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Home > Food & Dining Out > Topics: Cooking & Recipes

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The Spice is Right: How to Save up to 93% on Spices

Submitted by: Ray1 02/16/2009 5:35 PM

Spices are a great way to make a dull, ordinary meal a little more exciting. I use spices on my omelets, potatoes, meat, rice, oatmeal, and in many other dishes. I'm eating at home more often these days to save money and I've found myself reaching for the spice rack more frequently. The other day I ran out of ginger so I went down to my local supermarket. Naturally I went to the spice aisle to grab a little bottle of ground ginger.

After looking out over the sea of spice bottles I found the ginger I needed. Needless to say I got a little sticker shock when I calculated that the little bottle of ginger I needed worked out to just over $40 a pound. I had often reached for these little bottles of spices without ever stopping to think about the cost. I decided to find a cheaper way to buy spices.

spice aisle

I knew I could go to Costco but you need to buy spices in larger quantities and they only carry a few varieties. Instead, I decided to check out Winco Foods which has a large bulk foods section to see which if any spices they carried.

Buying Spices from the Bulk Bins

I was pleasantly surprised to find over 50 varieties of spices in their bulk food section, and was even more pleased when I saw the prices. I decided to compare the price of spices from the bulk section with those you can buy packaged off the shelf.

spice price chart

The price differential was so large I even went back to double-check if I recorded the prices correctly. The reason spices from the bulk bin work out so much cheaper is because you're not paying for the expensive packaging. Many of the off-the-shelf spices come packaged in glass bottles, but even those that just come in simple plastic containers cost significantly more than buying spices from the bulk bins. If you wanted to you could go out and buy little spice containers at a dollar store for fifty cents each and still come in at under half the price of the off-the-shelf spices.

I'm sure the spices at Costco and Sam's Club are significantly cheaper per oz. than the little bottles you buy off-the-shelf, but you have to buy in much larger quantities than you may otherwise need. For many spices I find I only use 6-8 oz of a particular spice a year. Spices can spoil quickly making buying the 27 oz. containers from Costco infeasible for me.

Related Searches

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Where to Find Bulk Spices

For bulk spices I shop at Winco which is a West Coast chain of supermarkets. I've heard that some Whole Foods have a bulk spice section. You can also check out ethnic supermarkets as they often carry bulk spices particular to that ethnicities cuisine. If you don't have a store near you that carries bulk spices you might try searching �bulk spices� on the web as some online stores offer spices for cheaper than you can find at the supermarket; just keep in mind shipping costs.

Weekend Project

I find myself most tempted to buy off-the-shelf spices when I'm in the middle of some recipe and find out I'm out of some key ingredient. It's then that I usually hop in my car to the nearest supermarket to buy one of those little bottles of spices. A great weekend project is to be proactive and measure out each of the spices in your spice rack and come up with a shopping list to top off each of your spices from the cheaper bulk bins rather than being rushed to buy them off the shelf.

Editor's Note: Readers: Do you have any tips on saving money on spices? Where do you buy your Spices? Drop us a line in the comments below. Thanks!

Click here to compare prices on Bulk Spices

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Comments:

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I go to the 99 cent store for my spices and also head to the Mexican markets which sell in packages and sometimes bulk.

Posted by Janet on February 17, 2009 2:59 PM

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I also purchase spices at the Dollar Stores and they have always seemed to be just as good as the more expensive ones from the food stores.

Posted by eclipse816 on February 18, 2009 11:59 AM

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Purchasing spices from the ethnic sections at your regular grocery store often saves money. It usually is in small plastic packages vs. the little bottles found in the spice section.

Posted by chris on February 18, 2009 9:40 PM

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I, too, have experienced spice "sticker shock" in the past! Now I purchase all of my spices at our local Big Lots and Dollar Tree stores. Both sell HUGE bottles of spices for .50 to 1.00 each! The spices are always fresh, and they're absolutely equal to their costly grocery store counterparts. Since there are only two of us at home (not including our feline family members), I sometimes share spices with family and friends, which further reduces the cost--they, in turn, give me a portion of the different spices that they buy.

