Herbs & Spices

Buy Premium Herbs & Spices Online in the US: Where to Shop and What to Try

Why buying herbs and spices online makes sense

Have you ever opened a spice jar and been slapped by the scent of stale dust instead of vibrant aroma? Buying herbs and spices online can be a game-changer. You get a wider selection than any single aisle, access to specialty blends, and often better prices on bulk sizes like an 8 oz. bag of dill seed or a 1.76 oz. packet of Korma mix. Plus, you can compare reviews, ingredient lists, and origins before you click “add to cart.” It's like wandering through a global spice market from the comfort of your kitchen table.

Top stores to buy herbs & spices in the US

There are plenty of places to shop online for spices, but some stand out for selection, price, or unique offerings. If you want wide availability and grocery staples, Walmart and Amazon are reliable. For chef-grade single-origin spices, stores like Penzeys and The Spice House are favorites. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods offer curated, often organic options. And niche brands or smaller retailers—like Cerqular, which shows some unique fragrance and seasoning-style items—can surprise you with interesting blends and limited runs.

Walmart — everyday variety and value

Walmart is great when you want household-name seasonings and convenience. You’ll find everything from everyday basil and oregano to specific items like Back Country Cajun 1.3 oz., Porcini Mushroom Powder, and Spiced Whole Dill Seeds in an 8 oz. bag. Walmart mixes affordability with quick search filters, so if you need a 1.5 oz. steak grilling blend or a 1.76 oz. Shan Korma packet, chances are good you’ll spot it here.

Cerqular — unexpected finds and specialty scent items

Cerqular isn’t your run-of-the-mill spice shop; its catalog sometimes includes unusual items such as Pagua Bay Scent Coin and Sweet Cinnamon Grand. While those sound like fragrance or novelty items more than cooking staples, the presence of companies like Cerqular on the marketplace points to a broader trend: cross-category sellers offering culinary and aromatic products. If you’re exploring flavored sachets or unique cinnamon expressions, a site with eclectic listings can be a fun detour.

Penzeys & The Spice House — for the serious cook

If you’re into single-origin spices, hand-blended rubs, and chef-quality pantry staples, Penzeys and The Spice House are top picks. These shops focus on freshness, transparent sourcing, and depth—think multiple grades of paprika, smoked salts, or small-batch blends ideal for grilling or pickling. They’re perfect if you want to upgrade that jar of red chili flakes or try an artisanal porcini powder for risotto.

Must-try spices and blends (and how to use them)

Whether you’re building a basic rack or chasing bold new flavors, certain items deserve a place in your spice drawer. Below are picks inspired by popular online listings and classic pantry essentials.

Back Country Cajun 1.3 oz. — bold Southern heat

Cajun blends bring a lively mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. Use Back Country Cajun on grilled shrimp, roasted potatoes, or in a quick jambalaya. A 1.3 oz. jar is perfect for a few dinners without the risk of staleness—fresh spice is flavorful spice.

Backwoods Barbecue Jerky Seasoning Cure Packet — cure and flavor

This kind of jerky seasoning is a two-in-one: it helps preserve and flavor meat for jerky-making. One packet might be formulated to treat up to 5 lbs. of meat, delivering balanced smokiness and salt. If you like DIY projects, making jerky is a weekend hobby that rewards you with shelf-stable, protein-rich snacks.

Shan Korma Recipe and Seasoning Mix 1.76 oz. — quick ethnic flavors

Shan Korma is a great shortcut to rich, creamy South Asian flavors. In a 1.76 oz. packet, the blend combines aromatics, ground spices, and sometimes a touch of fenugreek or nutmeg. Pair it with yogurt-marinated chicken or lamb for an easy weeknight curry.

Porcini Mushroom Powder — umami in a shaker

Porcini powder is a secret weapon for veg-forward cooking. Sprinkle a little into risottos, soups, or beef rubs for an instant umami boost. A small jar goes a long way since dried mushroom powder is concentrated—think pinches rather than spoonfuls.

Mango Fusion 0.25 oz. — bright, unexpected sweetness

A mango fusion or mango powder can be a playful finishing touch. Use it sparingly on grilled fish, fruit salads, or even on cocktails for a tropical lift. At a quarter-ounce, it's a tiny packet but enough to test new flavor directions.

Spiced Whole Dill Seeds, 8 oz. bag — pickling & beyond

If you make pickles, dips, or Scandinavian-inspired salads, a bulk 8 oz. bag of dill seed is a smart buy. Whole seeds retain their aroma longer than ground seed, and they’re useful for pickling jars, homemade breads, and savory baking. Buying 8 oz. also saves money versus multiple small jars.

