Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of your kitchen—your spices. 

They bring the heat, the depth, the chef’s kiss to every dish. But when was the last time you checked on them? Be honest—there’s probably a jar of cinnamon in your cabinet that’s been around longer than your last houseplant 🪴 It happens to the best of us.

The truth is, spices don’t last forever. 

Over time, their vibrant colors fade, their bold aromas disappear, and their once-powerful flavours turn... meh. And when that happens, your cooking suffers. No matter how much love (or butter) you put into a dish, stale spices just can’t deliver the same punch.

So, how do you know when it’s time for a spice refresh? How should you store them to keep them fresher, and longer? And what’s the easiest way to restock without overbuying? 

We’ve got answers. From how to spot a stale spice to why small-batch blends are worth it, consider this your ultimate guide to keeping your spice cabinet in top shape. Because life’s too short for dull flavours—let’s spice things up.

Everything You Need to Know About Spices, From Our Kitchen to Yours

Spices are the foundation of flavour. Whether you’re crafting a delicate, fragrant curry or firing up the grill for a bold, smoky rub, the right spices make all the difference. 

But keeping your spice cabinet in check? That’s where things get tricky. How long do spices actually last? Can old spices really ruin a dish? And what’s the deal with whole versus pre-ground?

The good news? Keeping your spices fresh and your flavours bold doesn’t have to be complicated 🙌🏼

A few simple tricks—like proper storage, knowing when to refresh, and choosing high-quality blends—can elevate your cooking game instantly. Fresh spices mean richer colors, stronger aromas, and, most importantly, better-tasting food.

So, let’s get into it. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started, consider this your essential spice handbook from your besties at Spicewalla ✨

(1) Do spices go bad?

They don’t exactly spoil like milk, but they do lose their magic over time. 

Ground spices tap out after about 6 months, while whole spices and dried herbs can last closer to 1 year if stored properly. The fresher the spice, the better the flavour—so if your cumin smells more like cardboard than curry, it’s time to let go.

Check out this video from our CEO & Spice Guru, Chef Meherwan Irani, to learn more!

(2) Why should you check spice expiration dates?

Old spices don’t hurt you, but they sure won’t help your cooking. 

Over time, essential oils fade, leaving you with dull, lifeless flavour. That smoked paprika you bought in 2018? It’s probably more “dusty red powder” than “deep, smoky goodness.” aka it’s time for an upgrade!

(3) How do you know if a spice is still good?

Give it the look, smell, and taste test:
✔️ Look—Has it lost its vibrant color? Faded turmeric = faded flavour.
✔️ Smell—No bold aroma? That means no bold taste.
✔️ Taste—If a pinch on your tongue isn’t packing heat, it’s time to refresh.

(4) What’s the difference between stale spices and fresh ones?

It’s like cooking with flat soda—technically the same ingredient, but the experience? Meh. 

Fresh spices bring depth, brightness, and balance, while stale spices just take up space. Want that restaurant-quality dish? Start with fresh, high-quality spices. 

If you’re ready for a full refresh, we recommend these collections to get started:

• 18-pack kitchen essentials collection - a true kitchen powerhouse, this collection is a complete lineup of essential herbs, spices, and seasonings. From the backbone of everyday cooking to the perfect pinch of heat, zest, or savoury depth, these blends cover all the flavour bases. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just stocking up, this set ensures you have everything you need for bold, balanced, and effortless seasoning.
  
  
• 10-pack signature blends collection - where creativity meets craft—this collection is a selection of Spicewalla’s most beloved blends, each designed to bring bold, unexpected, and perfectly balanced flavour to your kitchen. With a mix of smoky, herby, zesty, and umami-packed seasonings, there’s something here for every dish, every cuisine, and every craving. Let these signature blends inspire your next kitchen masterpiece.
  
  
• 6-pack grill & roast collection - Bring out the best in grilled and roasted dishes with a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavours. Whether you’re searing over an open flame or slow-roasting to perfection, these blends enhance every bite with layers of umami richness, caramelized sweetness, and aromatic depth. From bright, herb-forward notes to deep, charred complexity, each seasoning is crafted to complement the natural flavours of meats, vegetables, and everything in between. 
  
