Do Spices Ever Expire? Here's How Long They Really Last

Alexandra Emanuelli

I've been using the same jar of nutmeg to make gingerbread cookies for decades. The quarter teaspoon required to make a batch of cookies leaves a lot leftover in the jar year after year.

While it's unlikely that my ground nutmeg will ever grow mold or make me sick, dried herbs and spices do expire. Depending on the variety and the preparation (ground or whole), herbs and spices expire and lose their flavor in as little as three to six months, much faster than most people assume.

If you’re interested in learning how to tell when your spices have gone off, how to extend the shelf life of your spices, and whether salt and pepper count (they do!), read on.

How Long Do Spices Last?

  • Ground spices (like powdered ginger or garlic powder) are most flavorful within 3-6 months of purchasing.

  • Whole herbs and spices (sticks of cinnamon, whole peppercorns, or mustard seeds) last eight to 10 months.

When in doubt, look for the best before date on the back or bottom of the spice jar.

How Can I Tell if My Spices Have Gone Bad?

Use your senses: Is that paprika still a vibrant red, smelling peppery and tasting spicy if you take a small pinch in your mouth? Or has it dulled in color, with little scent and next to no taste? If the latter, you know your spices are doing next to nothing in your stews, and it’s time to replace them.

If you can’t remember when you bought your spices, it’s likely time to throw them out. Here are a few other, slightly more scientific ways to verify whether your spices have lost their potency.

Can You Use Expired Spices?

Since spices don’t go bad the way that milk or meat does, you shouldn’t be concerned about making yourself sick if you’ve been using ground cumin older than your car. We wouldn’t recommend using expired spices, but likely, the worst thing that can happen is that your dish tastes bland and boring.

Related: Why Did My Milk Spoil Before The Expiration Date?

What About Salt and Pepper?

  • Pepper is made from ground peppercorns and has the same shelf-life as other ground spices of 3-6 months. Looking for the freshest pepper possible? Use a pepper mill to grind peppercorns as you need them. Whole peppercorns are fresh for 8-10 months.

  • Salt is one of the few miraculous foods that never expire. It may clump in humidity, but will still be fine to use.

The Difference Between Whole Vs. Ground Spices

Spices come from dried bark, roots, berries, seeds, or twigs of plants. Commonly sold in their ground versions at the supermarket, you can also purchase whole spices. Why go to the extra trouble? Keeping spices whole locks in their flavor. Once they’re ground, they begin to slowly oxidize, losing potent flavor and aroma. If you’re after the most intense flavors for your baked ribs or chili con carne then grinding them fresh at home is key.

The same is true of herb and spice mixes. Whole herb and spice mixes are harder to find, but they will keep longer than ground mixes.

How to Store Spices To Extend Their Shelf-Life

Store spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer.

Don't Make This Spice Storage Mistake

While it may be convenient to keep your spices lined up beside your stove, this is a big no-no, as heat and moisture from your appliances can cause them to clump and degrade, shortening their shelf-life rather than extending it.

More Storage Tips

  • Don't buy in bulk: Reduce waste by shopping for smaller quantities at bulk stores or specialty spice markets.

  • Freeze properly: Spices shouldn’t be stored in the freezer unless they’ve been vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture damage.

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