Spice Up Your Wallet By Saving Money on Seasonings

I used to be a terrible cook! When I finally ventured out on my own, the only thing I knew how to make was microwaved potatoes. I actually went a whole year just eating take out and microwaved potatoes. Since I was on a tight budget (only making $6.25 an hour at a video store) I really couldn’t spend much money on food. Luckily, in my early 20’s I became interested in learning how to cook, and saving money on groceries and seasonings.

One way I was able to make delicious meals on a budget was by utilizing spices and seasonings.  I quickly became obsessed with seasonings and love how a perfect mixture can turn any dish from bland to bold. Since I had a strict grocery budget, $4 for a tiny jar doesn’t make sense. Luckily, I have discovered several ways to save money and have delicious spices.

Buy Bulk Spices In Grocery Stores

This is my favorite way to save money on seasonings! There are many grocery stores that offer spices and seasonings in bulk with a price per pound. You can then purchase the exact amount you need. Most spices are extremely lightweight, so even if the price is $10 a pound, chances are you will spend less than $2.

Benefits to Buying Bulk Seasonings

1.) You only need to purchase the amount you will actually use.

If you are trying a new spice for a recipe and are unsure if you will like it, you only need to purchase the amount you need.

2.) You can have the freshest spices.

Since many people have caught on to the benefits of buying bulk spices in grocery stores inventory moves quickly. All of the spices I purchase from the grocery store are fresh. Since I only buy the amount I need, I refill them often. Using spices when they are fresh helps maximize their flavor!

3.) You can create your own spice jars

I love to display my spices in a creative way. Since you are only buying the amount of spices you need you can create your own unique spice jars. Check out my DIY Spice Jar Tutorial Here!

Where Is The Best Place To Buy Bulk Spices In Grocery Stores?

Many grocery stores have bulk seasonings, but not all of them have caught on to this exciting trend. Most Health food stores (such as whole foods) and local co-ops offer spices in bulk. Most Kroger Family Stores and WinCo also offer bulk seasonings.

Check your local grocery store, the spices are usually close to the produce where other bulk items are sold or in the organic food section!

If there are absolutely no bulk seasonings options in your area, that’s ok, there are other ways to save money on spices!

Buy Spices In Bulk At Club Stores, Grocery Stores, Or Online

Unless you have an extremely sensitive pallet, chances are you won’t notice if a spice is a month old, or a year old. Most seasonings stay good for a long time. Although spices lose freshness, if you keep them stored in a dark, dry space, they stay good a very long time. This is awesome, because you can buy large quantities of a spice for much cheaper than in the cute, expensive, jars.

Here are some common places you can purchase spices in bulk

Bulk Stores

Stores such as Sam’s Club, Costco, and Cash and Carry offer gigantic bottles of spices for a decent price. I use a ton of garlic powder in everything, so it is my best interest to buy it in bulk. There are particular brands of seasoning mixes I prefer, so I buy these brands in bulk.

Grocery Stores

You can buy larger bottles of spices in grocery stores if you don’t want to go to a club store. If you buy it from a grocery store, please compare prices per ounce to determine if it is actually cheaper to buy in bulk.

Online

If you just don’t have any stores in your area that sell spices in bulk, check online. You can find really good deals, just make sure you buy from a reputable source.

Buy Spices In Ethnic Food Markets, or Aisles

I was shopping for chicken bullion powder the other day and noticed the price for 8oz was around $2. By happenstance I walked through the hispanic food aisle and discovered they had the same brand of chicken bullion powder, but I could get 32oz for $3! I started to noticed that even within the grocery store the prices of similar products differed.

Check the ethnic food section within the grocery store you shop at. They may offer common spices for cheaper than in the spice and seasoning aisle!

One overlooked place to find spices for cheap is ethnic food stores, or even the ethnic food aisle in your grocery store. A common spice such as paprika or garlic powder may be cheaper at an ethnic market, or in the ethnic aisle at your grocery store.

Learn the price per oz for a particular spice you use frequently to determine where and how you can get it the cheapest!

 

Grow Your Own Fresh Spices

Fresh spices such as Basil, Cilantro, and Chives are the best. They add an amazing attribute to a great dish. Unfortunately, they can be costly. Luckily, they are really easy to grow! You are able to grow these delicious herbs indoors or outdoors and can have fresh seasonings all year long!

If you wait until the end of the season to buy seeds, you can get a pretty great discount. Most grocery stores sell seeds throughout the summer, than put them on clearance in the fall. 

Make Your Own Seasoning Mixes

Lastly, One of my favorite ways to save money on spices is by creating my own seasoning mixes. There are a lot of resources on Pinterest that teach you how to create your own seasonings. I love experimenting and creating my own mixes that add flare to my dishes.

Purchasing basic spices, and combining them to make amazing seasoning mixes is much more cost effective than purchasing the seasoning mix itself!

Seasoning Mixes Make Great Gifts

If you create your own amazing seasoning mix, package it, and give it away as a gift. You can also create your own dry dip mixes that you can give away as well.

Since you were able to get seasonings for a low price, you can give cute gifts without impacting your wallet!

Only Purchase Spices and Seasonings you Actually Like!

When I started experimenting with seasonings and spices, I would purchases spices I didn’t like to add them to a recipe. I thought maybe I would like that spice if it was prepared in a different way. I quickly discovered that it is better to just leave that spice out. If you don’t love a spice, you won’t like the dish you add it to!

If a recipe requires a particular spice you do not like, just leave it out. Chances are you will enjoy the dish much more without that spice. The great thing about cooking at home is that you can create your own food and tailor it to your taste! 

What are your favorite ways to save money on seasonings and spices? What are your favorite seasonings?