Introducing a Long-Standing Player in the World of Spices
The Spice House has been around for over 60 years, making it one of the most established names in spices. Founded in 1957 by Bill Penzey Sr. and his wife Ruth, the company was born out of a desire to provide post-war families with flavorful spice blends to enhance canned and pre-packaged foods popular at the time.
In the decades since, The Spice House has expanded far beyond those early beginnings. Today, this family-owned business offers over 400 herb, spice, and blended seasonings drawn from culinary traditions across the globe.
Under the guidance of daughter Patty Erd and her husband Tom, The Spice House has modernized with an online store while staying true to early ideals of exceptional quality and honoring food history. Even their retail outposts maintain an old-world charm. As their website states, stepping into one of their brick-and-mortar shops allows you to "step out of the current century for just a moment or two."
An In-Depth Look at The Spice House‘s Product Lineup
The Spice House has earned its reputation by providing exceptional spice blends you won‘t find elsewhere. Let‘s take a closer look at some of their most popular offerings.
Saigon Ground Cassia Cinnamon
True cinnamon has its origins in Sri Lanka, but The Spice House looked east to Vietnam to source the exceptional cassia cinnamon used in this prized spice blend. Compared to standard supermarket cinnamon, Saigon Ground Cassia Cinnamon packs a more intense and complex flavor punch.
Customers rave about its quality and aroma. As one 5-star reviewer wrote: "Can I just say this is amazing! Makes my apple pie taste and smell delicious."
A 1.8 oz jar retails for $8.00. Flatpack sizes and larger bags are also available.
Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper Butcher‘s Rub
Paying homage to Chicago‘s legendary Union Stock Yards, this zesty butcher‘s rub combines pepper, garlic and shallots with notes of bell pepper and parsley. Originally designed as a meat seasoning, it also shines when used to season vegetables.
One happy customer called it a "secret weapon" that enhances not only meats but also "veggies, soups, stocks etc." They emphasized that it is not overly salty like some blends.
A 2.5 oz jar or Flatpack sells for $9.00. An 8 oz bag retails for $20.
Lake Shore Drive Shallot and Herb Seasoning
Designed as a finishing seasoning, this blend conjures images of Chicago‘s iconic Lake Shore Drive with a medley of shallots, chives, pepper and salt. Subtle hits of garlic round out the flavor profile.
The key is to add it at the end of cooking rather than incorporating it early on. The possibilities are endless – sprinkle on chicken, fish, salads, pasta and more. A 2.2 oz jar or Flatpack costs $10, while an 8 oz bag retails for $22.
Gateway to the North Maple Garlic Seasoning
With its rich maple sweetness underscored by aromatic garlic, this seasoning was created with heart Midwestern dishes in mind. Use it to add layers of flavor to classic foods like chili, pork roast, baked beans, sweet potatoes, chicken wings and more.
A 3.4 oz jar or Flatpack sells for $10. An 8 oz bag costs $16.
Vulcan‘s Fire Salt
If you like things salty and spicy, this amped-up blend should be on your radar. An ideal all-purpose boost of flavor, it contains salt blended with a secret spicy ingredient and accented with garlic, lime and paprika.
Enhance anything from eggs to grilled meat to roasted veggies with a dash of this magic potion. A 2.6 oz jar or Flatpack costs $9, while an 8 oz bag retails for $20.
Brisket of Love Barbecue Rub
It‘s easy to work up an appetite for tender barbecue brisket. This coarsely blended rub mimics classic pit flavors with sugar, mesquite smoke powder, Worcestershire and other seasonings.
Transform grilled chicken, burgers, ribs and more into a virtual brisket with this mouthwatering mixture. A 3.3 oz jar or Flatpack sells for $9, while an 8 oz bag costs $14.
How Do Prices and Shipping Costs Measure Up?
Given their quality and unique flavor combinations, most Spice House products are reasonably priced. Small jars and half-cup Flatpack sizes range from $8 to $14. Larger bags offer even better value but may result in waste if spices go unused.
One way The Spice House seeks to offset costs is by offering free shipping in two ways:
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Free standard shipping automatically applies to online orders over $49
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All Flatpack sizes ship free regardless of order total
One downside is their free shipping lacks speed and tracking compared to paid options.
For orders under $49, expect to pay $6 to $15 for regular shipping depending on weight. Faster delivery times are available for an added fee. Full shipping policies and rates are provided on their website.
Competitors like Penzeys Spices have similar pricing and free shipping thresholds. Ultimately, The Spice House distinguishes itself with exceptional quality and unique product selection.
What The Customers Are Saying
With close to 60 years in business, The Spice House has had plenty of time to earn fan allegiance. Across nearly 1,000 cumulative reviews on their website and Facebook page, they maintain an average 4.8 out of 5 star rating.
Positive reviews praise their FREE shipping policy, unique and flavorful spice blends, and usefulness for specialized diets like Whole30, Keto, Paleo, and gluten-free.
Critics mainly take issue with higher costs compared to supermarket spices, especially for those sticking to a tight budget.
Here is a sampling of standout reviews:
"These have become one of my secret weapons. It is fabulous on not only meat but veggies, soups, stocks etc. It is not too salty like many spice blends." – Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper Butcher‘s Rub
"I totally recommend this blend. You‘ll never be without it." – Lake Shore Drive Shallot & Herb Seasoning
"I‘m a fan of them. I buy from them and always found their spices to be of very good quality." – Reddit User
Potential Drawbacks and Alternatives
The two main complaints about The Spice House come down to pricing and freshness. Their products do cost noticeably more than supermarket spices. For those on a budget, it may make sense to buy basic spices in bulk and blend combinations at home.
There is also the question of freshness and expiration dates. Pre-ground spices start losing potency almost immediately compared to whole spices. The Spice House does not list expiration or best buy dates.
For enhanced freshness and cost savings, some customers choose to buy whole spices and grind them as needed with a mortar and pestle or small electric grinder. It takes more time and effort but pays off in dollars and taste.
Popular Spice House alternatives include:
- Penzeys Spices
- Savory Spice Shop
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Spices Inc.
- Atlantic Spice Company
Placing an Order with The Spice House
The Spice House offers several purchasing options:
Online Store – Browse and order 24/7 at www.thespicehouse.com
Phone Orders – Call 1-312-676-2414 from 9am-5pm CT
Retail Locations – Visit one of their brick-and-mortar shops in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Evanston
Email – Contact customer service at [email protected]
Social Media – Message them on Facebook or Instagram
The Verdict
With its depth of selection and exceptionally high-quality ingredients, it’s easy to understand The Spice House‘s appeal and loyal following. Their unique spice blends take creativity to the next level.
At the same time, more budget-conscious consumers may find better value sourcing components and grinding their own or buying in bulk.
For those keen on convenience or chasing hard-to-find flavors, The Spice House provides an experience like no other. Just expect premium pricing to match.
