Bulk spices vs prepackaged spices?

**Saule** · 07-17-2010, 09:32 AM

My ethnic markets are also generally pretty good for spices. However. I also like going to the bulk food store, as I can buy a teaspoon at a time of spices and herbs - handy when I'm trying something new that I don't know how I'll like or how much I'll use. Plus buying small quantities means my supply will be fresh - if you buy jars that sit around in your cabinet for over a year, they will not be optimal. So you need to think about just how much of that oregano will I use over the next six months to determine whether that big package is really such a good deal.

**lparker** · 07-17-2010, 04:25 PM

I buy yeast at Sam's club for about $4 for 2 lbs...can't beat that with a stick. My wife needed some nutmeg and cloves...went to the store and it was about $6.50 and $9.50 each for around 1 oz. Looked on Amazon and bought a 6 pack of each - 6 nutmeg 2oz bottles - $15.26, 6 cloves 1.875oz bottles - $16.52 , Spice Garden brand. Was thinking of selling the extras to pay for the bottle of each we wanted...flea market time!

**Luckybustert** · 07-18-2010, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by wanderinggrandma

I wish I had an easy, short answer for this, but I don't.

I shop at Winco--west coast store chain--for my weekly groceries. They have 3 options for spices. Bulk Bins, Spice Section and the Ethnic Food Section.

And it depends on what your buying where the best price is. Cinnamon Sticks--Ethnic Section. Same with Bay Leaves. Garlic Powder--Bulk Bins. Same with Chili Pwder.

And I also buy some spices at Costco.

I rarely buy anything from the spice section in the small containers. Crazy expensive when you calculate the per ounce price.

Thank you, this will be very useful to me next time I go to Winco! I also buy some spices at Costco.

**Paws** · 07-18-2010, 08:18 PM

In our area, Sam's is -usually- cheaper on spices, but not always...sometimes, depending on the size of the container, I can find them at Dollar Tree or elsewhere cheaper...

We don't have many places where you can buy bulk foods that aren't already pre-packaged...one of our health food stores carries a few things, but the prices are quite high...other than that one...I don't know of any others...

**Saule** · 07-21-2010, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Paws

We don't have many places where you can buy bulk foods that aren't already pre-packaged...one of our health food stores carries a few things, but the prices are quite high...other than that one...I don't know of any others...

My husband and I are starting to talk about retirement - it's not for at least five years, but we are trying to check out some areas, as neither one of us really wants to stay in cold northern climates. One of the things that gets me is how limited some areas are for this kind of thing. We are blessed with wonderful ethnic markets and wonderful foods, and a lot of places have their own charms, but are somewhat lacking in the food area. We are going to have to think about what the priorities are! Hmmmm - mild weather or 30 different kinds of soy sauce????