Finding Old Bay seasoning in New Zealand shouldn’t feel like a treasure hunt, yet this iconic American blend of 18 herbs and spices remains elusive outside specialist retailers. We’ve mapped out exactly where to buy it in NZ, the best substitutes, and a simple DIY recipe so you never have to go without.

4 related posts

Retailers in New Zealand: 4+ (World Foods NZ, Keto Store, Seafood Bazaar, Low n Slow BBQ) ·
Price range: NZD $6.99 – $30+ depending on size ·
Substitute options: 6+ (Cajun, seafood seasoning, homemade) ·
Ingredients: 18 herbs and spices including celery salt, paprika, red and black peppers ·
Year created: 1939 by Gustav Brunn

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Countdown (now Woolworths) stocks it in all stores
  • Whether New World or Pak’nSave carry it regularly
  • Exact price at each retailer may vary by location and pack size
3Timeline signal
  • 1939: Gustav Brunn creates Old Bay in Baltimore (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer))
  • 1990: McCormick & Company acquires Old Bay (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer))
  • 2020s: Old Bay becomes available in New Zealand through specialty importers and online stores (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer))
4What’s next
  • Expect more NZ retailers to stock Old Bay as demand grows
  • Homemade blends may become the go‑to for cost‑conscious cooks

New Zealand shoppers face a patchy landscape when hunting for Old Bay. The table below condenses the essential facts.

Attribute Details
Brand McCormick (original)
Ingredients 18 herbs and spices (Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies (NZ retailer))
Origin Baltimore, USA (1939) (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer))
NZ Retailers 4+ (World Foods NZ, Keto Store, Seafood Bazaar, Low n Slow BBQ, US2U, MILKRUN)
Price range NZD $6.99 – $30+ (e.g., 60g at $6.99 from Seafood Bazaar (NZ seafood retailer))
Substitute count 6+ (including Cajun seasoning, seafood seasoning, homemade)

Can you get Old Bay seasoning in NZ?

Yes — Old Bay seasoning is available in New Zealand through a growing network of specialty importers and online retailers. You won’t find it on every supermarket shelf, but several dedicated shops carry it year‑round.

Which stores stock Old Bay seasoning?

Is Old Bay seasoning available online in NZ?

Yes. Most of the above retailers have online stores, and you can also order through iHerb NZ (iHerb NZ (international health supplement retailer)) for home delivery. Online availability is generally more consistent than in‑store stock.

The trade-off

Buying Old Bay online means you pay a premium for shipping, but you get the authentic product without hunting around multiple supermarkets.

Bottom line: Old Bay seasoning is obtainable in NZ, but you’ll need to seek out specialist importers or online stores. Supermarket chains Woolworths (formerly Countdown) may carry it, but New World and Pak’nSave are still uncertain.

Where Can I Buy Old Bay Seasoning in New Zealand?

This section runs through every major grocery chain and the key online players.

Woolworths NZ

Woolworths NZ (formerly Countdown) lists Old Bay Seasoning 350g on its online platform (MILKRUN NZ (Woolworths online service)). Not all physical stores may stock it, so check your local branch or order via Milkrun.

Countdown (now Woolworths)

As above, the rebranded Countdown stores now operate under Woolworths. A recipe for an “Old Bay styled seasoning” appeared on the Countdown website, but it’s unclear whether the authentic blend is in every store.

New World

New World does not currently list Old Bay on its national inventory. Some larger stores with American import sections may carry it, but this is rare.

Pak’nSave

Pak’nSave’s centralised buying system means Old Bay is unlikely to appear on shelves. Your best bet is the international foods aisle of a very large store, but call ahead.

Online retailers

Editor’s note

Prices on these platforms can differ by up to $40 between the 680g tub and the 60g shaker. If you use Old Bay often, the 680g from World Foods or Low ‘N Slow offers the best value per gram.

Bottom line: For New Zealanders, the most reliable path to buying Old Bay seasoning is via World Foods NZ, Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies, or MILKRUN. Supermarket availability is patchy – don’t count on New World or Pak’nSave.

What is a good substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you can’t find the real thing or want a cheaper alternative, several pantry blends come close.

Top substitutes

  • Cajun seasoning – the most common swap, though it tends to be hotter and less celery‑forward (Weekday Pescatarian (food blog) lists 6 substitutes)
  • Seafood seasoning – generic blends often mimic Old Bay’s profile
  • Homemade blend – combine celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, and other spices (see next section)
  • JO Spice Company Seafood Seasoning – a regional competitor from Maryland
  • Lawry’s Seasoned Salt + extra paprika and cayenne – a quick hack
The catch

Cajun seasoning often contains garlic and onion powder, which Old Bay does not. The result is a different flavour profile – fine for some dishes, but not a true one‑to‑one swap.

Bottom line: The closest substitute for Old Bay is a homemade blend that mimics its celery‑salt base. Pre‑made Cajun seasoning works in a pinch but changes the taste.

How to make Old Bay seasoning if you don’t have it

Making your own Old Bay‑style seasoning is straightforward and uses common spices. This recipe is based on the ingredient statements from MILKRUN NZ (online grocery) and Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies (NZ retailer).

Ingredients needed

  • 2 tbsp celery salt
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp ground bay leaves (crush very fine)

Step-by-step mixing instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
  2. Transfer to an airtight glass jar or shaker bottle.
  3. Store in a cool, dark cupboard – will keep for up to 6 months.

Storage tips

  • Use a small funnel to avoid mess.
  • Label with the date – homemade blends lose potency after 4–6 months.
  • For a finer texture, pulse in a spice grinder for a few seconds.
Why this matters

For NZ cooks on a budget, a homemade batch costs roughly $2‑3 worth of spices compared to $15‑30 for an imported jar. The flavour can be tweaked to your personal heat preference.

