Beyond the Best-By Date: How to Recognize Old Spices and Give Them New Life

Spices are the heart of every kitchen, adding warmth, depth, and vibrancy to cooking. But if stored improperly, they can lose their full flavor potential and shorten their shelf life. The good news? Even past their prime, spices can still be useful — from DIY blends to natural home fresheners, there are plenty of creative ways to give them new life instead of tossing them out.

How Long Do Spices Last?

The shelf life of herbs and spices is generally two to three years when stored properly. All of them age, even under the best conditions, because they come from various plant parts including roots, leaves, bark, seeds, fruits and more.

Freshness Dating

Every Simply Organic® bottled spice is printed with a date code to indicate maximum freshness. The code reads "Best By", followed by a date indicating when the product should be used by to guarantee its best flavor. You can find this code on the bottom of the Simply Organic bottle.

While spices don’t spoil like fresh foods do, they gradually lose their potency over time, and spices with a high oil content may become rancid. Here are some simple ways to determine whether your spices have overstayed their welcome — beyond just checking the expiration date:

Color: Over time, the vibrant hues of herbs and spices can fade. If your paprika or chili powder has lost its rich color and looks a bit dull, it might be time to replace it. However, keep in mind that natural fading is expected with these products and doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve gone bad — it's just part of their natural aging process.
Aroma: Crush a small amount in your palm. If the aroma doesn't immediately ignite your senses, its flavor has likely faded too.
Texture: Spices that clump or feel unusually dry may have been affected by moisture or age.

Shop Our Favorite Spices

The Right Way to Store Spices

Storing spices above the stove might be convenient, but it’s not ideal. Heat, light, and moisture can all cause herbs and spices to lose their potency over time.

To preserve freshness and flavor, follow these simple guidelines:

Keep Them Cool & Consistent
Store spices at a steady temperature below 70°F. Avoid placing them near the stove, furnace vents, or in direct sunlight — temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation and even mold.
Protect from Light & Moisture
Light can degrade quality, and moisture may cause clumping or spoilage. A dry, dark place like a cupboard or drawer is ideal.
Measure, Don't Shake
We reccomend measuring out your seasonings with a measuring spoon or transferring the desired amount into a small dish before adding it to your food. Shaking spices directly over hot foods can introduce moitsure into the container, which may lead to clumping or spoilage. Using a spoon or dish also helps prevent cross-contamination, especially when working with raw ingredients.

At Simply Organic, we package our spices in clear glass bottles so you can see exactly what you’re getting. For long-term storage, keep them in a dark cupboard or cover the bottles to protect them from light.

In a nutshell: store your herbs and spices in clean, airtight containers, away from heat and light — and handle them thoughtfully.

Creative Ways to Use Old Spices

Before tossing your expired spices, consider repurposing them in unique ways!

In the Home:

DIY spice blends: Combine older spices to create custom seasoning mixes for grilling or roasting. You may just need a little more to get the desired flavor level.
Homemade cinnamon-sugar shaker: Mix cinnamon and sugar in an old spice jar for a quick topping for toast or coffee.
Natural air freshener: Simmer spices like cinnamon or cloves in water for a warm, inviting scent.
Potpourri: Mix dried spices with dried flowers for a fragrant, decorative accent.

In the Garden:

Pest deterrent: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder around plants to keep deer and rabbits away.
Compost enhancer: Add old spices to compost to deter rodents and improve soil quality.