Spices and seasonings are small-ticket items that add up fast in a busy kitchen. Buying in bulk lowers your cost per ounce, but only if you use the product before it loses its flavour. Here is how to buy bulk spices smartly.
1. Know the forms
- Whole spices: Peppercorns, cumin seed, coriander seed, cinnamon sticks and similar items keep their flavour longer and can be ground as needed.
- Ground spices: Convenient and ready to use, but they lose potency sooner than whole spices.
- Blends and seasonings: Pre-mixed rubs, taco and Italian seasonings and similar blends save prep time and keep flavour consistent between locations.
- Salt and specialty salts: Kosher, fine, coarse and flavoured salts for cooking and finishing.
2. Match pack size to usage
Estimate how much of each spice you use in a month. Spices used constantly, such as salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder, suit large packs. Spices you use occasionally are better bought in smaller packs, even at a higher unit price, because a half-used large container that goes stale is more expensive in the end.
3. Check the package details
Read the product title and description for the net weight, the number of containers per case and any storage instructions. Compare cost per kilogram or per pound rather than the case price. If you have allergen or dietary requirements, check the manufacturer's labelling on each item.
4. Store spices properly
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat, steam and direct light.
- Decant from large bulk containers into smaller labelled containers for the line, and keep the main supply sealed.
- Write the date received on each container and use the oldest first.
- Check the best-before date on delivery.
5. Plan around your menu
List your top-selling dishes and the spices each one needs, then order the shared spices in larger quantities. Menu changes are the biggest cause of leftover stock, so reorder specialty spices only when a dish is confirmed.
6. Reorder before you run out
Set a minimum quantity for each spice and reorder when you reach it. Shipping and processing take time. Our standard order processing time is 5 to 7 days, so build that into your schedule. See the wholesale ordering FAQ for details.
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Browse our bulk wholesale spices, bulk foods and kitchen staples, condiments and sauces and baking ingredients. Looking for a specific spice? Contact us and we will check availability.