Cinammon and Spices - any tips on where to buy?

compforus

I use a lot of spices and have been buying them in Tescos. They seem dear though. Anyone have a place to get them at lower cost?

Thanks

WhiteHorse

Go to any Asian shop, or find an oriental supermarket.

Either Yellow Pages/Thompson Local or Google. There are also quite a few online retailers of Asian spices - even with postage they can still work out cheaper than ordinary supermarkets! Rajah, Natco and East End are brands that spring to mind.

You will be amazed not only by the variety, but also by how cheap they are (and because their turnover is much higher, they will be a lot fresher too).

MrsBartolozzi

As above an Chinese or Asian supermarket.
If you can't get to one easily then have a look in the ethnic aisle in Tesco. They have many spices significantly cheaper than in the baking aisle.

My Tesco.com isn't showing many of the Indian range of spices, even though I know they stock them instore!!

This is one example: http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=259741288

These chili flakes are (full price) 65p/100g compared to Tesco's own at £2/100g

http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=251620901

mum26

Aldi are quite good too.

anniemf2508

sainsburys are pretty cheap

Swan_2

a third vote for the Asian/Chinese grocers
although some of the supermarkets have started stocking bags of spices in their ethnic foods sections, the Asian/Chinese shops are usually cheaper, have more pack sizes to choose from & have a much wider selection

one word of warning, watch out if you're buying cinnamon, sometimes it's labelled cinnamon, but it's actually the coarser Cassia, but you can usually tell by the darker colour of the ground stuff & the sticks look like bits of bark rather than the usual rolled 'quills'

you'll save a fortune by not buying those little jars


EDIT ... you might know this already, but just in case you don't it's worth mentioning
herbs & spices are best kept in the dark, those pretty spice racks full of jars are not a good way to store them

I'm gradually transferring all of mine into Lock&Locks which go into 2 drawers in my kitchen (I have far too many a lot of herbs & spices )

consumer31

most asian shops are cheap having said that tesco have them reasonably priced as well. i buy from both

crystaltipps

NOT in Morocco from a local store and little understanding of the conversion of Dirhams-Pounds! (blush)

compforus

Thank you! Will find my local Asian grocers!

a_sav

Although they are cheaper at the Asian stores Asda had a range of spices in the ethnic section for .80p or thereabouts hth

kochi1

I'd recommend the Asian shops for definate. Great choice and you'll find stuff you wont find in regular supermarkets and cheaper too!