Best value online spices

[jsaimd]

we go through massive amounts of cinnamon, cumin, almond extract and a few other spices. I am tired of buying little jars. I often get cumin and such from ethnic groceries, but lately haven't been getting there that often.

So where can I get good value (meaning decent quality for the price) spices. Is penzy's in bulk overpriced?

[Kelli2006]

I try to buy as much of Penzeys products in whole seed when possible and grind my own but cinnamon and a few other spices don't grind well. The bulk price is usually much cheaper than for the glass or plastic jars. I have always used Penzeys mail-order, but I did have a chance to visit a brick and mortar store in Grand Rapids MI, where my daughter goes to school. Their service and staff were excellent and the prices are the same either way, but you do have to pay state and local sales taxes in the stores.

The only downside of shopping at their stores is that I don't receive the small sample jars that usually accompany my mail-order purchases. I have been ordering from Penzeys from almost 10 years, and most of my orders tend to come to $40.00 or more.

Whole seeds purchased at ethnic groceries will last 12 to 18 months if kept in glass jars out of heat and light. I tend to use mason jars that have been painted white for this purpose.

I never grind more than what I will use in 3 months.

[Daniel]

WorldSpice is my favorite. Since I live in SEA, I can shop the store but they're a great value online as well:

http://worldspice.com/home/home.shtml

[coney with everything]

Try Rafal's Spice: www.rafalspicecompany.com

It's in Detroit, one of a kind with amazing variety. I do like Penzeys because they are closer to my house, but Rafal's is a more "authentic" experience

[MikeG]

Personally, I think the spices at places like the Indian stores in Jackson Heights NY (a big Indian neighborhood) are as good and sometimes better than Penzey's. But barring that, I've never been unhappy with anything I got from them and their prices are not "overpriced", cetrainly not in bulk. Things like saffron and vanilla beans you can often/may often be able to find cheaper (for equal or better quality) locally, depending on where you live. I think their saffron is too expensive to buy under any circumstances compared to what I pay locally, but the vanilla isn't so bad. And of course, it all shows up on your doorstep, conveniently, even if you have to pay for the shipping. Bottom line IMO is that if you need a bunch of things, you can't go wrong with Penzey's. If you need only one or two things, it's not cost effective unless the little supermarket bottles are your only alternative.

[PSZaas]

Kalustyan's has an excellent selection, in various sizes, and excellent prices. http://www.kalustyan's.com .

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Kalustyan's
123 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

[Veloute_Sauce]

I also love Penzey's. The bulk is a better value than those little jars, I believe. It's the only way to buy cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper around here! I have used the catalogue and the online store successfully. I'd love to go to a proper store someday.

[mke2lax]

Penzey's is where you need to go. Seriously, their cumin is the best I have ever tasted. I have done their mail order and brick-and-mortar with no discernible quality difference.
I feel they give good value. Plus they are nice people.

[martin1026]

We have a Penzy's store here in Columbus, and I love them-the spices are reasonably priced (often cheaper than the ones sitting on the super market shelves), and much more fresh. I'm not sure about the online store, however