Penzeys spice retailer mixes business, politics again with 'January 6' gift box

Penzeys is at it again.

It’s no secret the Wauwatosa-based spice and seasoning company has a political agenda. It did, after all, introduce a spice named “Outrage of Love” criticizing Republican lawmakers and their response to the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

This election season, Penzeys has been offering a “January 6 Box” with three different spices — the largest of which is called "Justice." The label reads, "Justice is the light that has guided America through every storm. Now one party wants to obstruct it, twist it, steal it away from We the People to gift it to their donors." It also carries the not-so-subtle message: "Season Liberally."

The other two seasonings, one called "Pasta Sprinkle" and the other "Mural of Flavor," don't seem to carry any political overtones.

Penzeys, with locations in 24 states, has been offering the box as a free gift with a purchase of $10 or more while supplies last, and selling it online. Along with the spice jars, the box includes a red, white and blue heart-shaped sticker that says “I Will Vote 11.8.22” and “Remember January 6.”

The box also comes with tip cards detailing dishes that pair well with each of the spices in the box. There’s a fourth card that encourages customers to, “Remember, Remember January 6th in November.”

“On January 6 the top leaders of the Republican Party plotted to overthrow our democracy,” the card reads. “Since that day, all Republicans in the US senate and US congress have either agreed to obstruct the investigation of the Republican coup leaders or have been removed from power in their party for refusing to do so.”

This is far from the first time the company or CEO Bill Penzey has taken political stands. In the past, revenue from the online store was used for online ads calling for the impeachment of Donald Trump.

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A few other prominent companies tend to be associated with one political leaning or the other. Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, owners of Uline Inc. in Pleasant Prairie, are well-known backers of Republican candidates and causes. But most businesses try not to alienate any potential customers.

Penzeys was unable to make someone available for comment Friday. But on the company's website, the owner blasts Republicans and says if customers can't tolerate that, "I'm sad to say you might be happier elsewhere."

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Spice retailer Penzeys attacks Republicans again with 'January 6' box