Posted by SiameseBelle on February 21, 2009 2:08 AM

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I buy salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning and black peppercorns in large containers at Costco. I also was shocked by the price when I went to my local grocery store to pick up some whole dried bay leaves. A teeny container costs $1.99, but then I went to Cost Plus World Market and a much larger quantity in a bag was the same price, they also have a great selection of spices from different countries at very reasonable prices (compared to my grocery store anyway). Also, I go to a Persian store in my city (although it is quite a bit out of the way) and they have wonderful spices and rubs and great prices. I also buy tea (tea leaves) from them, it is not only at lot less expensive, but also tastes MUCH better. Now even the more expensive teas in tea bags taste like muddy water compared to the tea leaves.

Posted by anonymous on February 21, 2009 3:16 PM

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I buy the large containers of common spices like cinnamon, basil, etc. from Sams or Costco and keep them in the freezer and use directly from the freezer. Any spice that I use rarely is in the freezer too.

Posted by Meredithsgram on February 23, 2009 12:29 PM

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The best thing about buying bulk spices is that they are so much fresher than what you find in supermarkets. I always get burned when I buy a new batch of red hot pepper because the old stuff is so much weaker. buying in smaller quanitities ensures that you are always usign the freshest spice in your dishes. Good to know I am saving money too!

Posted by anonymous on February 24, 2009 11:14 AM

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You can get a whole bunch of bulk foods here: http://www.bulkfoods.com/products.asp
They have over 100 different spices available. I buy in bulk and share with friends. You can buy by the pound or the ounce, but even buying by the ounce is a deal. Allspice - 17oz for $8.54, close to $0.54/oz and Cinnamon is on sale right now for 16 oz for $4.99 or $0.31/oz. Still less than the shelf price, but not as good as Ray1's deal.

Posted by anonymous on February 24, 2009 12:08 PM

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I buy my spices at our local food co-op. Very good prices!!

Posted by Lisa on February 24, 2009 12:56 PM

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healthfood stores often have spices in bulk....I just saved several dollars getting celery seed from a healthfood store rather than the grocery store. 29 cents an ounce versus 2.15!

I will always refill spices from there from now on...and I will probably make better food too, now that I won't be a stingy spice nazi.

Posted by peter on February 24, 2009 3:30 PM

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Grocery Outlet has a limited selection of cheap spices. Also bullion and seasoning mixes. I'm going to check out the bulk section more closely next time I go to WINCO! I love that store, but have to leave town to get to one.

Posted by anonymous on February 26, 2009 11:52 PM

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I love to buy bulk spices at our local Amish market. It is a little home store so they don't have a lot of overhead and can offer spices, specialty flours and other items at a reduced cost.

The carry a wide variety, packaged in pint sized plastic bags which hold more than the little off the shelf jars. Because it is more than I need, I share the spices and the cost with my daughters which works out well for us - we all get the spices we need at a good savings.

Posted by Bonnie Winters on February 27, 2009 2:04 PM

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At our locally owned drugstore chain there is always a bin with spices. I buy red pepper flakes, cinnamon and other items there for $1.00. They are large containers and always fresh. Perhaps these are the same brand as those sold in dollar stores. We have a Whole Foods Market and they have bulk spices which you place in plastic bags. If it's something you hardly ever use, you can buy a very small amount. They also sell tea in bulk. One day I needed celery salt and didn't want to go to the store just for that, so looked up "celery salt recipe" on google and made my own. There are many ways to save if you get creative and are willing to do a little mixing.

Posted by P Alexander on February 27, 2009 2:14 PM

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Also check restaurant supply stores for your basic spices. Often they have deals on spices, gallon-jar condiments (useful if you have children) and mixes for salad dressings.