20 packs x 1.76 oz. Red Chili Pepper Flakes — pantry-ready heat

Buying red chili flakes in multi-packs is handy for meal-prep or sharing. Each 1.76 oz. packet is sized for a few dishes. Toss flakes into olive oil for an infused base, sprinkle on pizza, or stir into savory stews for layered heat.

Paradise Steak Grilling 1.5 oz. — quick steak upgrade

Steak seasonings like Paradise Steak Grilling are formulated to balance salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes smoked components. A 1.5 oz. jar is the perfect test size: rub into steaks 30 minutes before cooking or sprinkle after searing for instant flavor lift.

How to choose between brands and blends

Picking between a big-box brand and a boutique spice company is about priorities. Want convenience and low cost? Walmart or Kroger likely fits. Want freshness and a curated experience? Penzeys or The Spice House will deliver. If you’re after unique blends or novelty aromatic items, smaller sellers and specialty shops can surprise you. Read labels: whole vs. ground, salt content in blends, and whether a product is organic all affect the final dish.

Whole vs. ground spices — when to pick which

Whole spices like coriander seed or whole cloves last longer—often many months—while ground spices lose potency faster. If you’re storing spices for more than a few months, buy whole and grind as needed. For quick convenience, ground is fine but replace more often. Think of whole spices as solid investments and ground as short-term convenience.

Organic, single-origin, and additive-free labels

If you care about crop practices or purity, look for organic certifications and single-origin claims. Single-origin spices let you taste a region’s profile—Indian red chili, Turkish oregano, or Sicilian oregano all have distinct personalities. Also check for additives like anti-caking agents or added salt in blends if you want full control over sodium.

Shopping tips to get the best value

You don’t need to spend a fortune to stock a flavorful pantry, but a few shopping strategies can stretch your dollar further.

Buy small for rare spices, bulk for staples

For an expensive, delicate spice like saffron or high-grade porcini powder, buy small quantities. For staples like red chili flakes, dill seed, or common garlic powder, bulk sizes or multi-packs often deliver a better per-ounce price. An 8 oz. bag makes sense for frequently used seeds, while a 0.25 oz. novelty seasoning is perfect for testing.

Compare unit prices and check pack sizes

Always compare unit prices—price per ounce—especially when stores list different sizes. A 1.76 oz. packet might look cheaper than a 5 oz. jar, but the unit price reveals the real deal. Online filters and comparison tools make this easy; use them like a savvy shopper would.

Storage and shelf life — keep flavors lively

Even the best spice will disappoint if stored poorly. Heat, light, and air are flavor killers. Use airtight containers, keep spices in a dark cabinet away from the stove, and consider small jars if you buy bulk and decant into everyday shakers. Whole spices can last up to two or three years; ground spices are best used within six to twelve months for peak freshness.

Labeling and rotation

Label jars with purchase or grind dates so you can rotate. It’s easy to forget when that bottle of chili flakes was opened—labeling fixes that and helps you avoid flat-tasting meals. Treat your spice rack like a mini wine cellar: respect age and serve freshly opened bottles when possible.

Recipes and quick uses for the items you find online

Want practical ideas? Here are a few quick applications for the spices listed earlier, so you can imagine them on your plate tonight.

Cajun shrimp tacos

Use Back Country Cajun 1.3 oz. to season shrimp before pan-searing. Add a squeeze of lime and a cabbage slaw for zippy tacos. The spice’s heat balances with citrus and creamy slaw for an easy dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy.

Mushroom risotto with porcini powder

Stir a teaspoon of porcini mushroom powder into the stock while cooking risotto for an instant depth of flavor. Finish with butter and Parmesan—umami heaven.

Quick Korma weeknight bowl

Brown chicken or chickpeas, stir in the 1.76 oz. Shan Korma packet with some yogurt or coconut milk, and simmer for a simple curry bowl. Serve over rice with toasted almonds or cilantro.

Final thoughts: building a spice lineup that excites you

Buying herbs and spices online opens doors to world flavors, whether you stick to staples at Walmart or hunt specialty jars from Penzeys and Cerqular-style sellers. Mix convenience with curiosity: keep a few everyday jars, experiment with one or two new blends each month, and replace ground spices more often to keep your meals bright. Your pantry is your flavor library—stock it with things that make you want to cook.

Conclusion: Building a versatile spice collection is affordable, fun, and deeply rewarding. From 8 oz. bags of dill seed you’ll use regularly to a test-size 0.25 oz. mango fusion that adds a splash of tropical flair, the right purchases elevate ordinary meals into memorable ones. Start with a reliable retailer—whether that's Walmart for staples, Penzeys for craft blends, or a niche seller for surprises—and keep your spices fresh. Your taste buds will thank you.