Do spices go bad?

Spices don't spoil, but they lose flavor. Ground spices keep their best quality for 2 to 3 years, whole spices 3 to 4 years, and dried herbs 1 to 2 years.

Food	Pantry
Ground spices	2–3 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 2–3 years
Whole spices	3–4 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 3–4 years
Dried herbs	1–2 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 1–2 years

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if spices have gone bad

Little or no smell when you rub a pinch between your fingers: the spice has faded and won't add much flavor.
A dull, faded color, especially in paprika, chili powder and dried herbs.
Clumps, mold or insects: moisture or pests got in. Throw it out.

How to store spices

Keep spices in airtight jars in a cool, dark cupboard, not on a rack above the stove or in sunlight.
Don't shake jars directly over a steaming pot: steam gets in and makes them clump.
Buy whole spices and grind them as needed: they keep their flavor much longer.
Write the purchase date on the jar.

Can you freeze spices?

You can, in airtight containers, but it's rarely worth it: opening a cold jar in a warm kitchen lets condensation in. A cool, dark cupboard works well. Paprika and chili powders keep their color longer in the fridge.

Questions

Can you use expired spices?

Yes. They're safe as long as there's no mold or insects; they just have less flavor. Use a little more, or replace them.

How can you tell if a spice is still good?

Rub a little between your fingers and smell it. If the aroma is weak, the flavor will be too.

Does salt expire?

No. Plain salt keeps indefinitely. Iodized salt may lose some iodine over the years.

Add spices to ShelfLife with their purchase date, and know which jars need replacing.

▶ Coming soon toGoogle Play Coming soon on theApp Store