Bay Leaves vs. Laurel Leaves: What’s the Difference for Global Buyers?

Tuna TAS
Oct 21, 2024
2 min read

A Common Confusion in Global Trade

When searching for Bay Leaves or Laurel Leaves, many buyers are unsure whether they’re ordering the same product. In international markets, these names are often used interchangeably—yet some subtle but significant differences exist depending on origin, processing method, and trade terminology.

Are Bay Leaves and Laurel Leaves the Same Thing?

Technically, yes—both terms usually refer to the dried leaves of Laurus nobilis, a Mediterranean evergreen tree. However, the term used often depends on regional preference and export context:

“Bay Leaves” is more common in North American markets.
“Laurel Leaves” is preferred in European and Middle Eastern trade.
In Turkey, both names refer to the same leaf but are labeled based on client market.

For practical purposes in the bulk herb industry, they are the same product—unless the supplier differentiates by cut size or grade.

Labeling, Packaging, and Buyer Expectations

Bay Leaves are often sold in 10–25g retail packs or 25–50 kg pressed bales for wholesale.
Laurel Leaves tend to be used in industrial or premium packaging with a focus on essential oil content.
Some suppliers use “Bay Leaf” for semi-selected grades and “Laurel” for fully hand-selected, whole leaves.

Understanding how suppliers define each term can help you avoid miscommunication in quality and pricing.