Spices can transform an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. With just a dash of a unique blend or a pinch of a special ingredient, home cooks can easily take their meals from bland to bold. When it comes to finding top-quality spices, many turn to retailers like Burlap and Barrel and Penzeys.
But which of these merchants truly offers the best spices and overall shopping experience? Here is an in-depth exploration of Burlap and Barrel and Penzeys, including their selections, sourcing, prices, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Burlap and Barrel | Penzeys |
| Year Founded | 2017 | 1986 |
| Locations | Online only | Online and 70+ retail stores |
| Product Range | ~80 spices and blends | Over 250 spices and blends |
| Organic Options | Some | Large selection |
| Sourcing | Direct trade with growers | Spice importers and brokers |
| Pricing | Wholesale pricing, lower overall | Competitive prices, frequent sales |
| Loyalty Program | No | Yes, earn points to redeem |
| Website | Modern, user-friendly | Dated design but robust features |
| Social Responsibility | B Corp certified, donations to nonprofits | Donates to charities, sustainable business |
Overview Of Burlap And Barrel
Founded in 2017, Burlap and Barrel is a relatively new player in the spice game. This New York-based company promises to deliver the world’s best spices directly from the source, circumventing middlemen and passing the savings on to customers.
Their global network of growers allows them to source difficult-to-find ingredients that have been carefully cultivated using traditional and sustainable methods.
Burlap and Barrel’s selection includes around 80 single-origin spices, blends, and accessories. Shoppers can find heirloom Turkish oregano, ghost chile flakes from India, medium cumin from Egypt, Japanese togarashi, and other hard-to-find products.
Instead of generic spice blends, they offer distinctive mixes like Chinese Five Spice, Harissa Rub, and Wild Mountain Za’atar. The site also sells oils, salts, chocolate and maple syrup, sauces and condiments, tea, kitchen tools, and gift sets.
Overview Of Penzeys Spices
Operating since 1986, Penzeys is America’s largest spice retailer. This family-owned company offers over 250 spices and blends sold through their catalog and over 70 brick-and-mortar retail locations across the United States.
Penzeys sources products from every major spice region in the world. They promise quality ingredients that are freshly harvested, naturally grown, and non-irradiated.
Penzeys provides common spices like cinnamon sticks, garlic powder, and paprika alongside harder-to-find items like cubeb berries, grains of paradise, and dried kaffir lime leaves. Blend selections range from Bavarian Seasonings to Chinese Five Spice to Jerk Chicken and Pork Seasoning.
The site also sells extracts, peppers and chili powders, herbs and seasonings, gift boxes and sets, cookbooks, and kitchen tools.
Detail Comparison Of Burlap And Barrel And Penzeys
- Spice Selection and Quality
Both Burlap and Barrel and Penzeys provide an extensive range of high-quality spices sourced from around the world. Burlap and Barrel’s inventory is more carefully curated, while Penzeys offers a wider variety of both common and obscure ingredients. Penzeys makes many spice blends in-house and has a seasoned team of expert spice buyers to select the best ingredients. Burlap and Barrel works directly with growers, ensuring a transparent supply chain.
When it comes to organic options, Penzeys has a larger selection of certified organic spices. Burlap and Barrel focuses more on traditional, sustainable growing practices that may not be officially “organic.”
Both companies reject irradiation and chemical processing of spices, retaining more of the natural flavors and oils. With either brand, customers can trust they are getting exceptionally fresh, unadulterated spices.
- Sourcing and Supply Chain
Transparent, ethical sourcing is central to Burlap and Barrel’s mission. They deal directly with spice growers, often family farms that have cultivated the same crops for generations. By eliminating middlemen, growers earn more while the company keeps costs low.
Burlap and Barrel establishes long-term partnerships and offers support to improve growers’ infrastructure and practices. The direct trade model provides complete supply chain transparency.
Penzeys utilizes a worldwide network of spice traders and brokers to obtain their global inventory. They have built lasting relationships with many trusted suppliers but do not have the same hands-on approach as Burlap and Barrel.
Penzeys is not involved in the day-to-day practices at growers’ farms. However, the company does emphasize ethical partnerships and communication at every level of the procurement process.
- Pricing and Packaging
Given the direct trade model and lack of middlemen, Burlap and Barrel is able to offer lower prices compared to most spice retailers. Large bags provide great value for the money. For example, a 1-pound bag of Vietnamese cinnamon is $15.75.
Some of their most exotic and hard-to-source products do command higher prices. Packaging involves kraft bags, glass jars, or metal tins.
As an established spice seller, Penzeys often has very competitive pricing on many items. Prices per ounce on basic spices like black peppercorns, paprika, and dried parsley can be slightly cheaper at Penzeys compared to other brands.
They also periodically offer sale prices on certain spices and blends. Packaging options include plastic bags, jars, and tins in sizes from 1/4 cup up to 1 pound.
- Website Experience
BurlapandBarrel.com has a clean, modern design that makes shopping intuitive. Product photos and details give customers ample information on sourcing and uses for each spice. The site provides recipe ideas and blog posts about spice origins, growers, and culinary inspiration.
