I really like this place and I find myself using the spices purchased here more and more. We were introduced to Penzey's by our realtor and told it was a must visit store. After about a month here, we finally found it and have been going back about once a month since. I've slowly been expanding the types of spices we're buying, both as replacements and as new adds. My current favorites are the mixed spices from Paris and Italy, both add a ton of flavor to old dishes, like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. I do recommend you go online and sign up to receive their newsletter, as you will then start getting offers for free product. Yesterday we received a free jar of black pepper with a $10.00 purchase, which made the visit worthwhile! The store is easy to find, smells great once you get inside and the staff is always eager to help! read more

If you are a lover of cooking and food in general this is the place you need to try. They have spices and herbs from A-Z. Everything you're looking for and then some. They even have sample jars in from of each selection for you to see and smell before buying. I have tried several new spices just from the sample jars alone. Also If you sign up for their catalog they send you a coupon for a free spice. You cant beat that! read more

I entirely forgot about this place until I read a recent review. Quite plainly, if you can't find it here, you probably don't need it unless you're Thomas Keller or Alex Stratta stranded in Cbus with the need to make some obsurdly complex dish. I believe the last time I visited was 2-3 months ago and at the time they had 6 types of cinnamon and at least 10 salts. In addition, multiple roots and essences plus whole vanilla beans, anise, and peppercorns are available. Prices are okay, but slightly higher than a couple other spice shops I've been to (specifically the incredible one at Cleveland's West Market) and staff is friendly. Dig the store, but it is certainly a tad cramped. read more

I never thought there was much of a difference in spices until I tried Penzey's. As I grew into cooking over the last 15 years I realized that some grocery store selections weren't as flavorful or strong as I wanted, resulting in adding a lot of something and it becoming overkill, thus ruining the dish. Penzey's Spices are different. You can use a small amount and get great, strong flavors. 90% of my spice cabinet are their products. The rest are some items they just don't have like pink salt. I can't hold that against them since they make their own spices and they can't have everything. At first it will seem like you are paying more because you are. But let me add you are paying for the spice and the jar. Once you have that jar you can buy bags of refills that are much more cost efficient. You'll save money over the grocery store in the long run. They even have empty jars/labels if you wish to make your own blends (like a spice rub). The store has a nice layout with a lot of spices in alphabetical order and they always have good promotions (that often include free jars), which you get via email once you sign up for their mailing list. They also have samples that you can smell and even taste, so you can be sure to buy something you like. They carry great themed gift boxes and you can usually swap out one or two things if you want to make it more custom. My only problem is location. There's only one, in Upper Arlington. It's worth the trip. I suggest the Shallot Pepper, Greek Seasoning, and garlic powder. read more

Penzey's Spices - Refill bags of spices that are more cost efficient than anything you get at the grocery store. - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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If you love to cook and love food and flavors this is the place to come. I have shopped via catalog here for years but coming to the store is a sensory treat. You can sample any spice and pick up some catalogs too. The recipes alone make it worth having the catalog. This place is wonderful for picking up a unique gift too. I heard there will be a store in Louisville soon. I can't wait, and I would work there if I could get paid in spices! This is a gem! read more

Amazing place with a WIDE variety of spices, which are organized by type (salts, peppers, herbs). I am pretty sure they have every type of spice or herb know to man. They also have a GREAT collection of rubs, seasoning mixes, and kits. They also offer a lot of different sizes of spices, which is good for trying out different ones. I think their smallest sizes range anywhere from 2.00 to 5.00 depending on what you get. Which I think is pretty good. Their larger packs are also in the same price range, so I normally get the bigger sizes. You can always share the excess. :) Another amazing thing about Penzey's is their collection of salt-free options. Which is great for a lot of older people trying to watch their sodium intake. I got a nice haul of salt-free options for my grandparents. They won't have to sacrifice flavor! The only reason its a 4/5 is because the lady who was at the shop was not as helpful as I would have liked her to be when I first went. Seemed like she became friendly only when I was buying things. D: Maybe she was just having an off day? Who knows... Don't let that stop you from coming here!!! Another reason fo the 4/5 is because, I was hoping they'd have a good selection of sugars, like 'The Tea and Spice Exchange' in Cincy does. But, I guess it is mainly for SPICES. lol There are SO many things to try here. I wish I had enough time and money to try them all!! read more

I personally ADORE Penzey's Spices, but I had been acquainted with their products before I visited the physical store, and I think Lisa S raises some good points for those who may be experiencing Penzey's for the first time. This store will probably not replace my dependable McCormick's and Trader Joe's herbs and spices, but IMO their blends can't be beat! The Pasta Sprinkle or Bavarian blend will even make Pasta Roni enjoyable (I live in Chicago, I eat what I can afford!) and the Bradley Cheese Sprinkle is worth selling a kidney for. Also, I know this is a little old lady-ish, but their mulling spices are fantastic...tis the season, so stock up! Their box sets are also fantastic...herbs are hair-pullingly expensive no matter what, IMO, but you can get a great starter kit of 4 herb blends for $15, which is actually a really good price! the box sets are also a great way to stock up on their more basic items. The smoked chili powders, peppercorns and salts are worth the inconvenience of traveling to the store or ordering and waiting for shipping, but if I need a pinch of basil I'll be meeting up with Lisa S in the Giant Eagle spice isle read more

Great products and great service. What else is there?