Posted by anonymous on February 27, 2009 2:50 PM

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This post couldn't come at a better time. When searching for Cardamom for a new recipe at the grocery store last night, my jaw nearly dropped to the floor when I saw that the small glass bottle was $10! (and that was the cheaper of the two brands I found there!)
I have found that I can purchase large quantities of some spices at a local Indian/Pakistani Food Market. The only problem is sticking to my list when I go in--I want to try everything!

Posted by Brandi on February 27, 2009 3:11 PM

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Growing fresh herbs is easy and enjoyable also. All that's required is a sunny windowsill and a flower pot or deep dish. (My mom used an old cast iron cauldron, and a teapot!) Basil, oregano, thyme, chives and rosemary are all easy grows too. Happy gardening!

Posted by anonymous on February 27, 2009 3:54 PM

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I make my own seasoning blends too. There several good receipes on the internet, such as Emerils, Mrs. Dash and so forth!

Posted by anonymous on February 27, 2009 3:56 PM

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In the authentic Mexican food section of grocery store/Walmart--not on the regular aisles where they sell the American versions of Mexican food (such as El Paso, Taco Bell, Pace...) (Might need to brush up on the Spanish names of spices if you can't recognize them by sight.)

Posted by anonymous on February 27, 2009 3:58 PM

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Amazon.com often has a good selection at great prices. Add it to your list of places to check when its time to stock up.

Posted by Josh on February 27, 2009 4:03 PM

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Don't ever buy garlic salt or onion salt...none of the "salts. Mix your own, just salt and what ever the spice is. If you would figure out what you are paying a pound for salt you would see the savings. I keep a shaker (recycled) of salt/peper and garlic powder by the stove. These are the three seasonings I use most of. I have done this for years, way before Paula Deen made it so popular.

Posted by Ava on February 27, 2009 4:11 PM

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Here is a link to the Mrs. Dash Recipe. Lots of ingredients, so I bring the list to my co-op that has bulk spices and measure them out in the store. Then I don't have to buy 18 jars of spice.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Mrs-Dash-48254

Posted by anonymous on February 27, 2009 5:11 PM

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oh yes I make my own creole seasoning from an emeril recipe:
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Posted by KReed on February 27, 2009 6:28 PM

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For the last 20 yrs or so I have bought my spices, in small amounts -1 or 2 ounces, locally from either a health food store or from a wonderfull shop in Landsdale PA (The Spice Smuggler) But now I am living in eastern NC and can not find loose spices anywhere. My point is that I have saved tremendous amounts of money by buying loose spices.

Posted by Mary on February 28, 2009 8:17 AM

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I buy my spices at the health food stores bulk bins. If it is a spice that I use very little of, like cayanne pepper, I just buy a tablespoon or so. I just bring along my measuring spoons. I also buy beans, rice etc. that same way. If a recipe calls for a cup of pinto beans that is the amount I buy. No waste.

Posted by anonymous on February 28, 2009 1:05 PM

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Okay, So I had a sister go crazy at the spice store before she moved out and I have every spice I can think of. They are all in their spice bottles and I keep them in a dark cupboard. I am learning how to cook (Save money) but the spices have been there for a year or more. How long do these spices last? I don't want to go out and restock, even for the least expensive ones if I don't have to?

Posted by Danderson on March 01, 2009 10:20 PM

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@Danderson - Here's a chart from McCormick's which outlines the shelf life of different spices. I've also heard that a number of people freeze their spices to preserve them. Hope this helps: http://www.mccormick.com/Spices101/HowOldSpices/KeepingItFresh.aspx

Posted by Ray@TipHero on March 01, 2009 10:35 PM

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This is awesome! I spend toooooooooo much on ginger and I use it alot as well as paprika, Mrs.dash and cinnamon. I will do this from now on.

I would like to add if you want to save $ on herbs...grow your own..I have two tiny basil plants I water, trim and nurse on my table by the window in my dining room...So far they have lasted a year. I plan to add chives and mint this spring. I buy them on sale at homedepot and repot at home in Scotts garden soil.

