• Penzeys Spices

Penzeys Spices

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Overview

Penzeys Spices has a rating of 2.1 stars from 42 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Penzeys Spices ranks 50th among Spices sites.

  • Service
    27
  • Value
    28
  • Shipping
    21
  • Returns
    9
  • Quality
    28
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 16.7%
Positive
1
Neutral
0
Negative
5
4
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How would you rate Penzeys Spices?
Top Positive Review

“Best spices anywhere”

Brenda A.
11/12/23

I've been a customer for years, and fortunate enough to live within 10 minutes of the Houston store. Absolutely the freshest, finest, pungent herbs, spices, and cooking helps (looking at the base products such as seafood seasonings) to be found anywhere. Even during the pandemic, they found a way for me to get fresh spices when I needed them, thanks to order pickup off the little wooden bench out front! In their store, and on the website, there a many wonderful recipes that have become staples in my home. I get it if you don't support the politics of the owner, but IMO it is just childish to leave a one-star review for products that are superior to any you'll find in a grocery store. Wondering if those posting the one-stars have ever even tried the products. At any rate, buy the products, you will NOT be disappointed.

Top Critical Review

“Poor TV image”

William S.
9/8/24

You seem poorly informed that half of the population are conservative. To insult them with your childish perspective shows poor judgement therefore I don't trust ANY decision you make include product quality. See you in the bread line comrade,if Harris should some way be awarded the election.

Reviews (42)

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Thumbnail of user williams7593
1 review
2 helpful votes
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September 8th, 2024

You seem poorly informed that half of the population are conservative. To insult them with your childish perspective shows poor judgement therefore I don't trust ANY decision you make include product quality. See you in the bread line comrade,if Harris should some way be awarded the election.

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Thumbnail of user geraldinej100
1 review
2 helpful votes
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September 8th, 2024

Hateful company that promotes hate towards American citizens that do not share their views. Most disgusting display by a business on their website. Really disturbing and wouldn't trust shopping in their stores.

Thumbnail of user r.lerew
1 review
9 helpful votes
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January 20th, 2024

My father started shopping at Penzeys well over a decade ago. He was an awarding winning cook and had an extensive collection of spices from Penzey's. I learned to cook with these spices and I'm ashamed to even have them in my cupboard with the absurd political views that Penzey's now pushes on their customers. I've moved on...

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Thumbnail of user 4195idag2009
1 review
9 helpful votes
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March 12th, 2024

The spices are mediocre and overpriced. The CEO Bill Penzey is the most hateful CEO and constantly spewed hate in his email. This man is very anti republican and he mixes business with politics. He sends out weekly emails berating in a very hateful manner that all Republicans are bad. This man is doing exactly what he claims Republicans are doing by spewing lies, hate and he is very racist. He claims that he loves everyone unless you are republican then you are the mortal enemy. He has a history of firing republican workers. You can find better spices elsewhere that are cheaper. On their webpage they have a section called about Republicans which is truly uncalled for. If a republican business did what he did they would be calling for its closure. He also has a history of putting customers on blast in the emails if they write in and disagree with him, he puts the name and email of the person. Stay away from this company and do not support such a hateful company. In times like these we need to all come together and he keeps wanting to divide the country further.

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Thumbnail of user brendaa1307
1 review
3 helpful votes
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November 12th, 2023

I've been a customer for years, and fortunate enough to live within 10 minutes of the Houston store. Absolutely the freshest, finest, pungent herbs, spices, and cooking helps (looking at the base products such as seafood seasonings) to be found anywhere. Even during the pandemic, they found a way for me to get fresh spices when I needed them, thanks to order pickup off the little wooden bench out front!

In their store, and on the website, there a many wonderful recipes that have become staples in my home.

I get it if you don't support the politics of the owner, but IMO it is just childish to leave a one-star review for products that are superior to any you'll find in a grocery store. Wondering if those posting the one-stars have ever even tried the products.

At any rate, buy the products, you will NOT be disappointed.

