarchy. It is specifically designated for flavor enhancers used in culinary preparation to improve the taste, aroma, or texture of dishes.

Products in this Category

This category includes a wide variety of dried botanical products and mineral additives used in cooking. Examples of products found in the US market include:

Individual dried herbs and whole spices like cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves.
Ground spices and powdered chili varieties, such as smoked chipotle, urfa chili, or bird's-eye chili powder.
Gourmet dried aromatics like toasted minced onion and ground black garlic.
Specialty seasoning blends, including smoked peppers and infused salts like chipotle salt.

Exclusions and Better Fits

Do not include complex prepared food items or gift sets here. Items categorized as Food Gift Baskets, Condiments & Sauces, or Prepared Foods belong in their respective categories. Products consisting primarily of cooking oils, vinegars, or baking extracts should be placed in Cooking & Baking Ingredients rather than this specific category.

Subcategory Selection

Always map your products to the most granular level available. Choose Herbs & Spices, MSG, Salt, or Pepper when your item fits these specific subcategories to provide Google with the most accurate data for your feed.

Feed Implementation

Use either the numeric ID 4608 or the full path: Food, Beverages & Tobacco > Food Items > Seasonings & Spices. While the attribute is optional, providing it manually prevents Google from misclassifying your products with broad, inaccurate labels.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the ID or the full path for the category?: You can use either. The numeric ID 4608 is often preferred as it is language-independent, but the full text path is equally valid for Google Merchant Center.
Is it mandatory to provide a google_product_category?: It is optional, but highly recommended. If you omit it, Google will attempt to categorize the item automatically, which can often lead to incorrect classifications.
Can I use my own internal categories for this attribute?: No, you must use the official Google product taxonomy. Your internal classifications should be mapped to the product_type attribute instead.

This category in other languages

ru: Продукты, напитки и табачные изделия > Пищевые продукты > Приправы и специи
uk: Продукти харчування, напої та тютюнові вироби > Харчові продукти > Приправи та спеції