No, Fennel seeds and anise are not the same. Although, anise and Fennel seeds are more or less similar look wise and both are used as a flavoring spice but anise is from a different plant. The flavor of anise is more pungent as compared to Fennel seed. Chewing Fennel seeds after food can be good in terms of taste and digestion but since anise is a stronger spice chewing anise wouldn’t be a good choice.