Beyond the best-by date: Spotting old spices and preserving freshness

May 05, 2025 at 07:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - Before you wrap your spring cleaning this season, did you remember to check your spice cabinet? A 2025 survey conducted by Suzy, a leading end-to-end market research platform, found that 70% of consumers only check the expiration or best-by date on spices "sometimes" - or "not at all." Chances are, you may have a few spices that are past their prime.

"When used at their peak, spices can take your meals from good to unforgettable," said Jennifer Kellison, director of innovation at the all-organic spice brand Simply Organic. "If you're struggling to remember when you last purchased a spice, it may be time to refresh your spice rack."

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. Spices are not as potent or flavorful past the best-by date, so experts recommend replacing them once expired for the best culinary results.

There are a few tips to keep in mind to keep your spices fresh and flavorful:

Become an expert on sensory cues

"The best-by or expiration date is a good point of reference, but use additional cues like flavor and aroma to tell whether your spices are still fresh," said Kellison. "One trick is to crush a small amount in your palm, and if the scent is weak, that indicates the flavor may be less potent." Spices that have been affected by moisture or age can start to clump or feel unusually dry.

Woman preparing salad with Simply organic spices

Storage is key

According to the Suzy survey, almost 25% of consumers are unknowingly speeding up deterioration by storing their spices on the counter, on the wall, or next to the stove. When they're not in use, spices should be kept in airtight bottles or glass jars, inside a cupboard or drawer.

"A good rule of thumb is to keep spices away from heat, light and moisture," said Kellison. "Although it's convenient to keep your favorite spice within arm's reach, it's best to store them away from the stove and out of sunlight. You should also avoid shaking the bottle directly over a hot pan, because steam rising from your dish can enter the bottle and introduce moisture."

"Compared to whole spices and herbs, ones that have been ground or cut may lose their flavor faster because more of their surface area is exposed to air," said Kellison. No matter the type, it's important to store your spices properly to maintain their full potency.

Spice drawer fillied with simple organic spices.

Recipe inspiration to make the most of your spices

Suzy found that 1 in 2 respondents keep ground spices the longest, even though they lose potency sooner than whole spices. "Experiment with new recipes and cuisines to use up your spices before they expire," said Kellison. "If you have a bottle of ground cinnamon that's been untouched since the holiday baking season, there are plenty of ways throughout the year to get the most use out of that flavor."

Add a bit of cinnamon and whipped cream on top of your morning coffee, mix it into your smoothies, or use it to impart warm flavors in salad dressings and vinaigrettes, or in a comforting butternut squash soup.

Woman sprinkling Simply Organic Spices on salad.

How to reuse old spices at home

If your spices are expired, there are still creative ways to use them around your home and garden. "Simmering expired herbs and spices with water on the stovetop can make a fragrant potpourri," said Kellison. "Sprinkling spices like cayenne pepper and chili powder around the garden or in your compost pile can also help deter mice and other rodents."

Check out SimplyOrganic.com for more tips and inspiration on storing and using spices.

Survey Methodology: Suzy conducted a custom survey in February 2025, among a sample of 1,046 U.S. adults 25-70 years of age

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Beyond the best-by date: Spotting old spices and preserving freshness

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