Commercially bought spice jars can be relatively cheap or somewhat expensive depending on what you choose. Some cheaper bulk spices are often sold in plastic pouches or plastic jars. More expensive brands are sometimes sold in glass bottles and may even have a built-in grinder for convenience.
Are more expensive brand name spices better than the generic no name brands that might be much cheaper?
The quality and consistency of the spices can vary depending on the manufacturer, the source of the spices, and the processing methods used. Glass jars are more durable and less likely to leach chemicals into the spices than plastic containers which cheaper spice brands tend to use.
Brand name vs generic brand spices
Brand name spices are often associated with higher quality and consistency. These companies have a reputation to maintain, so they are more likely to use high-quality spices, and they may have more stringent quality control measures in place to ensure that their products are consistent from batch to batch.
Generic brands, on the other hand, may use lower quality spices or source their spices from different suppliers, which can result in inconsistent flavor and quality. However, this is not always the case, and some generic brands may be just as good as, or even better than, brand name spices.
Depending on the dish you’re making, will you even notice the difference in quality? The taste of some spices get masked when added to food so you might not even notice a benefit of a more expensive spice. But you could notice a difference in freshness and lifespan of a higher quality spice packed in an airtight glass container.
How do you figure it all out?
Ultimately, the best way to determine the quality of a spice is to try it for yourself and compare it to other brands. You may find that you prefer one brand over another, or you may find that the differences are negligible.
Glass vs plastic containers
One distinguishing feature between more expensive and cheaper brand spices is the packaging. Glass-packaged spices tend to be more expensive than spices sold in plastic jars or plastic pouches.
Selling spices in glass jars and plastic containers can have several differences:
- Quality: Glass jars are more durable and less likely to leach chemicals into the spices than plastic containers, which can be affected by heat and may cause a slight taste difference in the spices. Additionally, glass jars can protect spices from light, which can cause the spices to lose flavor and aroma over time.
- Appearance: Glass jars are typically more attractive and have a higher-end appearance than plastic containers. This can make them a better choice for gifting or displaying on shelves.
- Cost: Glass jars are typically more expensive than plastic containers, which can be a factor in the pricing of the spices. This cost may be passed on to the consumer, making spices sold in glass jars more expensive.
- Eco-friendliness: Glass jars are more eco-friendly than plastic containers because they are recyclable and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment. They are also more likely to be reused or repurposed by consumers.
- Convenience: Plastic containers are typically lighter and more portable than glass jars, which can be an advantage for consumers who want to take their spices on the go or for manufacturers who want to reduce shipping costs. Plastic pouches can typically be stacked or piled in a row for easy storage too.
Quality spice brands to consider
If you’re open to go brand shopping for spices, here are a few higher quality brands to consider:
- Penzeys Spices – Known for their commitment to high-quality ingredients, Penzeys offers a wide range of spices, blends, and seasonings.
- Simply Organic – This brand offers a range of organic spices, seasonings, and blends, all of which are certified organic and non-GMO.
- Spice Islands – With over 75 years of experience in the spice industry, Spice Islands offers a wide range of high-quality spices, including single-origin and artisanal varieties.
- The Spice House – This family-owned company offers a wide range of freshly ground spices, custom blends, and unique seasonings.
- Frontier Co-op – This brand offers a range of organic and fair trade spices, herbs, and blends, all of which are sourced from sustainable farmers and cooperatives.
- Morton & Bassett – This brand offers a range of high-quality, organic spices and herbs, all of which are non-irradiated and free from preservatives, fillers, and artificial flavors.
- Burlap & Barrel – This spice company works directly with small farmers around the world to source unique and high-quality spices, such as single-origin cumin and smoked paprika.
Final thoughts
Many spice aficionados like the look of a quality brand of spice in their spice rack in a professional looking glass jar perhaps with a built-in grinder. So their purchase might be for taste but it could also be partly because they like spices and perceive that a certain brand is better.
But if you’re just looking to add just some taste and aroma to your foods or drinks, you’ll probably find that buying spices on price will suffice.