Pantry Staple Spices & Herbs
These are our best pantry staples and essential everyday cooking spices and herbs to keep in your spice rack or kitchen cabinet. These must-have herbs, spices and seasonings work with almost any recipe. This list of our most commonly used herbs and spices will help you kick start your spice collection, especially if you're moving into a new home or apartment, or need to refresh or refill your empty jars.
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What spices and herbs should everyone keep as pantry staples?
Most everyday cooking starts with a core set of black pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaves, and cinnamon. These staples work across cuisines and recipes, making them the most versatile foundation for home cooking.
Why is it important to always keep fresh spices in your pantry for cooking?
Pantry staples are the seasonings you reach for constantly, and you don't want to be seasoning your food with bland, stale, or outdated flavor. Your staples help build base flavor, enhance simple ingredients, and make it easy to cook without needing specialty spices for every meal. With the right staples, most recipes become approachable and adaptable.
How many spices do I really need to stock a functional spice rack?
You don’t need dozens. A well-rounded spice rack often starts with 10-15 essential herbs and spices that cover savory, sweet, smoky, and aromatic flavors. From there, you can expand based on how and what you like to cook.
What common spices work with the widest range of recipes?
Spices like black pepper, paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon appear in countless dishes — from soups and roasted vegetables to meats, sauces, and baked goods. These multi-use spices earn their place because they rarely sit unused.
When should pantry staples be refreshed or replaced?
If spices smell faint or dusty instead of fragrant, or if they look like they've completely lost their original color, it’s time to refresh and refill them. Pantry staples get used often, so keeping them fresh and aromatic will make quite a noticeable difference in everyday meals.
*Offer valid online and at participating stores only. Must use code BIGGAME at checkout for 25% off jars, refill bags, and large bags of select chili, dip, pizza, wing, and taco spices and blends. Includes Spice & Easy dips. Other exclusions may apply. No adjustments on past purchases. Cannot be combined with Black Friday rewards, other reward codes, or Loyalty Rewards. This offer expires 11:59 PM MST, February 9, 2026.
*Must add a medium jar of Hudson Bay Beef Spice to your cart and have an additional $75+ of products, excluding gift cards, in your cart ($50 in-store) to qualify. Offer subject to availability. Cannot be combined with Black Friday rewards, other reward codes, or Loyalty Rewards. Offer expires 11:59PM MT, February 28, 2026.