Products used:
Multiple, many times

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user emmaw577
1 review
6 helpful votes
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October 1st, 2022
Verified purchase

I've bought from this company several times, my mother introduced me to one of their very quaint little stores near my hometown several years ago and I've loved them since. I understand some of the comments are put off by the politics, but it's definitely not a standalone thing by any means as so many companies do it nowadays. But I've always loved the products, I've never had any issues with anything. If I had anything negative to say it would just be that they're a little pricey, but I love the cake spice for baking and I'm willing to throw down on it.

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Thumbnail of user raye290
1 review
8 helpful votes
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September 22nd, 2023

The CEO of this company is so idiotic, that he/him has made his company political and tripped down on 1/6 like it's some national disaster. Wake up buddy. Smell the spices. You're a clown. Go drink a Bud Light. You'll be out of business soon.

Tip for consumers:
Imagine a company run by Fetterman and Kamela Harris…

Products used:
Summer of BLM burning spice

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Thumbnail of user sf288
1 review
4 helpful votes
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March 11th, 2023

The spices are always great and fresh. I used to go to one of their stores in Santa Monica and everyone was friendly and helpful. Phone service has always been good as well.
As for the political stuff, we are supposed to be able to voice our opinions without fear in this country. Maybe all the haters should watch Arnold Schwarzenegger's video about hate. After looking at some of the reviews, I can't help but think that they were posted by people that don't like the company's opinions rather than being about the quality of their products.

Thumbnail of user loisc251
1 review
2 helpful votes
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October 26th, 2023
• Updated review

I've used Penzey spices for years. They are so fresh and flavorful. A little goes a long way which makes them economical to use, unlike the spices sold in stores which are often mixed with non-spice ingredients and require 3 times the measure to get any flavor out of them. Also love the Wisconsin connection. As a life long (69 years) resident I can categorically state that we are not known for our political reticence so why should the Penzey CEO be any different, lol. And just so you have balanced Wisconsin outspoken political opinions, we gave you Sen. Ron Johnson too. Your welcome.

Products used:
spices

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Awesome quality, fair prices
March 11th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I am an adventurous cook and use many spices - all from Penzey. The selection and quality cannot be beat.

Products used:
all

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Thumbnail of user michaelg2771
2 reviews
7 helpful votes
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October 24th, 2023

Do not do business with this company because they apparently hate half of their potential customer base, they have an exclusive section on their home page stating how much they hate Republicans. But then in the same statement say how compassionate and decent they're, nothing but another hypocritical virtue signaling frauds!

Thumbnail of user geraldinee41
1 review
18 helpful votes
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June 1st, 2022
Verified purchase

I bought from penzeys for many years… NO MORE! This is a hateful, divisive company! All they do is insult and spew hate at customers! People are buying a product, not your political hatred. Never buying from this company again! Good riddance!

Thumbnail of user jasons2450
1 review
23 helpful votes
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January 31st, 2022

We ordered a spice from Penzey's for an upcoming recipe. Prior to receiving the spice we received 3 angry emails from the owner of the company entitled, "Stop Republican Racism." The email is written in an angry tone and has rants about 1/6, the Republican Party, and many other topics.

Some of these are very important topics, but the tone and content that the owner of company is discussing these items, and the fact this is an unsolicited email is strange to say the least.

I asked for a refund and they said they would once I returned the spice. When I read extreme writings (Right or Left), I always feel sorry for the person because I'm sure these opinions started at a place of good intention. The amount of emotion and anger in these company emails is unhealthy. I hope the owner can find another outlet for these communications, since his employees will pay the price of upset customers.

Tip for consumers:
Go elsewhere. You will get strange political emails form the owner once you purchase.

Products used:
Northwood Fire was ordered

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Thumbnail of user pamb745
0 reviews
36 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2022

I was a faithful Penzey's customer for a number of years. While I felt that most of their spices were mediocre, there were a few special blends that I purchased regularly. I opened my email today to see a series of emails that were filled with an incoherent political rant about Republicans. He accuses everyone who disagrees with him of being racists who "buy guns to shoot black people". Business people shouldn't be allowed to engage in verbal assaults on their faithful customers.