Posted by anonymous on March 02, 2009 4:43 PM

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I save the empty plastic or glass bottles from the grocery store (leave them on them on the counter as a reminder)and then refill them from spices bought at my local health food store (Yes! Market in the Washington, DC area). Cheap!!

Posted by anonymous on March 02, 2009 6:39 PM

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At Toys R Us they have a triple decker baby food jar lazy susan. It even has the grooves cut out so the jars stay in place. I have for years used this for my spices. I get empty glass baby food jars and purchase clear spice labels to put on them. Then I alphabetize them. Then I go to Whole Foods or HEB central Market where they have bulk spices. I only buy what I will need for 4-6 months at a time since with spices the fresher the better. So, I go 3 or 4 times a year to replenish them. It is so cheap that I don't ever mix the old with the new spices, I completly throw out the old and get new. I think if you are not only putting in your money to fix meals but also your time, it's just not worth it to use old bland tasting spices, when you can use fresh ones for pennies from the bulk sections.

Posted by G. Raymond on March 04, 2009 2:24 PM

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The best places I've found for inexpensive (and fresh!) spices are ethnic stores. I love to cook Indian food, and the local stores that cater to immigrants have awesome spices at incredibly low prices. And, lest you worry about cleanliness, remember that (a) these stores are subject to the same health regulations as any "regular" grocery store, and (b) the imported spices have to meet the same requirements as any other foodstuff sold in the USA.

Posted by Rivahcat on March 04, 2009 5:32 PM

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if you check out the hispanic food aisle at walmart the spices there are half the price of the regular spice aisle oregano cinamon dried peppers ect

Posted by katie on March 06, 2009 3:28 PM

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The Amish/Mennonite stores in our area carry many spices, bouillons, pastas, hard-to-find milled products(wheats, flax, grains, cereals, etc) and pretty much anything to do with baking. They are all in clear plastic bags in bulk at extremely low prices.

They also carry bulk meat and dairy, even bulk candy(Large bags full of fun size kit-kats and Reeses at much cheaper prices. Will save you a lot of money at Halloween!)

Posted by Laura on March 06, 2009 5:16 PM

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I go to Hazelton, Iowa to visit the Amish and buy spices and herbs in bulk at a very low price. Check for the nearest Amish community to you.

Posted by Karen on March 14, 2009 11:20 PM

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Buy whole nutmegs and other spices that you can find that way and use your micro-planer to grate them fresh. They are so much more flavorful and the whole versions last virtually forever!

Posted by Lora on March 21, 2009 7:54 PM

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I love a store in Orlando, Fla. called Leaves and Roots. I moved to Ark. and I still get spices and lots of herbs from them. Her prices are that good and the selection is incredible.

Posted by laura on March 30, 2009 10:35 PM

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I often cook for one, so buying things in bulk usually isnt economical for me. What I do for spices is buy the CVS gold emblem brand. They are often only 99 cents, much better than the 3-7 dollars in the grocery store. They are even in larger amount, and I do not notice a different between brand. Also I try combine coupons with my CVS card, such as 3 off of 15 or extra bucks to make my money go father.

Posted by Teresa on April 10, 2009 10:07 PM

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Too bad most of us do not have access to WINCO.
It is only in a handful of states.
W - Washington
I - Idaho
N - Nevada
C - California
O - Oregon
I live in Houston now, so I should be able to find an ethnic grocery store that has bulk spices (still new to area.) I really like the idea of tea leaves. I LOVE my tea!

Posted by crystal on April 13, 2009 11:55 PM

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I buy my spices online at Penzeys, a spice store. Bulk spices will go bad before you have a chance to use all of them, so I keep them in the freezer so that they last longer.

Posted by EMM on April 15, 2009 11:35 PM

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I found a flea-market with bulk spices, I purchased a large amount, brought them home and emptied them into small foodsaver bags(I made myself)and vaccum packed them.

After two years when I open one it's fresh as can be. I also vaccum pack in jars.

