Where to Buy Cloves: Best Stores & Online Options (2024)

You can buy cloves at major grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Target; specialty spice shops; ethnic markets (particularly Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian grocery stores); health food stores like Whole Foods; and online retailers including Amazon, Spice Jungle, and Penzeys Spices.

Whether you're stocking your spice cabinet for holiday baking or need cloves for a specific recipe, knowing where to find quality cloves makes all the difference. These aromatic dried flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree have been prized for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. When purchasing cloves, the quality significantly impacts flavor intensity and shelf life, making it worth seeking out fresh, high-grade options rather than settling for stale inventory.

Physical Stores for Purchasing Cloves

Major Grocery Chains

Nearly all major supermarket chains carry cloves in their spice aisle. Stores like Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Target typically stock both whole and ground cloves from established spice brands. When shopping at these locations, look for cloves in glass jars rather than plastic containers, as glass better preserves freshness. The spice aisle is usually near baking ingredients or international food sections. For the best places to purchase cloves in grocery stores, check the expiration dates and opt for packages with the most distant date.

Store Type	Typical Clove Options	Price Range (per ounce)
Major Supermarkets	Whole and ground cloves in small jars	$1.50-$3.00
Ethnic Grocery Stores	Bulk whole cloves, often fresher	$0.75-$1.50
Specialty Spice Shops	Premium whole cloves, organic options	$2.50-$5.00
Health Food Stores	Organic cloves, sometimes bulk	$2.00-$4.00

Ethnic Markets

For the where to buy whole cloves near me search, ethnic markets often provide superior options. Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian grocery stores typically sell cloves in bulk bins, allowing you to inspect freshness and purchase exactly the amount you need. These stores often source directly from spice-growing regions, resulting in fresher product with more intense aroma. When selecting cloves at ethnic markets, look for plump, reddish-brown buds with visible oil glands. Avoid any that appear pale, dry, or brittle.

Specialty Spice Retailers

Dedicated spice shops like Penzeys or local gourmet markets offer the highest quality cloves, often with information about origin and harvest date. These retailers typically source directly from growers and maintain strict freshness standards. While prices may be higher, the flavor difference in your cooking will be noticeable. Many specialty spice retailers also provide samples, allowing you to assess quality before purchasing—a valuable feature when searching for where to buy high quality cloves for cooking.

Online Options for Clove Purchases

Major E-commerce Platforms

Amazon, Walmart.com, and other major online retailers offer convenient where can I buy cloves online solutions with home delivery. When purchasing online, pay close attention to seller ratings and product reviews mentioning freshness. Look for listings that specify "freshly harvested" or "recently packaged"—spices begin losing potency immediately after grinding or even after prolonged storage.

Specialty Spice Websites

Dedicated spice retailers often provide superior online options compared to general marketplaces. Companies like The Spice House, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Diaspora Co. specialize in high-quality spices with transparent sourcing information. These retailers typically package cloves in airtight containers immediately after sourcing, preserving maximum flavor compounds. For those seeking organic cloves purchase locations, these specialty sites often provide certified organic options with detailed growing information.

Factors to Consider When Buying Cloves

Whole vs. Ground

Whenever possible, purchase whole cloves rather than ground. Whole cloves retain their essential oils and flavor compounds significantly longer—up to one year when properly stored versus just 3-6 months for ground cloves. The only exception is if you need ground cloves immediately for a recipe and lack a spice grinder. For most culinary applications, grinding your own cloves from whole buds provides noticeably superior flavor.

Assessing Freshness

Fresh cloves should have a strong, sweet-spicy aroma and feel slightly oily to the touch. When purchasing, try to break a clove bud—fresh ones will snap cleanly and release aromatic oils. Stale cloves appear dull brown, feel brittle, and lack strong fragrance. If shopping in physical stores, don't hesitate to ask if you can smell a sample before purchasing.

Storage Recommendations

Store cloves in airtight glass containers away from light, heat, and moisture. The pantry works well for short-term storage (under six months), while the freezer extends shelf life to 1-2 years with minimal flavor loss. Avoid storing spices above the stove or near dishwasher vents where temperature and humidity fluctuate.

Where can I find the freshest cloves locally?

Ethnic grocery stores, particularly Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian markets, typically offer the freshest cloves as they often sell in bulk with high turnover. Specialty spice shops also provide fresh cloves with information about harvest dates.

Are organic cloves worth the extra cost?

Organic cloves can be worth the premium if you're concerned about pesticide residues or support sustainable farming practices. The flavor difference is minimal, but organic certification ensures no synthetic chemicals were used in growing. For medicinal uses, organic cloves may be preferable.

How can I tell if cloves have gone bad?

Stale cloves lose their strong aroma and become brittle. Fresh cloves should feel slightly oily and snap cleanly when bent. If cloves smell faint or musty, or crumble easily, they've lost most of their flavor compounds and should be replaced.

What's the best way to store cloves for long-term use?

Store cloves in an airtight glass container in the freezer for maximum shelf life (1-2 years). The cold temperature preserves essential oils better than room temperature storage. Avoid plastic containers which can absorb odors and allow flavor compounds to escape.