10 Ways to Save on Spices
If you haven’t replenished your spice cabinet lately, you might be surprised at the supermarket prices. How can that tiny bottle of ancho chili powder cost $5? Take some advice from us before you substitute that chili powder for paprika just because they are both red (don’t!) or leave out the main flavor agent in Grilled Five Spice Chicken because you forgot to buy the Chinese spice mixture. We rounded up 10 ways to save money on spices — and dried herbs, too. It will take some organization, but we’ve got a game plan that will help stock your spice cabinet for special occasion baking, holiday cooking or just a quick weeknight meal.
1. Buy Bulk Spices
Buying bulk spices makes it sound like you’re buying a lot, but it can be exactly the opposite. Bulk buying allows you to get whatever amount you want rather than a predetermined amount that might be far too much for your recipe. You might need just 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for Cajun Crab Stuffed Pepperoncini to bring to the potluck bash. You can get a $5 bottle for a little over an ounce at the grocery store or spend less than a dollar with bulk bins. Be aware, though, that some bulk stores have a minimum order, often $2. Bulk sections in health food stores like Whole Foods usually don’t have that minimum. And when you are buying bulk herbs and spices, look for retailers that store them in glass jars, not plastic bins. Looking for another money-saving life hack? These companies give you food and other products for free.
2. Shave Costs With Whole Spices
Another way to save money on spices is by buying them before they’ve been turned into powder. Whole spices that you grind as needed can be more economical, last longer and really enhance flavor. Is it hard to grind your own spices? Not at all, but it helps to have the right equipment. You can get a handy nutmeg grater for $5. Cinnamon sticks can be ground up in a blade coffee grinder. (Dry roast them in a pan on the stove for a couple of minutes over medium heat and let them cool off before grinding to get better results. Some sites also recommend adding a little granulated sugar to provide extra friction.) And there’s always the old-fashioned mortar and pestle, which can be your best friend for grinding spices (and working out your upper arms).
3. Make Your Own Spice Mixes
You can save money on spices by creating your own mixes. Planning to make big batches of pumpkin spice desserts now that we seem to be obsessed with that flavor year-round? You can create a custom pumpkin pie spice mix out of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. If you have a decent herb and spice collection already, or if you plan ahead when you shop, making custom mixes is a great way to save. A bonus: Hand-mixed spice and herb blends make great gifts any time of the year, especially if they are themed for a holiday or as a thank-you to the party host. Think about a spice grinder and a cookbook on how to use and make spices as a birthday, house warming or wedding gift.
4. Try Dollar and Discount Stores
Dollar stores and discount department stores are great places to find spices. Since you can’t open the containers before you buy, make sure the color of the herbs and spices looks good. Retailers like Aldi, Target and Wegmans sell spices at prices a little lower than you’ll likely find at your local grocery store. These are great places for stocking up on spices that you use regularly. Want more money-saving tricks like this? Here are eight more you should try.
5. Save Money (and Shop the World) at International Grocery Stores
A store specializing in foods from world cuisines – whether Indian or German, Italian or Ethiopian — might be the best place to pick up the right herbs and spices for your dishes. Your local Latin market will have a wider selection of chiles than any grocery store, and they will be fresh, canned, jarred or dry. Just pace yourself when shopping in ethnic grocery stores — the prices are usually very low and everything is tempting!
6. Don’t Overlook Spice Stores
You might think spice stores are not the place to save money on spices. That’s probably true for common herbs and spices, but you can find whole spices at a good price. Spice stores also have whole versions of ground spices like allspice, which is a better value. They’re ideal for finding hard-to-find specialty spices, and you’ll get advice about what you need. Many of these stores also guarantee that there are no hidden additives. And, like many small businesses, they offer extras to attract and keep customers.
7. Buy Fresh at Farmers Markets
Another way to save money on spices is to check out local markets. Depending on your state’s rules, herbs and spices can be found at farmers markets. Fresh herbs are very common, and you can dry them easily in your oven. Spices like turmeric and ginger, which are roots, are often sold fresh at markets, too. Another money hack? Stop spending too much money on these dumb things.
8. Shop the Bargains at Online Spice Stores
Just like brick-and-mortar specialty spice stores, it is easy to be leery of prices when shopping for spices online. Just adding the cost of shipping can bring spice prices to ridiculous amounts. But online retailers know that and have become responsive to cost cutters.Most offer free shipping over a certain amount (usually $15–45). Others offer discounts and free shipping on your first order. Of course, there is always Amazon. Search “spice deal of the day,” and you may find some good prices as long as you are buying something you need. Overall, Amazon prices for spices aren’t all that great, but if you are a Prime member, shipping is free.
9. Look for Off-Brand Spices
Just because you haven’t heard of the brand doesn’t mean it‘s not worth a try. One example is Badia Spices, a popular Florida brand that people in Seattle might never have heard of. Compare their selection and prices with McCormick, Schilling and Spice Islands, and Badia comes out ahead.
10. Try Herb and Spice Substitutions
Sometimes you can’t find the spices listed for a traditional Three Kings Bread, or you’re just too busy to run to the store. Substitute! There are many easy substitutions to make instead of panic-buying a big jar of something. Don’t have any chervil on the spice rack? You can use parsley or tarragon. Ran out of cinnamon? Use nutmeg or allspice (but only a quarter of the stated amount). Thyme, oregano and basil can often substitute for each other. Substituting will help save money on spices you may not use often.