An online education section called Spice School offers plenty of guidance for novices. The streamlined product organization and filtering options simplify finding items.
Penzeys.com has a dated look and feel, but the functionality is excellent. Detailed product descriptions provide background on origins, uses, and flavor profiles. Helpful guides and articles assist shoppers in navigating the enormous selection. Recipes and spice pairing advice foster creativity in the kitchen.
Easy access to customer service provides additional support when needed. The extensive product filters and search features help locate specific spices and blends.
- Store Experience
While Burlap and Barrel operates exclusively online, Penzeys has over 70 retail locations across 19 states. The stores showcase the full product line in a tactile shopping setting. Customers can smell spices, get guidance from knowledgeable staff, and purchase pre-mixed gift boxes.
Stores host tasting events and classes for further spice education. However, the brick-and-mortar presence is limited to less than half of the United States.
Burlap and Barrel provides exceptional customer service online. Phone and email support help with any questions or concerns. For those in New York City, the company offers warehouse tours and tastings by appointment.
This provides a personal touch without the overhead cost of multiple retail stores. Those outside major metropolitan hubs can still enjoy the perks of an intimate business.
- Loyalty Programs
Penzeys stands out with its customer loyalty program. Joining the Penzeys Spices Chiliheads rewards buyers with a card earning 1 point for every $1 spent. Points can be redeemed for free spices and merchandise. Members also get exclusive discounts during their birthday month and advance notice on promotions.
Burlap and Barrel does not currently have a formal loyalty or rewards program. However, dedicated customers can sometimes get perks like free samples and personalized discounts. Signing up for their email newsletter provides early access to new product launches, seasonal collections, and special offers.
- Social Responsibility
Both brands exhibit a strong commitment to social responsibility and ethical principles. As a certified B Corporation, Burlap and Barrel adheres to rigorous standards for sustainability and fair treatment of employees. The company partners with organizations like the Pepper Project to support farming communities. Burlap and Barrel donates 1% of its revenue to nonprofits through 1% for the Planet.
Penzeys donates extensively to LGBTQ, humanitarian, and public health charities. They have contributed over $16 million to nonprofit groups to date. The company also demonstrates sustainable business practices by investing in alternative energy. Penzeys commits to diversity, inclusion, and ethical employment policies.
Pros And Cons Of Each Brand
Burlap and Barrel
Pros:
- Direct trade model provides transparent sourcing and fair compensation for growers
- Focus on traditional, sustainable growing methods
- Wholesale pricing due to lack of middlemen
- Modern website provides an excellent shopping experience
- Exceptional customer service and support
Cons:
- Smaller overall selection compared to other major spice sellers
- No loyalty or rewards program
- No brick-and-mortar storefronts
Penzeys
Pros:
- Huge range of spices, blends, and other products
- Long-standing relationships with suppliers worldwide
- Very competitive pricing, frequent sales and discounts
- Stores across the U.S. allow hands-on shopping
- Popular loyalty program with points and exclusive deals
Cons:
- Not as closely connected to spice sources as Burlap and Barrel
- Website aesthetics and functionality less polished
- Limited physical store availability outside certain regions
Which Spice Seller Is Right For You?
For shoppers wanting the widest possible selection, amazing deals, and the ability to sniff before you buy, Penzeys can’t be beat. The vast inventory, account rewards, and brick-and-mortar shopping make Penzeys a great choice for both spice enthusiasts and casual cooks. Those outside areas with retail locations may be better served by Burlap and Barrel.
Customers focused on transparent farm-to-table sourcing, innovative global flavors, and supporting growers should choose Burlap and Barrel. The strict quality control and direct trade partnerships result in exceptional products. The user-friendly website and superb customer service provide a top-notch shopping experience.
Ultimately, the unique business models and product offerings of Penzeys and Burlap and Barrel set these brands apart. Shoppers looking for quality, value, and depth of inventory can be delighted with either merchant. Spice-loving chefs have two great options when it comes to expanding their aromatic horizons.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of Penzeys’ biggest competitors in the spice industry include The Spice House, Savory Spice Shop, Spicewalla, and Burlap and Barrel. These retailers also source high-quality spices worldwide and sell both common and specialty ingredients.
Burlap and Barrel is headquartered in New York City and ships to all 50 states. The company operates exclusively through its website, with no current brick-and-mortar locations. However, they offer warehouse tours and tastings in New York by appointment.
Some of the priciest spices sold at Penzeys include saffron threads ($69.95 for 1/4 cup), Australian lemon myrtle ($29.45 per 1/4 cup), and vanilla beans ($3.29 per single bean). Their wide range of rare and exotic spices command premium prices.
While Burlap and Barrel sells some certified organic spices, they do not exclusively carry organic products. Their focus is on traditional growing methods that may not strictly follow USDA organic standards. However, they avoid pesticides and prioritize sustainability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, having access to the best quality spices can make all the difference in creating memorable meals. Both Penzeys and Burlap and Barrel provide discerning spice shoppers with premium products sourced around the globe. Sampling these sellers’ wares will bring exciting new flavors to the table.