Where to Buy Cloves: Grocery Stores & Online Options

You can buy cloves at most grocery stores (like Walmart, Kroger, and Target), ethnic markets (particularly Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets), spice specialty stores, and online retailers including Amazon, Spice Jungle, and Penzeys Spices. Whole cloves typically offer better flavor and longer shelf life than ground cloves.

When searching for cloves, it's important to understand that you're likely looking for the aromatic spice derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, not the discontinued clove-flavored cigarettes. This comprehensive guide covers all your options for purchasing high-quality cloves for cooking, baking, and traditional remedies.

Understanding Cloves: Whole vs. Ground

Cloves come in two primary forms that affect where and how you should purchase them:

Form	Shelf Life	Flavor Quality	Best For
Whole cloves	2-3 years	Superior, more complex flavor	Stews, braises, pickling, infusions
Ground cloves	6-12 months	Less intense, fades quickly	Baking, spice blends, quick recipes

For the best culinary results, whole cloves are generally recommended as they retain their essential oils and flavor compounds much longer than ground versions. The moment cloves are ground, they begin losing their aromatic properties.

Physical Retail Locations for Purchasing Cloves

If you prefer to see and smell your spices before purchasing, several brick-and-mortar options exist:

Major Grocery Chains

Nearly all major supermarkets carry cloves in their spice aisle. Look for them near other baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Stores like:

• Walmart (Great Value and Member's Mark brands)
• Kroger (Simple Truth organic option available)
• Target (Market Pantry brand)
• Costco (Kirkland Signature in larger quantities)
• Whole Foods (365 Everyday Value organic)

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic markets often offer cloves at better prices and in larger quantities. These stores typically have more extensive spice selections:

• Indian markets: Look for brands like MDH or Everest
• Middle Eastern markets: Often sell in bulk bins
• Asian markets: Particularly Southeast Asian stores
• Caribbean markets: Often carry whole cloves for traditional recipes

Online Retailers for Quality Cloves

When searching where to buy cloves online, several reputable retailers offer high-quality options with detailed origin information:

Specialty Spice Retailers

These companies focus exclusively on spices and often provide superior quality:

• Penzeys Spices: Offers Indonesian cloves with detailed freshness dates
• Spice Jungle: Carries organic whole cloves with transparent sourcing
• The Spice House: Known for premium quality and freshness guarantee
• Frontier Co-op: Organic options with ethical sourcing practices

Major Online Marketplaces

When considering where can I buy cloves on Amazon, look for these indicators of quality:

• Check for harvest or packaging dates (within last 6-12 months is ideal)
• Look for "organic" certification if that matters to you
• Read reviews mentioning freshness and aroma
• Prefer sellers who specialize in spices over general retailers

How to Identify Quality Cloves

When determining where to buy good quality cloves, use these indicators to assess freshness and quality regardless of where you purchase them:

• Aroma test: Fresh cloves should have a strong, sweet, spicy fragrance when crushed between fingers
• Visual inspection: Look for deep reddish-brown color with no signs of fading
• Oil content: High-quality whole cloves will leave an oily residue when pressed
• Stem attachment: Whole cloves should have intact stems (a sign of careful processing)
• Moisture check: Should feel dry but not brittle; shouldn't crumble when handled

Avoid cloves that appear dusty, have lost their nail-like shape, or lack strong aroma, as these indicate age and diminished quality.

Proper Storage After Purchase

Once you've found where to buy cloves near me, proper storage ensures maximum shelf life:

• Store in airtight glass or metal containers (not plastic, which can absorb odors)
• Keep in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and sunlight
• Whole cloves maintain quality for 2-3 years when stored properly
• Ground cloves should be used within 6-12 months for best flavor
• Consider freezing whole cloves for extremely long-term storage (up to 5 years)

Finding Cloves for Specific Culinary Uses

Depending on your intended use, certain purchasing locations may be better than others:

• For baking: Grocery stores typically have adequate ground cloves
• For savory dishes: Ethnic markets often offer better quality whole cloves
• For tea and remedies: Health food stores may carry organic, food-grade cloves
• For large quantities: Online retailers or ethnic markets provide better value
• For immediate use: Local grocery stores are most convenient

When searching where do I buy cloves for cooking, consider your specific recipe requirements before making a purchase decision.

Where can I find cloves in a grocery store?

Cloves are typically located in the spice aisle of grocery stores, usually near other baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. In larger stores, they might be in a dedicated international foods section or near the tea products.

Are whole cloves better than ground cloves?

Yes, whole cloves generally offer superior flavor and longer shelf life compared to ground cloves. Whole cloves retain their essential oils and aromatic compounds for 2-3 years when stored properly, while ground cloves begin losing potency immediately after grinding and should be used within 6-12 months for best results.

What's the difference between Indonesian and Madagascar cloves?

Indonesian cloves (the most common variety) have a stronger, more pungent flavor with higher eugenol content. Madagascar cloves tend to be slightly sweeter and milder. For most cooking applications, Indonesian cloves work well, while Madagascar cloves might be preferable for delicate recipes or when a subtler clove flavor is desired.

Can I substitute ground cloves for whole cloves in recipes?

Yes, but with adjustments. As a general rule, 6 whole cloves equal approximately 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. When substituting, add ground cloves earlier in the cooking process since they infuse flavor more quickly than whole cloves. Be cautious with quantities as ground cloves can become overpowering more easily.

How can I tell if cloves have gone bad?

Old cloves lose their strong aroma and may appear faded in color. If you crush a whole clove and it doesn't release a potent, sweet-spicy fragrance, or if ground cloves have little to no scent when opened, they've likely lost their potency. While not harmful, stale cloves will provide minimal flavor to your dishes.