How to Refresh and Organize Your Spice Pantry for Spring

Don’t forget the smallest but mightiest ingredients in your kitchen: your spices. They may not go bad in the traditional sense, but they lose their punch over time. If your cooking tastes dull, old spices could be the reason–most ground spices only stay fresh for about a year.

Use these quick tips from our Spice Merchants to check what’s still good, toss what’s not, and restock with flavors that make every dish shine.

Step 1: Take Everything Out

Start fresh by emptying your entire spice cabinet, drawer, or pantry. Lay everything out on your counter or table so you can see what you're working with.

Next, group similar spices together—think herbs, baking spices, blends, and so on. Spot something you haven’t used in ages (and don’t plan to)? Toss it. Make room for the flavors you actually love and use.

Step 2: Clean Up Spice Spills

Before you organize, hit the reset button. Wipe up any runaway spices from shelves and drawers, and give each jar a quick clean. A few minutes of tidying now sets the stage for a kitchen that’s neat, fresh, and ready to impress.

Step 3: Ditch The Bland Spices

Spices don’t exactly go “bad,” but they do lose their magic over time. Dull, dusty flavors mean lackluster meals. Start by checking those expiration dates and don’t think twice about tossing the tired, flavorless stuff.

Spice Freshness Guide:

• Ground spices: best to use within 1 year 
• Whole spices: can last 3+ years
• Dried herbs (like basil or oregano): most flavorful when used within 6–12 months

How to Tell If Spices Are Still Good:

• Smell it: if the aroma is weak or missing, it's time to replace
• Look at it: faded color means faded flavor too
• Taste it: if it doesn’t "pop", it’s past its peak 

Restocking with vibrant, aromatic spices is the easiest way to level up your cooking—so don’t be afraid to spice things up and let the old ones go.

Step 4: Take Inventory & Refresh

Time to give your spice rack a seasonal reset!

Start by reviewing what’s left after your clean-out. Jot down any must-have spices you need to restock. Then use the list below to refill your collection with fresh, flavorful essentials—just in time for spring cooking inspiration.

Herbs To Have On Hand:

• Italian Herbs
• Premium French Thyme
• Cantanzaro Herbs
• Greek Oregano
• California Basil
• Herbes de Provence
• Mexican Oregano
• California Bay Leaves
• Parsley
• Freeze Dried Chives

Flavor-Packed Spice Blends:

• Taco Seasoning
• Capitol Hill Seasoning
• Black Garlic Salt
• Pikes Peak Butcher's Rub
• Mild or Medium Chili Powder
• Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper
• Mt. Elbert All-Purpose Seasoning
• Park Hill Maple & Spice
• Bohemian Forest
• Four Mushroom Umami Blend

Everyday Spices Worth Getting:

• Ground Cumin Seeds
• Supreme Saigon Cinnamon or Ground Ceylon "True" Cinnamon
• Smoked Spanish Sweet Paprika or Hungarian Paprika
• Roasted Granulated Garlic, Granulated Garlic, or Garlic Powder
• Granulated Toasted Onion or Granulated Onion
• Fine Black Malabar Pepper or Four Corners Peppercorns
• Ground Ginger
• Kosher Salt
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Ground Inner Cardamom Seeds

Pro Tips for a Smarter Spice Rack:

• Buy only what you’ll use in 6–12 months to keep flavors fresh.
• Stick a piece of painter’s tape on the bottom of each new jar and label it with the purchase date (MM/YY). It'll make future cleanouts easier and you'll know exactly what needs replacing.

Revive your spice cabinet and let your meals bloom with bold, fresh flavor all season long!

Step 5: Organize Your Spice Collection

Now that your spices are sorted, it’s time to put them back with a system that works for you and your kitchen.

Start by arranging them based on how often you use them:

• Keep everyday essentials front and center.
• Tuck less-used or specialty blends toward the back.
• Put baking spices together for easier baking.
• Group duplicates side by side so you don’t buy extras.
• Leave a little space for the ones you need to restock post-cleanout.

Smart spice storage tips to keep them fresh and flavorful:

• Store them in a cool, dry place — not near the stove or dishwasher.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Use airtight containers to lock in freshness.
• Skip the fridge—temperature swings and moisture will ruin your spices.

Step 6: Spring Into Flavor

Like spring's finest produce, freshly ground spices are crafted to deliver peak flavor. Use your new spices to make some simple, yet flavorful recipes.

• Capitol Hill Green Beans - Butter and the flavors of this seasoning blend make seasonal produce shine.
• Umami Ham & Mushroom Quiche - Simple ingredients, elevated with rich, flavorful oyster mushrooms and a touch of French flair. 
• Fresh Chive Pasta with Asparagus Cream Sauce - Sweet tarragon, shallots, and lemon make the perfect creamy spring pasta sauce. 

A well-organized spice collection makes cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Now that you’ve got the hang of it, do a quick spice check seasonally. Fresh spices don’t just taste better—they make every dish unforgettable.