Used to buy pre-made spice blends until I saw the math

I used to grab those little jars of taco seasoning or curry powder at the store for $3 each. But then I calculated what I was spending per month on them. It was around $15 just for spices that are mostly salt and fillers. That's $180 a year for something I can make with 3 ingredients I already have. I grabbed a bulk bag of cumin, some chili powder, and garlic powder for $8 total and it lasts me 6 months. Now I check the price per ounce on everything and it changed how I shop for meals. Has anyone else noticed how much markup those blends really have? I'm looking for more simple homemade mix recipes if you got 'em.

3 comments

3 Comments

wilson.sam17d ago

How much chili powder you using if cumin and garlic are the other two?

william_henderson17d agoTop Commenter

I really feel you on this one. It's a hard ratio to nail down cause chili powder is so variable from one brand to another. I usually start with a tablespoon of chili powder and then adjust from there, but I've had to double it before when the jar was old. The cumin and garlic are important too, but chili powder is the one that'll make or break the whole dish. You can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in there.

adamgreen16d ago

Honestly, "make or break the whole dish" is wild to me because I've been there. @wilson.sam, I bet you've had a similar moment where you thought the chili powder was fine until you tasted it and the whole thing was flat. I really feel you on the jar being old though, I had a batch that was two years old and I had to triple the amount just to get a hint of heat. It's like gambling with your dinner every time you open a dusty jar.