My go to spot for pretty much any spice I need, especially in bulk. I appreciate the display canister in front of each spice so that I can sample via smell especially if I'm unfamiliar. read more

Still a fan, but on my last visit here on Friday, I received the worst service I've ever gotten here. This isn't saying much because the service is usually AWESOME, but it was a wee bit surprising. I was here on a mission for my mother who wanted 3 different spices that we routinely use. She had a $5 off coupon and a free sample coupon. I found my selections easily and went up to the counter to pay. The lady who I usually see there was helping some other customers so there was a gentleman who I had never seen working the til. I handed him my coupons for and he asked me what free sample I wanted. I explained that we'd never tried any of the 3 offerings and what would he suggest. He shrugged his shoulders and asked what I would use it for. I really didn't know how to answer. I know he was trying to be nice, but all I could muster was to answer I'd use it in food. Dumb answer. I know. He reached back grabbed one and said, 'try this.' No explanation as to what it was and how to use it. The usual lady always seems to give me five recipes to try with her suggestions! Still good, just not as good service as usual. read more

OMG! This store is just amazing and it has only spices. If you happen to be a "foodie," then this is THE place you need to shop. It is so well organized - everything is arranged in alphabetical order and they are completely wheelchair accessible. When I go in there by myself, I can easily spend an hour in there just looking around and dreaming about future dishes! read more

It is my go to store! I buy 99% of my spices there. They have the best chicken, beef and vegetable base....the Greek, Northwood Fire and fajita is awesome and Bicentennial for my turkey is to die for... plus the company itself is a leader is caring for our people and world. There mission aligns with me and they will continue to get my business. read more

I love Penzeys! The store is organized and I love that there is a jar sampling for each spice in the store so you can smell them prior to the purchase. You do not have to worry about if your jar was opened prior to your purchase. There is also little cards that explain the uses for the spices. I tend to buy the small jars so I can ensure I keep the freshest spices in my cabinet. These jars are generally $1.79 to $2.60 so they are affordable. Arizona Dreaming, and Adobo are wonderful and they have several Italian blends that are good too. read more

A friend turned me on to Penzeys spices years ago, and I became hooked in very short order. The variety and quality of the products are beyond compare for anyone who takes pride in cooking. There are especially a few blends - Fox Point, Bavarian, Pasta Sprinkle, and Mural of Flavor are just the first few that come to mind - that have become staples in my kitchen. But with the closest store 100 miles away from me, I've had to rely on mail order all this time. Now I've moved to Columbus, and I'm overjoyed to have a store only THREE miles away! I visited for the first time yesterday, and the experience was everything I could have hoped for. Now I don't have to wait until I'm running dangerously low on more than one item to make an order... I'm so happy! read more

I called today at 4:30pm and told them I'd be there at 4:55 (5pm close) and asked if they could accommodate me. The lady who answered the phone could not have been more rude. I'll never go there again. You've lost my business for good! read more

I love this store. I cannot really explain why, but here goes anyway. Penzey's is a chain of spice stores - they sell spices and spice accessories (jars, peppermills, gift sets). The Columbus location is in a unique building that used to be a bank in the 70's, but which undoubtedly smells much better now. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful if you have questions. They have a huge selection of dried spices, all of which are high-quality and expertly processed and packaged to maintain freshness. There are jars of everything out for people to smell. Their powdered ginger smells (and tastes) a lot more like fresh than most, and the same is true for their other spices. They have exotic and unusual spices you can't find at most grocery stores - galangal, fenugreek, saffron, epazote, even MSG - as well as great blends of herbs and spices for all sorts of different purposes and tastes. Their baking section is great - it includes dutch process and natural process cocoa, a "baking spice" blend which is fantastic, pumpkin and apple pie spices, vanilla sugar, extracts in 4 or 16 ounce bottles. For those serious about baking, their vanilla comes in a double-strength extract, as well as whole beans if you want to make your own. Their hot chocolate mix is made of cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla only, so just add milk (or soymilk, so the vegan in your life can have hot chocolate from a mix) - the "hint of mint" hot chocolate mix smells so good you want to eat it from the jar. The gifts sets are a good idea, of course, and at Penzey's you're getting quality spices - not just a spice rack with spices the person might as well throw away, they're so old. If people show so much as the slightest interest in cooking or spices, I take them to Penzey's - and usually end up buying more spices than I need while I'm there. Please, if you cook or bake and need spices, find a store near you or order online - www.penzeys.com. read more

Every spice you could ever want, at very reasonable prices. The staff was helpful without being pushy and let us take our time exploring and smelling everything. Definitely worth the drive if you cook or bake often. Especially useful for "exotic" spices used in ethnic cooking. The bulk bins at Wild Oats were a good place to pick up these spices for the first time you make ethnic recipes, in case you don't like the recipe and don't want to be stuck with a huge jar of a spice you'll never use again. But once you realize the recipe is good, head to Penzey's to stock up. read more

Expensive, poorly lit (you can barely read the labels), slow checkout and full of old ladies. A shopping nightmare.

