These Are the Most Expensive Spices in the World

If you’re passionate about global cuisine, or if you’re looking to spend a chunk of change on some delicious spices, this list is for you. Discover some of the most expensive spices in the world — many of these will surprise you!

From cardamom to peppercorn, the most expensive spices on Earth come from all over. Read on to learn about the most expensive spices, their costs, and where in the world they come from. Prepare for a culinary trip around the world!

15. Black Pepper

Despite its spot on many of our dinner tables, black pepper is on the list of the priciest spices in the world. True black pepper is purchased for about ten bucks a pound. This versatile spice is grown in many regions of the world but sticks primarily to tropical temperatures. Vietnam is the leader in black pepper production, followed by India, Brazil, and China.

14. Cloves

Another fairly common spice on the list of most expensive spices in the world is clove. While you likely have a bottle of this in your spice cabinet, cloves are the fourteenth-priciest spice on Earth, going for about $15 per pound. Indonesia is the global leader in clove production, but Madagascar and Tanzania produce a substantial amount of clove, as well.

13. Black Cumin Seed

You’ve certainly heard of cumin, but chances are you’ve interacted with bitter cumin. Black cumin seed is a more expensive varietal of cumin that takes the thirteenth spot for priciest spices. Black cumin seed goes for about $15 a pound. This spice is grown in the Middle East and southern Europe, as well as southwest Africa.

12. Ceylon Cinnamon

Just like there are two types of cumin, there are two types of cinnamon! While one type is in your snickerdoodles, the other type takes the twelfth spot for the most expensive spices in the world. Ceylon cinnamon goes for $20 a pound. Cessia is the lower-quality varietal of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is grown primarily in Sri Lanka.

11. Pink Peppercorn $25/lb

Another member of the pepper family makes the list of the most expensive spices in the world and that spice is pink peppercorn! Pink peppercorn is black pepper’s rosy relative, and it goes for about $25 per pound. While some of these peppercorns are grown in California, they’re native to South America. Most of the pink peppercorns produced for commercial use come from Reunion, which is a French island in the Indian Ocean.

10. Black Cardamom

There are two types of cardamom on the list of most expensive spices in the world, and black cardamom takes the tenth place spot. At $28 per pound, black cardamom is one of the priciest spices you can find. It’s actually less common than green cardamom but can be found at a cheaper price. Black cardamom thrives in the Himalayas, growing in India and Nepal. It’s thought to have a smokier flavor than green cardamom.

9. Green Cardamom

Green cardamom is also on the list of most expensive spices growing around the world. While more common than its black cardamom relative, it goes for $38 per pound. Green cardamom, along with black cardamom, thrives in India, but the leading grower of green cardamom is actually in Guatemala! That being said, it originated in India.

8. Grains of Paradise

Taking the eighth spot for the most expensive spices on the planet is the grains of paradise. The grains of paradise goes for $39 per pound. It’s in the ginger family, and it’s not too distant from cardamom. However, it possesses a very unique flavor that is both peppery and citrus. Grains of paradise are grown along the west coast of Africa, in a long stretch of regions spanning from Liberia to Nigeria. This spice can also be referred to as Atar.

7. Pasilla de Oaxaca Chile

Finally crossing the $40 per pound range is the Pasilla de Oaxaca chile, which takes the seventh place spot for most expensive spices on Earth. For $40 a pound, these chiles pack a punch! The origin of these chile peppers is in the name — Oaxaca, Mexico. Specifically, they’re grown in Mixe, which is in the Sierra Norton mountains.

6. Kaffir Lime Leaves

The spice in the sixth place spot is extremely rare to find in fresh form, and that is kaffir lime leaves. These leaves go for $44 per pound and can be used in Thai cuisine to add intense flavor. These leaves originated in Laos and Burma, as well as in the Netherlands! Note that it’s a common misconception that kaffir lime leaves are the same as bergamot. Kaffir limes are occasionally called Thai bergamot, but they are different foods.

5. Long Pepper

Another pepper is on the list of the most expensive spices in the world, and that pepper is the unique-looking long pepper. These peppers go for $47 per pound, making them the most expensive pepper on the list. These peppers originated in India and Indonesia and now grow on the island of Bali, as well.

4. Mahlab

The fourth most expensive spice on the list is mahlab. Mahlab is ground cherry stones, and it is ultimately an aromatic spice that has floral, fruity, and nutty notes with a hint of bitterness. Mahlab is pricy, coming in at $48 per pound. It’s most commonly grown in the Mediterranean region, but also pops up in central Asia. It’s common to find mahlab in pastries and breads.

3. Vanilla Bean

Another common ingredient has made the list of the most expensive spices in the world, and that ingredient is vanilla! Vanilla bean is exceptionally expensive, as I’m sure you’ve noticed at the grocery store! One pound of vanilla bean can cost $170 or more. That’s why many of us take home extract instead of pods!

2. Fennel Pollen

The second-most expensive spice found globally is fennel pollen. Fennel pollen is extremely expensive, with pounds going for $400 or more! Fennel pollen is used as a garnish on all sorts of dishes, as it has an anise-like, earthy flavor. It’s a truly incredible spice if you can foot the bill! Fennel pollen originated in the Mediterranean region, but now it can also be grown in the United States.

1. Saffron

Finally, it’s time to cover the most expensive spice on Earth: saffron. Saffron goes from a lofty price of between $500 and $5,000! That is a serious cost! 90% of the world’s saffron is grown in Iran, and the product is native to the Middle East. The labor intensity of the crop is the primary reason it is so expensive to purchase.