If you enjoy making your own snacks, then it may be worth buying a bulk package of snack seasoning from a specialty supplier. You will often get a better deal this way when compared to buying multiple small bags of seasoning. It's also nice to know you have plenty of seasoning on-hand when you need it. However, before you buy a particular bulk package of snack seasoning, there are a few things you should check to ensure it's the right seasoning for you.

When does it expire?

You want to make sure you're going to be able to use all of the seasoning before it expires. Since suppliers of bulk snack seasonings often sell to restaurants and food companies that use lots of the seasoning in a short period of time, some of their products may expire in just a few months. This isn't a problem for a restaurant that uses a whole bag of seasoning each day, but it might be a problem for you, a home cook who uses the seasoning more sparingly. Ask for the expiration date of the seasoning, and make sure you'll be able to use it up in that time frame. If not, ask whether the company has any similar seasonings with an expiration date further in the future. Spices lose their flavor quickly, so while eating expired snack seasoning may not be dangerous, it won't be too tasty.

Are you comfortable with the amount of salt in the seasoning?

Some snack seasonings are saltier than others. Some are made with the assumption that you'll use them on pre-salted snacks, or that you'll add salt to the mix to your taste. Others are made with lots of salt. There's no right or wrong option, here — just what suits you. If you're on a low-salt diet or prefer to control the salt yourself, look for a low-salt snack seasoning. There are plenty out there!

Is the spice level to your taste?

If you're someone who loves spicy foods, then you don't really need to worry about this. But if you're more sensitive to spice or will be making snacks for others who don't love spice, check the ingredients list before ordering a particular seasoning. Look for one that doesn't have too much cayenne pepper, black pepper, or ancho chile pepper. These ingredients make snack seasonings hot.

With the tips above, you're more apt to order a snack seasoning you truly enjoy. Contact a snack seasoning supplier to learn more.