Bottom line: A homemade Old Bay substitute costs a fraction of the imported version and lasts half a year. If you enjoy tinkering, the DIY route is both cheaper and customisable.

What makes Old Bay seasoning different?

Old Bay’s cult status comes from a specific combination of ingredients and history.

Unique blend of 18 herbs and spices

The official ingredient list includes celery salt, spices (including red pepper, black pepper, and paprika), and an anti‑caking agent (551) (MILKRUN NZ (online grocery)). The exact proportions are secret, but the standout note is celery salt – much higher than in generic seafood seasonings.

History and origin

Created in 1939 by German‑Jewish immigrant Gustav Brunn in Baltimore, Maryland (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer)), Old Bay was originally formulated for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery. McCormick & Company acquired the brand in 1990 and expanded it globally.

Flavour profile

The dominant flavours are celery, paprika, and a mild heat from cayenne and black pepper. It is savoury, slightly smoky, and never overpowering – which is why it works on everything from crab to chips.

“Old Bay is a savoury blend of herbs and spices including celery salt, paprika and red and black peppers.”

– World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer)

“This unique blend of 18 herbs and spices makes seafood, and all kinds of food, all kinds of awesome.”

– Keto Store NZ Ltd (specialist low‑carb retailer)

The paradox

Despite being created for seafood, Old Bay’s biggest fans in NZ use it on chips, popcorn, and roasted vegetables. Its versatility is why home cooks hunt for it – and why the DIY recipe above is so popular.

Bottom line: What sets Old Bay apart is its celery‑salt‑forward blend, which is more complex and less hot than typical Cajun mixes. The 1939 origin gives it a story that no generic substitute can match.

Comparison: Old Bay vs. top substitutes

Three contenders, one key difference: the celery salt content.

Seasoning Celery salt presence Heat level Best used on Price in NZ (approx)
Old Bay (original) High (first ingredient) Mild Seafood, chicken, chips $15–$30 (680g)
Cajun seasoning Low or none Medium–hot Jambalaya, blackened fish $4–$8
Homemade Old Bay blend Customisable Adjustable Anything $2–$3

The implication: if you love that distinctive celery note, Old Bay is irreplaceable. If you just need a seafood seasoning, Cajun works but will taste hotter and less complex.

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Authentic flavour – unique blend not easily replicated
  • Versatile – works on seafood, chicken, vegetables, and snacks
  • Long shelf life – keeps for years in original container

Downsides

  • Expensive in NZ – can cost $30+ for a large jar
  • Limited local availability – not in mainstream supermarkets
  • Contains anti‑caking agent (551) – some prefer to avoid

Timeline: Old Bay in New Zealand

  • 1939 – Gustav Brunn creates Old Bay seasoning in Baltimore, Maryland (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer)).
  • 1990 – McCormick & Company acquires Old Bay.
  • 2020s – Old Bay becomes available in New Zealand through specialty importers and online stores.

What we know – and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Old Bay is sold at World Foods NZ (World Foods NZ (NZ specialty importer)), Keto Store (Keto Store NZ Ltd (specialist low‑carb retailer)), Seafood Bazaar (Seafood Bazaar (NZ seafood specialist)), Low n Slow BBQ (Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies (NZ BBQ retailer))
  • Woolworths NZ lists Old Bay Seasoning 350g (MILKRUN NZ (online grocery))
  • Creators and history are well documented

What’s unclear

  • Whether Countdown (now Woolworths) stocks it in all stores
  • Whether New World or Pak’nSave carry it
  • Exact price at each retailer

For New Zealand cooks who value that unmistakable Old Bay flavour, the choice is clear: buy from World Foods NZ, Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies, or MILKRUN for the authentic blend, or mix your own for a fraction of the cost. If you continue hunting in supermarkets without checking online, you’ll likely come home empty‑handed – and miss out on a seasoning that’s earned its cult status for good reason.

For those curious about what gives the blend its distinct character, Old Bay seasonings history traces the proprietary mixture of 18 herbs and spices back to its Mid-Atlantic roots.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Bay seasoning gluten‑free?

According to the ingredient label from MILKRUN NZ (online grocery), Old Bay does not list any gluten‑containing ingredients. However, McCormick does not label it as certified gluten‑free. Individuals with coeliac disease should verify with their supplier.

Does Old Bay contain MSG?

No – the ingredient list does not include monosodium glutamate (MILKRUN NZ (online grocery)). Some substitutes may add MSG, so check the label.

Can I use Old Bay on chicken?

Absolutely. Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies (NZ BBQ retailer) explicitly recommends it for chicken, and many NZ home cooks use it on roasted or fried chicken.

How long does homemade Old Bay last?

Stored in an airtight container away from light and heat, your homemade blend will stay fresh for 4–6 months. After that, the spices lose potency.

Is Old Bay the same as seafood seasoning?

Not exactly. While Old Bay is a type of seafood seasoning, its specific celery‑salt‑heavy profile sets it apart from generic supermarket seafood blends that often use more paprika and less celery.

What is the shelf life of Old Bay?

The commercial product has a best‑by date of about 3–4 years from manufacture. Opened bottles still taste fine for at least a year – the anti‑caking agent helps maintain texture.

Can I buy Old Bay in bulk in NZ?

Yes – World Foods NZ and Low ‘N Slow BBQ Supplies both sell the 680g shaker, which is the largest common size. International Foods NZ listed it at $48 but is currently sold out.

Does Old Bay have a kosher certification?

McCormick’s Old Bay is not certified kosher in New Zealand. Check with your local importer for the most up‑to‑date certification status.

Related reading