Thyme is a versatile herb cherished by culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike, known for its aromatic flavors and health benefits. As interest in organic and premium-quality ingredients grows, many brands have emerged that offer superior thyme options. From artisanal producers to well-established spice companies, these brands provide thyme that enhances any dish with its vibrant aroma and taste. Curious to explore which brands made it to our list of the best thyme options? Discover our top picks below.
Illustration of thyme
Best brands of thyme in 2025
McCormick
McCormick is a renowned leader in the production of high-quality thyme, sourcing the best varieties from sun-drenched fields in France, Spain, and Morocco to ensure optimal flavor and aroma. Their thyme products, such as McCormick Culinary Thyme Leaves, are carefully selected to deliver consistent and exceptional flavor, with a shelf life of up to 720 days when stored properly. These thyme leaves are kosher, contain no MSG, and are packaged in convenient 6 oz containers, making them a must-have for chefs. McCormick's global sourcing ensures unparalleled control over the supply chain, resulting in pure and consistent flavors. The company's commitment to quality is reflected in its recognition as one of the world's most sustainable companies.
Simply Organic
Simply Organic stands out as a premier producer of high-quality thyme, offering pure, fancy grade, whole organic thyme leaves (_Thymus vulgaris_) that are free from GMOs, ETO, and irradiation. Certified Organic by QAI and Kosher Certified by KSA, their thyme is renowned for its earthy, slightly minty, and lemony flavor profile. This brand ensures that their products are made without artificial ingredients, making them a trusted choice for health-conscious consumers. For recipes, using about one third as much dried thyme as fresh thyme is recommended. With a commitment to organic and sustainable practices, Simply Organic thyme is ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes from soups and stews to roasted meats and vegetables.
Frontier Co-op
Frontier Co-op is renowned as one of the best producers of thyme, offering high-quality, organic whole thyme leaves that are Fancy Grade, kosher certified, and non-irradiated. Their thyme, with the botanical name Thymus vulgaris, is a crucial ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing flavors in marinades, stuffings, vegetables, stews, and cheese dishes. The company's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, such as their partnership with USAID in 2018 to empower smallholder farmers, underscores their dedication to quality and social responsibility. Frontier Co-op's thyme is sourced from countries like Germany, Poland, and Tunisia, ensuring a diverse and rich flavor profile. With a variety of packaging options, including 0.63 oz and 1 lb bulk sizes, Frontier Co-op caters to both home cooks and bulk buyers. For more information on their product offerings, visit their official website.
Spice Islands
Spice Islands is renowned for its high-quality thyme, sourced from Spain to ensure a rich and flavorful profile. The thyme is characterized by its gray-green leaves and the absence of stem pieces, enhancing its culinary appeal. When using Spice Islands thyme, it is advisable to add it early in the cooking process to allow its flavor to develop fully, and use about a third of the amount of fresh thyme due to its potent flavor. This careful sourcing and preparation make Spice Islands thyme a staple in many kitchens. The brand's commitment to quality is reflected in its product formulation and packaging. Discover more about their premium thyme product on their website.
Morton & Bassett
Morton & Bassett is renowned for its high-quality thyme, sourced from meticulous farming and harvesting practices to ensure maximum flavor and safety. Since its inception in 1986, the company has maintained a strong commitment to food safety, with all products being laboratory tested and certified Non-GMO, Gluten Free, and Kosher. Morton & Bassett's thyme is part of their all-natural, preservative-free, and non-irradiated product line, making it a preferred choice for many chefs and home cooks. The company's facility is 100% solar powered and holds a LEED Platinum certification, reflecting their dedication to sustainability. With a focus on quality and community, Morton & Bassett stands out as a reliable producer of premium thyme.
Badia
Badia Spices is a renowned, family-owned company established over 50 years ago in Miami, Florida, recognized for its high-quality spice products, including thyme. The company, led by Joseph "Pepe" Badia and his daughters, has expanded significantly from a small garage to a 500,000-square-foot distribution and production facility. Badia offers a wide range of thyme products, such as whole thyme leaves and organic thyme, which are gluten-free, MSG-free, and sodium-free. Despite some recent concerns about heavy metal contamination in spices, Badia has been a leader in the spice category, providing various sizes of thyme products from take-out packets to industrial sizes. However, it is crucial to be aware of any current consumer alerts, such as the one regarding elevated lead levels in some of their products.
Penzeys Spices
Penzeys Spices is renowned for its high-quality thyme, with their French Thyme receiving a 4.9 rating for its fragrant flavor, making it a staple for dishes like chicken, fish, and vegetables. The company ensures the safety of its products, as evidenced by Consumer Reports' tests showing that Penzeys' spices, including thyme, contain only trace amounts of heavy metals, well within safe consumption levels. In fact, childhood exposure to lead has decreased by 97% in America over the past 40 years, thanks to stringent regulations. Penzeys' commitment to quality and safety is further highlighted by their independent lab testing and adherence to strict standards. Their spices are hand-mixed and carefully selected to provide the best flavor.
The Spice House
The Spice House, founded in 1957, is renowned for its high-quality thyme and other spices, sourced from a global network of premium growers and distributors. The company, now in its third generation, has built a reputation for offering the finest herbs and spices, including thyme, which is highly prized by Michelin-star chefs and home cooks alike. With over 60 years of experience, The Spice House ensures unrivaled quality and selection, making it a trusted purveyor in the culinary world. The company's commitment to freshness and variety is evident in their extensive range of products, including thyme, which is carefully selected and processed to maintain its volatile oils and flavor. The Spice House's expertise and dedication have earned it coverage in premier cooking publications such as Cook's Illustrated and Bon Appetit.
365 by Whole Foods Market
365 by Whole Foods Market, although it was a short-lived concept, was notable for its innovative and cost-effective approach to organic shopping, including the use of digital price tags and a smartphone app for in-store communication. Launched in 2016, the chain aimed for zero waste and utilized efficient technologies like LED lights and carbon dioxide-powered refrigeration. Despite its promising start, the concept was discontinued in January 2019, with existing stores converted into regular Whole Foods stores by the end of that year. The brand offered over 2,500 affordably priced and thoughtfully sourced products, adhering to Whole Foods' strict quality standards. However, it did not specifically focus on thyme or any single product.
Schwartz
Schwartz, owned by McCormick, is a leading independent brand in the thyme market, known for its high-quality thyme products. It holds a significant market share in the European thyme market, particularly in the UK where retail chains like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and ASDA feature its products prominently. In 2019, European imports of dried thyme, which include Schwartz's offerings, grew by 4% in value and 2% in volume, reaching a value of EUR32 million and a volume of 8.4 thousand tonnes. Ground or crushed dried thyme, a form often produced by Schwartz, is gaining market share, accounting for 29% of the total imported dried thyme volume. Schwartz's products are widely available in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which held the highest market share in the distribution channel segment.
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