Bulk buying spices vs. small packets. Which is actually cheaper?

I always bought those tiny spice packets at the grocery store. $2 each for a few teaspoons. Thought bulk bins were a ripoff with the initial cost. Then I did the math on cumin. $8 for a big jar at the bulk store. Lasts me 6 months. Same use in small packets would be $20 easy. But what about spices that go bad quick? Like paprika or oregano. Do you guys go bulk or stick with small? I'm feeling torn.

3 comments

3 Comments

ryan_ellis26d ago

My cumin costs $8 for a giant jar at the bulk store and it's basically my retirement fund now. Still haven't forgiven myself for the $12 I wasted on those tiny glass packets of oregano that expired before I even used half. I keep a bag of paprika in my freezer and it stays fresh for like a year, which is way cheaper than buying those little $3 shakers every time I make chili. The only exception for me is maybe bay leaves since one packet lasts me until the next solar eclipse.

williamhill26d ago

Freezing paprika was a game changer for me too, lasts twice as long.

drew96520d ago

Wait does freezing actually keep the flavor fresh or does it just keep it from getting stale?