  
• 3-pack taco collection - Inspired by classic taquería flavours, this trio brings big personality to every bite. Carne Asada seasoning delivers bright citrus and smoky cumin depth, Al Pastor brings the rich warmth of chiles and pineapple’s natural sweetness, and Pescado Verde layers in fresh, herbaceous spice. Each blend captures the essence of Mexican street food in its purest form.

(5) Can expired spices make you sick, or are they just less potent?

Less potent, but generally safe. However, if they’ve been stored improperly (hello, moisture & heat), they can develop mold or attract pantry pests—not the kind of extra protein you’re looking for. So, we dare you, cook regularly and use up your spices within 6 mo of purchasing them! 

(6) What’s the best way to store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Treat your spices like vampires—keep them away from light, heat, and moisture. 

Store them in a cool, dark place (not over the stove!) and use airtight containers. Pro tip: that’s why we use tins for all of our spices! 

(7) How can you tell if your spices have absorbed moisture?

Clumping? That’s a sign. If your garlic powder suddenly looks like Play-Doh, it’s absorbed moisture. Prevent this by keeping lids tight and avoiding steam contact (no shaking over a bubbling pot!). 

While we do everything we can to stop clumping, we can’t control how you store and use your spices. In the end, we want to make sure you have all the tools to make delicious meals to fill your belly & share with the people you love. So, if you ever find your Spicewalla spices have clumped, contact us at customercare@spicewallabrand.com and we will happily replace it for you (free of charge)!

(8) Does grinding whole spices yourself make a difference?

Absolutely. Whole spices keep their flavour longer and release their oils only when cracked or ground. That means punchier, fresher flavours for your cooking. 

That’s why we hand-grind all of our spices right before packaging (and we keep everything small batch - we don’t have a warehouse full of backstock). Why? To make sure they’re as flavourful as possible when they make it to your home 🌶

If you’re buying whole spices like clove or cardamom, invest in a spice grinder or mortar & pestle—it’s a game-changer! Your taste buds will thank you for it.

(9) What are the must-have essential spices every kitchen should stock?

A solid lineup starts with: salts & peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, chilli powder, coriander, turmeric, and a good herb blend. Plus, we can’t call it a home without chai!  

These cover the basics from everyday cooking to global flavours. 

PS - we’ve done the work for you by creating collections of our products that’ll cover all of your culinary dreams, from single spices & herbs to blends - check out our 3-packs, 6-packs, 10 & 18-packs!

(10) Are there spice blends that can replace multiple single spices?

Yes! Blends save time & space without sacrificing flavour, and ours happen to be veerrryyy delicious! They’re beloved by our staff and customers. Try these popular blends and taste the difference yourself, we dare you:

🔥 Mom’s Taco Seasoning (replaces cumin, chilli powder, and  oregano - like the Old El Paso packet you grew up with but elevated, more delicious, and spicier)

🍗 Carolina BBQ Rub (goodbye, paprika + garlic + brown sugar juggling - hello delicious BBQ feast)

🌿 Amore Italian Seasoning (no more dried oregano, basil, thyme chaos just delicious flavours that will transport you to Italy)

(11) What’s the best way to restock your spices without overbuying?

Go small-batch, high-quality. Buy in smaller quantities, more often.

If you’ve had nutmeg for five years, you probably don’t need a Costco-sized refill. 

(12) Why should you switch to high-quality, small-batch spices?

Supermarket spices? Often old & dusty before they even hit your shopping cart.

Small-batch spices, like Spicewalla, are fresh, chef-driven, and packed with flavour—because we grind and blend them in-house in small quantities. You’ll taste the difference.

(13) What’s the best way to use up older spices before replacing them?

Don’t toss them just yet! 

Use older spices for infusions (spice oil, simple syrup), toast & roast them for your DIY spice blends, bloom them in oil, or even cleaning hacks (hello, cinnamon in homemade air fresheners). 

(14) Where can you buy the freshest spices to start your spice cabinet refresh?

Right here, friend ❤️ Spicewalla delivers chef-quality spices straight to your kitchen. Our mission is to help you make delicious, flavourful food every day so you can share it with the people you love (yourself included sweet thang #selfcare). 

Our spices, herbs, and blends are fresh, vibrant, and ready to take your cooking up a notch. What will you cook today?

Have other questions? Check out our FAQ for even more information on keepin’ your spices so fresh, so clean (and so delicious).  

Want to learn more about the history of the spices you love? Check out our Spice Advice articles and become spice nerds just like us!