kinda genius: single-use spice packs
TSP Spices wants to solve the issue of wasted spices and seasonings by packaging their certified organic spices in one-teaspoon packs that stay fresh longer. To someone who just realized that we have a huge bottle of spice that is a year and a half past its use-by date (I hate even admitting that) this seems like a simple but great idea. TSP Spices has a higher price point than grocery-store spices and thus might be a better gift option, but sister company Smart Spice operates with the same packaging idea at a more economical price point. The spices at TSP Spices inlude gift sets and themed lines (i.e. Green Basics, Sweet Basics, Spice Basics, Set for the Holidays) and individual spices, while the 16 varieties of Smart Spice are sold individually. –Sarah C.
8 teaspoons – less than 3 T – of thyme for $6 is economical?? Come on!
The best way to buy spices, if you don’t use a lot, is to buy smaller containers. Penzeys will sell you a small (1/4 cup, 1/3 of an ounce) jar of thyme for less than $2, and all of their stuff is extremely high quality.
I think it’s a waste environmentally. I don’t like all of the packaging involved.
That was my first thought, too, notsocrafty.com. It’s possible to buy spices from bulk vendors, so you can buy small amounts and store them in jars or containers you already have. Frankly, I’d rather someone buy a small glass container of a spice and have some left over, than to keep buying items packaged in several plastic wrappers — it seems like such a waste.
We understand your concern. But, really, all packaging is an environmental compromise and we feel this one is a responsible compromise. Bulk spices are usually carried home from the store in plastic bags that contain far more un-recyclable material than our packets. (The same is also true of any chip bag that provides you with a 5-minute snack.) Then there is the issue of all those bottles of stale spices that accumulate in your cabinet because the spice manufacturer wants you to buy a 10-year supply — increasing their profit margin and wasting the consumer’s spice dollar. All things considered, we think our consumer-friendly packaging is more environmentally responsible than traditional spice packaging.
Yep, I agree–just another over-packaged product.
On the other hand, with a teaspoon size packet, you only use what you need keeping the rest of the spices fresh. That way the remaining spices are ready for the next time you need them, as opposed to having to go and buy new fresh tasting spices.
These might be helpful if you were going to cook somewhere other than your own kitchen, though. Like if you went over to your grandmother’s house to make her some muffins or soup or something, or if you rented a vacation house, or went camping, or something like that. For everyday, it’s totally wasteful in terms of packaging.
Have you seen the travel spice set? My mom got it for Christmas a few years back and when she opened it shouted, “It’s a holiday miracle!” Cracked me up. She’ll LOVE these!
I agree with the first four comments. If I had an empty package for every 1 tsp of spice I use, I’d have an extra couple bags of trash each year. At least if I have to throw out some extra spice that has lost its flavor, it’s going down the sink and will decompose just fine :)
Have you tasted these ? They are delicious !!! So much better than bulk spices which taste stale. And best of all ? They are GLUTEN-FREE ! I am sorry to disagree, but this packaging works for me.
I love this idea, but I’d like to see a move toward a different wrapper. Maybe something like parchment paper? It would keep spices fresh and also would be something I could throw into the compost heap.
And, as much as I try to avoid extra wrapping, this small wrapper is not where I’d start the battle. There are lots of much more troubling packaging problems around worth tackling before this one. That said, I think that a move toward a biodegradable package would make this product appealing to a much larger market.
Sara, I’m not trying to start an argument, but bulk spices can be put directly into your own containers, or they can be shipped in reusable tins. You may think these changes are small, compared to larger problems, but small changes add up. It’s up to consumers to make their own choices about the kind of packaging they’re willing to buy, and consumers are ready for green packaging. Furthermore, defensive “well, but OTHER companies are way worse” comments aren’t good marketing.
I love the idea of a biodegradable package — I wonder if that’s suitable for spices?
This product is a real gimmick and frankly a rip off. Both economically and environmentally.
A tablespoon of most herbs and spices cost pennies when purchased in bulk. Plus even the most eco friendly packaging is wasteful when not needed in the first place.
It’s a cute idea, but it would be much cheaper and less wasteful to buy exactly what you need from the bulk section at Whole Foods or the co-op. Or as Misha pointed out, the 1/4 cup (4 T) jars of spices at Penzey’s are a good deal and very fresh.
Not everyone bakes and cooks with the same spices every day. Some people (myself included) use some herbs once in a blue moon, but have to buy more than what we need when we wish to cook, and the next time we cook or use a particular spice could be months down the road. I would totally dig the serving size packets of spices for those I don’t use that often, and have my regular spices I use daily in regular containers.