What Penzey's Spices is and how to shop there
Penzey's Spices is a retail spice company with physical stores in most U.S. states and an online shop at penzeys.com. You can walk into a store to smell and buy spices in small quantities, order online for delivery, or call a store location to place a phone order. The company sells individual spices, spice blends, extracts, and some specialty cooking ingredients — not pre-made foods or meal kits.
Penzey's stores are staffed by employees who can answer questions about how to use specific spices or suggest blends for particular dishes. If you shop online, you receive a tracking number and can see estimated delivery dates before checkout. Orders typically ship within a few business days.
The company also publishes a printed catalog mailed to customers who request one, and sends email newsletters with recipes and occasional discount codes to subscribers. You do not need to create an account to make a single purchase, though creating one lets you save addresses and view past orders.
Key Takeaways
- Penzey's sells spices and spice blends in small quantities, with prices varying by spice type and whether you buy a standard container or a smaller amount.
- You can shop in a physical store, order online at penzeys.com, or call a store location to order by phone.
- Online orders ship within a few business days and include tracking information so you know when to expect delivery.
- The company offers a printed catalog by mail and sends email newsletters with recipes and occasional discount codes to subscribers.
Pricing and container sizes at Penzey's
Penzey's sells spices in multiple container sizes, and the price per ounce changes depending on which size you choose. A smaller container costs less upfront but has a higher per-ounce price. A larger container costs more upfront but gives you more spice for less money per ounce. The exact prices and sizes vary by spice — some are sold in 1-ounce containers, others in 2-ounce or larger amounts.
The company regularly offers discounts through email newsletters and in-store promotions. These discounts are usually percentage-off codes or sales on specific spices or blends. Signing up for the email list is free and lets you see these offers before they expire. Penzey's also runs occasional sales during holidays and seasonal cooking periods.
Shipping costs depend on your order total and location. The website shows you the shipping cost before you complete checkout, so you know the final price before paying. In-store purchases have no shipping cost, and phone orders are shipped the same way as online orders.
How to find a Penzey's store location
Penzey's has a store locator on its website where you can enter your zip code or city to see which locations are near you. The locator shows the store address, phone number, and hours of operation. Not every state has a Penzey's location, so if the search returns no results, online ordering is your option.
You can call a store directly to ask questions about whether they have a specific spice in stock, to place a phone order, or to ask for recommendations. Store staff can also tell you about current in-store promotions that may not be advertised online.
What to expect when ordering online
When you order from penzeys.com, you add spices to a cart, enter your shipping address, and choose a payment method. The website accepts major credit cards and PayPal. You do not have to create an account, but creating one saves your address for future orders and lets you view your order history.
After you place an order, you receive a confirmation email with an order number. Within a few business days, you receive a shipping notification with a tracking number. You can use that number to see where your package is and when it will arrive. Most orders arrive within one to two weeks, depending on your location and the shipping method.
If you need to change or cancel an order, contact Penzey's customer service as soon as possible — the sooner you contact them, the more likely they can stop the order before it ships. The website has a contact form and a phone number for customer service.
Returning spices and the company's return policy
Penzey's allows returns within a set timeframe if you are not satisfied with a purchase. You can return unopened spices to a physical store or by mail. The company refunds the purchase price but typically does not refund shipping costs for mail returns. Check the website or call customer service for the current return window and any conditions on returns.
If a spice arrives damaged or if you receive the wrong item, contact customer service when ready with a photo of the damage or the incorrect item. The company usually replaces damaged or incorrect orders at no cost to you.
Penzey's spice quality and sourcing
Penzey's sources spices from suppliers around the world and tests them for flavor and freshness. The company does not publish detailed sourcing information for each spice on its website, but you can contact customer service to ask where a specific spice comes from or how it is stored before sale.
Spices have a shelf life — they do not spoil like fresh food, but their flavor fades over time. Penzey's spices are typically fresher than those sitting on grocery store shelves for months, because the company sells higher volumes and restocks more frequently. How long a spice stays fresh in your kitchen depends on how you store it — a cool, dry, dark place keeps spices flavorful longer than a warm cabinet near the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return spices I have already opened?
Penzey's return policy typically covers unopened spices only. If you opened a spice and are unhappy with it, contact customer service to ask about your options — they may make an exception depending on the situation, but there is no may provide. Check the website or your receipt for the exact return policy at the time you purchased.
How long do Penzey's spices stay fresh?
Spices do not expire like fresh food, but their flavor fades over time. Most spices stay flavorful for one to three years if stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Whole spices (like peppercorns or cinnamon sticks) last longer than ground spices. Store them away from heat, light, and moisture to keep them fresh as long as possible.
Does Penzey's ship internationally?
Penzey's primarily ships within the United States. If you are outside the U.S., contact customer service through the website to ask about international shipping options — some countries may be available, but policies vary. International orders may have additional costs and longer delivery times.
What if I want to buy spices in bulk?
Penzey's sells spices in multiple sizes, and larger containers offer better per-ounce pricing. If you need even larger quantities, contact customer service to ask about bulk purchasing options or wholesale pricing — they may be able to help depending on your needs.