Thumbnail of user mandym235
1 review
13 helpful votes
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February 4th, 2022

I bought a few bottles to try and 2 of the bottles I bought had a really strong weird smell to them and the bottles themselves had the label coming off so I tossed it out because I didn't trust it.
Very disappointed because I spent allot of money. These spices are very expensive.

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Thumbnail of user patv92
1 review
25 helpful votes
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April 4th, 2022

I used to buy exclusively from Penzey's but not any more. They used my order confirmation email to spam me with their Left Wing political ideologies?!
I came online to research a new spice company to find Penzey's is listed as the worst of the bunch.
Looking forward to more flavorful cooking with a brand new upstart of a company that doesn't exercise Virtue Signaling with their order confirmations.
B'uh BYE Penzey's - you truly creep me out!

Tip for consumers:
You will be harassed with Far Left Wing propaganda when you order. Penzey’s hates Republicans and says so ad nausea with their Virtue Signaling.
I will NEVER do business with them again!

Products used:
In the past, all. This last order is going back by my refusing it’s delivery. I won’t support a company that actively promotes hate towards those that vote differently than they do.

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Thumbnail of user reviewers4
1 review
20 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2023

I wrote a glowing review about Penzey's YEARS ago, before they got political. I used to live near them, and when they were kinda new, in their infancy, I probably garnered a lot of business for them with my socialization re: the shop and their spices. However, years later...I don't know what exactly happened, but I started getting this political mail sent to me which was spewing hate and it was crazy - just out of nowhere! I mean from a SPICE company!? So with that all I can say is, avoid this hate-mongering company at all costs. And Penzeys...get woke...go broke as they say.

Thumbnail of user ear3
1 review
17 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2023
Verified purchase

Great selection, also consider Frag Out Flavor, A veteran owned company, as well as The Spice House, owned by Penzys sister Patty. No political rhetoric or ranting. Just great spices and excellent customer service. Pricing is better at the Spice House as well.

Thumbnail of user debrad641
1 review
21 helpful votes
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April 10th, 2021

I received Penzys Spices for a gift. Too bad somebody waisted their money on this hateful, racist company. This company trash talks half the American population, labeling them as racists. Their product is not even good enough to regift. Straight to the trash bin!

Products used:
None

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Thumbnail of user jamesm9182
1 review
6 helpful votes
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September 8th, 2023

I've always loved their products but their choice to make politics front and center of their sales is offputting. I've blocked friends on FB because I tire of their opinions on both sides being constantly put in front of my face. I'm sure that the loss of my sales won't hurt them but I'll no longer recommend them to my foodie friends.

Products used:
spices

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Value
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Thumbnail of user jordane140
1 review
12 helpful votes
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March 24th, 2022

I've tried Penzsey spices a couple of times. Overall the spices are comparable or less satisfying than McCormick on the spices and Litehouse on the Herbs. The cost is about six times more for the Penzeys product than most other spices. Trust me save your money and don't buy Penzsey.

Products used:
Received some of there blended spices from my relatives on special occasions.

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Thumbnail of user billiee33
1 review
16 helpful votes
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January 30th, 2022

Mold across the top of brand new cumin. I heard from sleeker who worked there that the place is dirty and gets written up for code violations all the time. Disgusting and overpriced.

Products used:
Had to throw it away so none.

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Thumbnail of user ering332
1 review
27 helpful votes
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February 12th, 2022

Company promotes hatred toward other people for the sole purpose of making money. Left leaders think this is great but its just a gimmick to take advantage of the same people. Cleverly evil.

Thumbnail of user ruthl943
1 review
16 helpful votes
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February 2nd, 2023

Extremely hurtful and bigoted comments. Read the website. Shocking and tasteless display of spreading ill amongst fellow Americans. Sad array of words begin put forth.

Thumbnail of user pablo131610
1 review
8 helpful votes
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October 5th, 2023

I see a recall of Baxter street cheese topping due to seame seeds undeclared. Not the most severe recall. I enjoyed his spices until he got political. And I'm done now.

Thumbnail of user asda33
1 review
20 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2022

They are horrible racist's that would rather watch America being burned by nazis than admit they were wrong.

Tip for consumers:
asd

Products used:
asd

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2.1
42 reviews
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