The Skeptical Consumer: Minneapolis Spices
Theory: Spices seem to be far, far cheaper at Patel’s Market on Central Ave. in Nordeast.
Methodology: I went to Patel’s, Penzeys (a spice specialty store), Rainbow (a budget supermarket) and Lunds (a supermarket for ladies and gentlemen of leisure).
I looked for the best spice values I could find, not shying away from more affordable brands and bigger sizes.
I noted prices for four spices: cinnamon, chili powder, and nutmeg (both whole and ground.)
Then I ran an ounces to dollars conversion on all the data to figure out how many ounces of a given spice I could get for $1 at a given store.
Overall findings: Patel’s is your place. For three out of four spices, Patel’s came out with the best value, with a commanding lead on two of them (chili powder and cinnamon.) If you can’t get up to Nordeast, buying in bulk (16 oz.) at Penzeys is not a bad option.
Buying spices at normal grocery stores, particularly if you want to buy a lot, is for suckers.
IF YOU SPENT A BUCK ON CHILI POWDER…
Patel’s (3.50 ounces) — BEST VALUE
Penzeys (1.29 ounces)
Rainbow (1.11 ounces)
Lunds (0.96 ounces) — CRAPPIEST VALUE
IF YOU SPENT A BUCK ON CINNAMON…
Patel’s (1.75 ounces) — BEST VALUE
Penzeys (1.29 ounces)
Rainbow (1.02 ounces)
Lunds (0.80 ounces) — CRAPPIEST VALUE
IF YOU SPENT A BUCK ON GROUND NUTMEG…
Penzeys (1.29 ounces) — BEST VALUE
Patel’s (1.16 ounces)
Lunds (0.80 ounces)
Rainbow (0.31 ounces) CRAPPIEST VALUE
IF YOU SPENT A BUCK ON WHOLE NUTMEG…
Patel’s (1.16 ounces) — BEST VALUE
Penzeys (0.96 ounces)
Rainbow Didn’t have it
Lunds (0.30 ounces) — CRAPPIEST VALUE
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Huh–that’s really interesting… I’ll have to stop into Penzey’s more often!
Penzey’s is also good about having fresh spices. They’re not perfect, but they’re better than most about keeping fresh stock. They also have a wider selection, which is sometimes important.
The other place I shop for spices is United Noodles. http://www.unitednoodles.com/
i find that the co-ops often have the cheapest deals on spices. they usually have huge jars and you scoop out what you want and pay by weight. also good for when you only need a tablespoon of some goofy special occasion spice.
The Vietnamese cinnamon at Penzey’s is awesome. Too bad the place isn’t open on Sundays (the only day I seem to get out and about).
Trader Joe’s spices are really nice as well, and also quite cheap.
I have heard many good things about Patel’s.
Penzey’s is open on Sundays now, from 11-5.