Gourmet Collection spice blends are sold at major grocery chains, specialty food stores, and online retailers

Gourmet Collection is a spice brand owned by Kroger, so your first stop should be any Kroger store or one of its subsidiary chains—Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith's, or QFC, depending on your region. The blends are typically shelved in the spice aisle alongside other Kroger house brands. If you shop at other major chains, check Walmart, Target, and Safeway; many carry Gourmet Collection as a regional or store-brand option, though availability varies by location and store.

Online, you can order Gourmet Collection spice blends through Amazon, Walmart.com, and Kroger's own delivery service (Kroger.com or the Kroger app). Some specialty food retailers like The Spice House and Penzey's Spices stock similar gourmet blends, though not always under the Gourmet Collection label. Prices tend to be lowest at Kroger stores themselves, especially during sales or with digital coupons loaded to your loyalty card.

Key Takeaways

  • Gourmet Collection spice blends are a Kroger house brand, so Kroger stores and affiliated chains (Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith's, QFC) carry them most reliably.
  • Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Safeway stock Gourmet Collection in some regions, but availability is not may provide at every location.
  • Online ordering through Kroger.com, Amazon, or Walmart.com lets you check stock and compare prices before visiting a store.
  • Kroger digital coupons and loyalty card discounts often bring the per-ounce cost lower than specialty spice retailers.

Finding Gourmet Collection at Kroger and affiliated stores

Kroger operates under different banners in different regions: Kroger itself in the Midwest and South, Fred Meyer in the Pacific Northwest, Ralphs in Southern California, Smith's in the Southwest, and QFC in the Pacific Northwest. If you have a loyalty card for any of these chains, you can search their websites or apps to see which Gourmet Collection blends are in stock at your nearest store and whether they are on sale that week.

The spice aisle is the obvious place to look, but some Gourmet Collection blends are also stocked near grilling supplies (for rubs and marinades) or in the international foods section (for ethnic spice blends). If you cannot find what you want on the shelf, ask a store employee—they can check the inventory system and tell you if it is in the back or if that particular blend is not carried at your location.

Checking availability at other grocery chains

Walmart and Target carry Gourmet Collection in many regions, but the selection and stock levels vary widely. Your best bet is to call the store directly or check their website's inventory tool before making a trip. Safeway (and its sister chain Albertsons) stocks Gourmet Collection in some areas but not others, so again, a quick phone call or online search saves a wasted trip.

If your local grocery chain does not carry Gourmet Collection, ask the spice aisle manager whether they can special-order it or suggest a comparable house-brand alternative. Many stores will order items for you if they are available through their distributor, even if they do not normally stock them on the shelf.

Ordering online for home delivery or pickup

Kroger.com and the Kroger mobile app let you order Gourmet Collection spice blends for same-day pickup at most locations or for home delivery in many areas. You can browse the full range of blends available, check prices, and explore digital coupons before you check out. Pickup is usually free, and delivery fees vary by location and order size.

Amazon and Walmart.com also stock Gourmet Collection blends, though prices may be higher than at a Kroger store because of shipping costs. Amazon Prime members may may have access to for free or discounted shipping depending on order value. Walmart.com offers free pickup at many Walmart locations, which can be faster and cheaper than home delivery.

Comparing prices and using coupons

Gourmet Collection spice blends are typically cheaper per ounce than name brands like McCormick or specialty retailers, but prices still vary. A 2-ounce jar at Kroger might cost $2 to $4 depending on the blend and whether it is on sale. Kroger's digital coupon system often has discounts—load them to your loyalty card through the Kroger app or website before you shop.

Check the weekly ad for your local store to see which blends are on sale that week. Buying during a sale or with a digital coupon can cut the price by 25 to 50 percent. If you use a particular blend regularly, buying several jars during a sale and storing them in a cool, dark place is more economical than buying one jar at full price each time.

What to do if your store does not stock a specific blend

Not every Gourmet Collection blend is stocked at every location. If you cannot find the one you want, ask the store manager or spice aisle employee whether they can order it. Many Kroger stores will special-order items for you at no extra charge, though it may take a few days to arrive.

If your store cannot order it, try ordering online through Kroger.com or Amazon. If neither option works, consider a similar blend from another brand—McCormick, straightforward Organic, and store brands from other chains offer comparable spice blends at similar price points. Specialty retailers like Penzey's Spices and The Spice House also sell gourmet blends, though they are usually more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gourmet Collection the same as McCormick?

No. Gourmet Collection is Kroger's house brand, while McCormick is an independent company. Gourmet Collection blends are usually cheaper and often have simpler ingredient lists, but quality and flavor are comparable. Both are widely available, so your choice may come down to price and which blends your store stocks.

Can I buy Gourmet Collection online if I do not have a Kroger near me?

You can order through Amazon or Walmart.com, though selection may be limited and shipping costs can add up. If you live far from a Kroger, specialty spice retailers or other grocery chains' house brands may be a better option. Call or check the websites of stores near you to see what they carry.

Do Gourmet Collection spice blends go on sale regularly?

Yes. Kroger runs sales on spice blends several times a year, especially around grilling season (spring and summer) and the winter holidays. Check the weekly ad or the Kroger app to see what is on sale this week at your store.

How long do Gourmet Collection spice blends stay fresh?

Most spice blends stay flavorful for one to two years if stored in a cool, dark, dry place away from heat and moisture. Check the jar for a "best by" date. Once opened, use within six months for the strongest flavor, though the blend will not spoil after that—it will just taste milder.