I was sure those 'dollar store spice blends' would be terrible, but the taco seasoning I grabbed on a whim is actually solid.

Compared it side-by-side with my usual $4 brand and the flavor difference was minimal, which has me rethinking a lot of my pantry staples. Anyone have a favorite hidden gem from the discount aisle?

4 comments

4 Comments

elizabethg852mo ago

Ever notice how this happens with everything now? The cheap version works fine until you actually need it to last. Feels like we're all just buying the idea of a product, not the real thing.

parker_price2mo ago

My friend's cheap curry powder turned her whole stew bitter last week.

ericj452mo ago

Yeah, the part about the real test being cooking with it is so true. My buddy made a big pot of chili with a discount paprika he swore was just as good. It looked fine going in, but after it simmered for an hour, the flavor just vanished. It was like he never added it. That cheap paprika had no staying power at all.

the_anthony2mo ago

Hold up, you're comparing a side-by-side taste test and calling it a win. The real test is cooking with it. Those cheap blends often use way more salt and cheap fillers like flour to stretch the product. Your taco meat might taste okay tonight, but the quality of the spices themselves is usually lower. That $4 brand likely has better, fresher chili powder and cumin that actually comes through after simmering. You get what you pay for in the long run.