My kids are grown now but we have get togethers a lot and then there's 30 or more at my house. I also cook for my church.

Posted by Gale Osborn on April 16, 2009 11:24 AM

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This site is wonderful. I love the plain english answers. And I'm really glad someone out there understands trying to eat heart smart on a budget. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous on April 20, 2009 8:06 PM

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Some plant nurseries carry bulk items in their gift shops. I used to purchase spices there until they retired. I bought much more than I needed but knew that even though the flavor fades as they get older you can just use more of it.

Leftovers can be used with bread crumbs to make a nicely flavored coating for many dishes!!!

Posted by Sharon Johnson on April 24, 2009 7:20 AM

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Costco sells a mix called "Tuscan Blend." I tried it instead of the traditional seasonings in a batch of focaccio dough and it was fantastic! It's also great sprinkled on the top of garlic bread before you toast it and added to oil/vinegar for a homemade Italian dressing.

Posted by Chrislynn on June 03, 2009 10:36 PM

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If you are going to Israel or have a friend going - get spices from the spice market in Jerusalem - they will surprise you. They are so fresh, one whiff is a whole new experience. I brought some back and have kept them in the freezer. Every time I use one I am delighted all over again.

Posted by anonymous on June 06, 2009 6:42 AM

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I too buy the spices in the bulk section at Winco. I keep the little McCormick spice bottles and just reuse them. When you buy the little McCormick, you are also paying for the brand name and advertising, not just the packaging. Just reuse your old spice bottles and clean and refill them over and over again. Waste not, want not.

Posted by anonymous on July 09, 2009 4:46 PM

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I buy my spices online from www.myspicesage.com
I bought a pound of curry powder in a reasealable bag for $10.75 with only $3.00 shipping but they have FREE shipping on orders over $30.oo!
I bought cumin and Jamaican Jerk seasoning too!
Free shipping for me, plus they let you have a free sample of any spice you want to try.
My son bought some Safron at a very reasonable price!

Posted by anonymous on July 09, 2009 6:15 PM

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speaking of curry powder-we needed some for summer sausage but didn't want to pay the high supermarket price. Got a nice sized bottlr fot $1 at the dollar store. Our family doesn't use it enough to buy a pound of it at a time. So for us getting it for $1 instead of $5 or $6 was a good deal

Posted by Michelle on July 12, 2009 1:28 AM

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I live in Alabama and I buy my spices at an Amish bakery that is near my house. They also sell pre-mixed soup ingredients.

Posted by Dixie on July 21, 2009 2:14 PM

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when you buy spices in small bags at your local store, when you get home you should transfer it to an airtight glass bottle. you can get small airtight bottles at bed bath and beyond for 99 cents. i use a labelmaker to put a label on it to emember what it is.

Posted by rachel bailey on September 17, 2009 12:42 PM

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Need a good amount of Cumin? Try Fajita seasoning mix. You will definitely taste the Cumin because it is accented with complimentary spices that bring out the flavor of this zingy spice. Taco seasoning also works, especially for dishes that need a hint of cumin flavor and balanced sweetness. Store any left over seasonings in a ziplock bag to keep the opened packets from messing up your spice cabinet.

Posted by Kodi on September 26, 2009 7:44 PM

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If you have a Fresh Market in your area, check them out - they have an entire rack of spices and herbs that they sell in small, ziplok-type plastic bags. You can get the same amount or more of a particular spice for 1/2 to 1/4 of what you would pay for a small jar at the local grocery store. Plus, they have an excellent selection; in addition, you can buy small glass jars for storing your spices for 1.29. I have gotten everyting from black sesame seeds to juniper berries and whole nutmeg. I live in Tennessee, I think most Fresh Markets are located in the eastern part of the US - google them to find the location nearest you. Your local food co-op is also an excellent source for spices, flour, beans, etc. - you can get as much or as little as you need.

Posted by Stephanie on October 03, 2009 9:16 PM

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