I try to grow my own herbs and spices as much as possible, but when I can't, I go to Penzeys. The quality can't be beat, their selection is phenomenal, and their catalog is inspirational. You have to try their double strength vanilla, it is totally worth the price, and it's life altering! They also have some great gift boxes for weddings and Christmas! read more

My grandfather always swore by Penzeys Spices and I saw the joy that they brought to him, so when I moved from home after college I stocked my spice cabinet with nothing but! Fortunately I've lived in major cities to be close to a brick & mortar Penzeys, but once you've found a favorite you can order online (most times they have a shipping deal). The Kenny Road location is close to me but with their limited evening hours, I can only ever make it on the weekend (which is fine by me!) The store is a foodies' haven! Herbs, upon spices, upon blends, oh my! And free recipe cards! The ladies who work there are helpful if you need assistance, but not aggressive in their sales pitch. For spices and herbs I use regularly, I buy the plastic bags and refill the glass jars as it is a much better value. I date the bottle or bag with a sharpie when purchased, and although Penzeys recommends to replace their product after 6 months, I can attest that the shelf life is much, much longer! Products I can't live without include Buttermilk Ranch Dressing mix, Black & Red (Black Pepper + Cayenne), Mural of Flavor (salt-free herb mix) and my most recent discovery Fox Point (an oniony mix I like to sprinkle on popcorn!) read more

The folks who say Penzey's has everything are right! I've actually bought from their mail-order division before this store opened. Today I picked up several things and will have to go through my current spices and see what to pitch. read more

I started getting spices here about 10 years ago and have been happy ever since. Their spices are fresh, they are tasty and they have some awesome spice blends. They always have free products and samples with purchase. I have gone into the store many times and ordered online. The only time I got a hard spice they immediately sent me a replacement (bigger size) and they always included little envelopes of "samples" to try. I'd say 90% of my spice cabinet are Penzeys spices. I even belong to a fan club on facebook. Plus they are a socially responsible company that share the same social/political views I do so buying from them - I'm supporting some of my favorite causes. When I started dating my boyfriend he laughed at my Penzey's - no he's singing their praises and frequently does informercials to make me laugh!! I can't praise this highly enough!! Do yourself a favor - become a friendzy!!! read more

This is a wonderful place for trying new spices. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Being able to buy small amounts of spices in little bags means I can try new and exotic flavors I might not otherwise try, I find the prices very reasonable. My favorite thing here are the spice blends. The Penzey's Forward is my favorite all-around flavor enhancer. I use it in most of the things I cook. They also have a terrific catalog of spices if you sign up for their mailing list which comes with lots of tasty recipes and sometimes even coupons for free spices! In addition, they carry really great gift boxes with assortments that are perfect for teachers, wedding showers and other occasions. You name the spice, they have it at Penzey's! read more

Absolutely love this place! There are so many not just regular spices but spice blends and ways to customize gifts. You can smell all of the spices which can be soothing or a kick in the sniffer depending on what you've popped the lid on. One of my all time favorite spices now is berbere which is a cayenne (spicy) and fenugreek (maple) blend and I use it on everything. I never would've found it if not for Penzey's! read more

Love this place! I've got almost every blend they carry and most of the single herbs and spices. I also go and buy duplicates and things I don't need because of their gorgeous associate (Ange). read more

Best place to buy spices. Sign up for their online emails they send you coupons for free stuff alot.

I've never seen so many spices. Very nice place to buy any spice you could possibly think of. Only bad part is that the staff is sometimes surly. Prices are high, but worth it considering the great selection and quality. read more

WHAT HAPPENED TO PENZEYS? OMG!!! We live in Cincinnati and drive to Columbus at least twice a year to visit my in-laws. We use to always make a stop at Penzeys and stock up before heading back home. It had been a while since we last made the trip .The last time we went to Penzeys was in March or April of 07. What a difference a year and a half makes!! It was like visitng a totally different store!! First thing we notice was the prices have like TRIPLED!! Then we notice that we can't find anything because everything has been moved around. It is like really weird because the building is round and the displays have been moved to flow with the space but it's a wild goose chase to find anyuthing! The spices use to be blocked together in groups that were easy to find. The staff can't seem find anything either and the lady helping us wasn't friendly and acted bored. We asked her why the store had changed so drastically, and she said new management. The last time we shopped there the staff was lively and friendly and the sales lady KNEW her spices. My husband said they use to advertise that they were 50% cheaper than the grocery store, but now they can't say that anymore.. So save yourself the trouble, the gas $$ and buy your spices at the grocery store. They are definitely a high end spice store now,,somebody has to pay for all those stores they have opened! And those blends they sell you can make yourself with your own ingredients. Every time I find a store that I like, just give them a couple yrs to let success go to their heads and they screw it up.!! read more