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Here at The Pioneer Woman, were not shy about cooking with spices. In fact, Ree Drummonds pantry is stocked to the brim with all sorts of spice jars for her very best recipes. But imagine choosing that perfect recipe for your family dinner only to realize that it calls for a handful of spices you havent used in years. That raises the question: Do spices actually go bad? And if so, how long do spices last? The answer isnt so cut and dry.
It might come as a surprise, but spices can lose their freshness over time, which means losing their flavor potency, too. They wont go bad in the same way that cheese gets moldy, so how can you tell if your spices have gone bad? The best test you can do is to open the jar and take a good whiff. Do they smell fragrant and like the spice theyre supposed to smell like? If they just smell like nothing, or only smell very faintly, then its probably time to toss them.
Ground spices lose their freshness the quickest and typically don’t last past six months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it’s time to say goodbye. Whole spices, on the other hand, can be fine for up to five years.
How long do spices last?
Shelf life depends on the type of spice. Ground spices (like chili powder and paprika) typically last anywhere from six months to two years, while whole herb leaves (like parsley, oregano, and dill) will last you one to three years. If you have jars of whole spices (like allspice or peppercorns), theyll have a little longer of a lifespan. Since they arent ground, their fragrant oils will stay intact longer, so you can count on those lasting up to three or four years.
If all else fails, follow the expiration date listed on the jar! While spices can still be good past that day, its still good guidance since you probably dont know how old it was when you bought it or when you bought it in the first place. Do you put your spices in new jars when you get home? No problem! Use a to mark the expiration date on the bottom, so youll always have it on hand.
The Pioneer Woman Sweet Rose Acacia Wood Spice Rack
As mentioned before, do the smell test and check the expiration dates first to determine if you need a new batch of spices. If you know youve had the spices for five years or more, then you should definitely toss them and treat your pantry to some fresh ones. To make it more budget friendly, replace as you make new meals. Double check your pantry as you write your grocery list, so its more economical and nothing goest to waste. Spices can get pricey!
Beginner’s guide to BUYING, STORING & ORGANIZING SPICES
FAQ
Are spices still good after 10 years?
How long is it safe to keep spices?
How often should you replace spices?
What spices do not go bad?
How do you know when it’s time to toss spices?
This is how you know it’s time to toss them Exposure to light and air weakens the aroma and color of dried herbs and spices. Spices don’t typically go bad past their expiration date — but they do lose flavor and potency. Whole spices will outlast ground ones and can be good for as long as four years when stored properly.
Does allspice quickly lose its pungency when ground?
Whole pepper can be preserved for a long time, but once ground it can quickly lose flavor. Therefore, it is better to buy the pepper in grains and grind it only at the time of preparation.
How do you bring spices back to life?
You can possibly bring your spices back to life by toasting them—though there’s no guarantee it’ll work every time and for every spice. All you have to do is toss your spices in a skillet over medium heat and toast them for one to three minutes while shaking the pan or stirring to make sure it’s even.
Should you eat spices if you’ve had a long time?
If you know you’ve had the spices for five years or more, then you should definitely toss them and treat your pantry to some fresh ones. To make it more budget friendly, replace as you make new meals. Double check your pantry as you write your grocery list, so it’s more economical and nothing goest to waste. Spices can get pricey!