Comments on: kinda genius: single-use spice packs

By: medea

medea — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:57:24 +0000

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.

By: MIchelle

MIchelle — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:10 +0000

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.

By: jer

jer — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:01:25 +0000

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.

By: Tasha

Tasha — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:05:13 +0000

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?

By: laila

laila — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:08:17 +0000

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.

By: Rosemary

Rosemary — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:48:21 +0000

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.

By: Jacki

Jacki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:19:36 +0000

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 :)

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:42:17 +0000

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!

By: Daffodil

Daffodil — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:40:49 +0000

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.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:25:08 +0000

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.