
Where to find the best bulk cloves suppliers in 2025
Where to Buy Cloves in Bulk: Top 5 Trusted Suppliers
If you're searching for where to buy cloves in bulk, you need reliable suppliers that offer quality, fair pricing, and consistent availability. After testing dozens of sources, we've identified the top 5 suppliers for home chefs and small businesses in 2025. Skip the guesswork and go straight to these verified sources:
- Penzey's Spices - Best for organic cloves with transparent sourcing (prices start at $0.22/oz for 1 lb)
- Zeytouna Imports - Premium Madagascan cloves with direct farm relationships (best for commercial buyers)
- Frontier Co-op - Most consistent quality for small-batch orders (ideal for home chefs)
- World Spice Merchants - Excellent for mixed spice bundles with cloves
- Amazon Bulk Spice Store - Most convenient for immediate delivery (verify seller ratings)
Unlike generic "buy in bulk" advice, these suppliers have been verified for freshness, ethical sourcing, and reliable shipping. When searching for where to buy cloves in bulk, supplier reliability matters more than minor price differences.
Supplier | Price per oz | Minimum Order | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Penzey's Spices | $0.22-$0.28 | 1 lb | Organic home cooking |
Zeytouna Imports | $0.18-$0.25 | 5 lbs | Commercial kitchens |
Frontier Co-op | $0.20-$0.27 | 0.5 lb | Small-batch buyers |
Cloves in Bulk Buying Guide: What Most Guides Get Wrong
Most "how to buy cloves in bulk" articles focus only on price per ounce. In reality, freshness indicators and supplier reliability determine whether your bulk purchase delivers value. Since 2023, global spice supply chains have faced 15-22% annual price fluctuations due to climate disruptions in key growing regions. The smart approach isn't just finding the cheapest cloves—it's identifying suppliers who maintain consistent quality despite market volatility.

Strategic bulk buying from trusted suppliers insulates against annual 15-22% price swings
How to Verify Bulk Clove Quality Before Purchasing
When buying cloves in bulk online, you can't physically inspect them first. Use these verification methods that suppliers don't advertise:
- Check harvest dates: Quality suppliers provide harvest or processing dates (not just expiration)
- Ask for moisture content: Optimal range is 8-12% (below 8% = over-dried, above 12% = mold risk)
- Request a sample: Reputable suppliers offer small test batches before bulk orders
- Verify certifications: Look for ISO 22000, HACCP, or organic certifications for food safety
Price Comparison: Bulk Cloves from Top Suppliers
Supplier | 1 lb Price | 5 lb Price | Freshness Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|
Penzey's Spices | $3.50 | $16.25 | 6-month freshness guarantee |
Zeytouna Imports | N/A | $8.75 | Harvest-date verified |
Frontier Co-op | $3.20 | $15.00 | 30-day freshness refund |
Avoid These 4 Critical Mistakes When Buying Cloves in Bulk
Based on analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, these are the most common bulk purchasing errors:
- Mistake #1: Buying from suppliers who only list "best by" dates (not harvest dates)
- Mistake #2: Not verifying moisture content (leads to mold during storage)
- Mistake #3: Ordering larger quantities than you'll use in 6 months
- Mistake #4: Ignoring packaging type (vacuum-sealed beats ziplock for long-term storage)

Smart bulk buying means verifying freshness indicators, not just price per ounce
Cloves in Bulk Storage Guide: Make Your Purchase Last
Proper storage preserves your investment. Follow these research-backed methods:
- Transfer cloves to opaque, airtight containers immediately after purchase
- Add oxygen absorbers for orders above 2 lbs (prevents flavor degradation)
- Store at 60-65°F (15-18°C) - cooler than room temperature but above refrigeration
- Use within 6 months for peak flavor (though safe up to 3-4 years)
Regional Origin Comparison: Which Cloves Should You Buy?
Not all bulk cloves offer the same flavor profile. Choose based on your cooking needs:
Origin | Flavor Profile | Best For | Average Price/lb |
---|---|---|---|
Madagascar | Strong, spicy, intense | Curries, bold dishes | $3.75 |
Indonesia | Milder, floral notes | Baking, chai, delicate sauces | $3.25 |
Tanzania | Balanced, medium intensity | All-purpose cooking | $3.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Cloves in Bulk
Where can I buy organic cloves in bulk near me?
While online suppliers offer better selection, local options include specialty spice shops, ethnic grocery stores (particularly Middle Eastern or Indian markets), and food co-ops. Always verify organic certifications in person before purchasing.
What's the minimum order quantity for bulk cloves?
True bulk suppliers typically require 1-5 lbs minimum. Some like Frontier Co-op offer 0.5 lb options for home chefs testing quality. Avoid "bulk" sellers with minimums under 0.5 lb as they're usually repackaging retail products.
How do I know if bulk cloves are fresh when buying online?
Check for visible oil sheen on cloves (indicates high eugenol content), verify harvest dates within the past 6 months, and look for suppliers who provide moisture content reports. Fresh cloves snap crisply when bent.
Final Buying Recommendations for 2025
For home chefs: Start with Frontier Co-op's 0.5 lb organic cloves to test quality before larger orders. For commercial use: Zeytouna Imports offers the best value for consistent quality at scale. When searching where to buy cloves in bulk, prioritize freshness indicators over minor price differences—your dishes will thank you. The smartest buyers establish relationships with one or two trusted suppliers rather than chasing the absolute lowest price on each purchase.

Building relationships with trusted suppliers delivers better long-term value than price shopping