Best Spice Jars
Herbs and spices have been used in food preparation and for medicinal purposes since the beginning of time. Each country harvested and used whatever was grown locally and it wasn’t until the spice trade developed that people from around the world were able to share in the spicy delights of other cultures.
These days, we have access to dozens of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of whatever we are cooking. To keep them fresh and lasting longer, it’s best to store them in jars or containers. Most cooks prefer to have a set of refillable spice jars in their kitchen to keep their favorite herbs and spices close at hand.
Displaying spice containers in a holder on the counter or the wall is an attractive way to keep them organized and ready to use. With many designs, shapes and materials to choose from, there is something out there to suit everyone.
We feature different kinds of spice jars you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that suits you best.
1. Best Glass: AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Mason Spice Jars with Spice Labels
This handsome set of 14 mini mason jars to store herbs and spices is not just all about looks. Functionality is a key feature in these containers that are made from lead-free durable glass.
This great kitchen accessory is equipped with patented shaker lids that give you all the control over how much you want to add to what you’re cooking. No more over-spicing and accidently spilling too much into the mix.
The extra-wide 1-½-inch mouth makes the jars easy to fill, although the set comes with a collapsible silicone funnel to ensure the job is mess-free. Once filled, snap on the sift-and-pour shaker. With holes to sprinkle finer spices and a lift-cap for pouring larger-sized herbs or portions, it takes the guesswork out of adding too much, or too little to a dish. Finally, the airtight metal top ensures that the spices will stay fresh longer.
The clear glass containers allow you to see how much spice is being used and when it needs to be replenished. These mason spice jars are attractive and large enough to also store nuts, seeds, candy, syrups, sauces and even craft items.
The set also includes 98 preprinted, waterproof round spice labels and 28 blank labels that you can write on with a white pen (chalk marker included), giving you the option of labeling the sides or the lid of the jars.
Pros:
- Mason jar design has large mouth for easy filling
- Snap-on sift and pour shaker
- Airtight metal cap
- Chalk marker and collapsible silicone funnel included
- Four-ounce capacity
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Contains only 14 spice jars
- Does not come with a holder
2. Top Plastic: Baaxxango 16 Pack 7oz Clear Plastic Spice Jars
Some people like glass spice jars, which certainly are beautiful, but for anyone who worries about jars dropping and breaking, these attractive plastic containers are a good solution for storing spices and herbs.
This set of 16 spice jars are made from safe PET plastic, with high clarity so it’s easy to see how much – or how little – spice there is in each jar. Each jar comes with a removable inner seal under the lid that keeps the product fresh, and the black snap-tight lids have a flip-top – one side for pouring and the other side with three holes for sprinkling. No more issues with shaking out too much, or too little.
The larger seven-ounce capacity means less refills and even though the transparent containers make it easy to see the content, the set comes with 20 chalkboard stickers and a chalkboard pen, so you can label the spices for easy reference. The plastic makes these spice jars nice and portable for picnics or camping, as they won’t shatter if they fall.
Pros:
- 16-piece set made from PET plastic
- Clear container to easily see the contents
- Flip top gives option of pouring or sprinkling
- Larger, 7-ounce capacity
- Comes with chalkboard stickers and chalkboard pen
Cons:
- Made from plastic
- Does not come with a holder
3. Best Versatile: Auledio 4-Tier Stackable Spice Rack with Accessories
Auledio’s 4-tier spice rack is a fantastic all-in-one package for those who already have their spice arsenal assembled. The Auledio can hold up to 24 glass jars and comes packaged with labels, a chalk marker, and even a funnel for easy spice transfers. Sous Vide Guy was particularly impressed by the modular design of the spice rack. Each of the Auledio’s tiers can be separated and locked into each other. This means you could have two, two-tiered spice racks or one three-tired rack and one one-tier rack. This flexibility is great for cooks who want to separate and store spices by type. You can also mount the rack, or individual tiers, using included plastic anchors and screws. Each tier of the Auledio spice rack is 15.7 inches x 4.6 inches x 7 inches.
Pros
- Modular design allows for a wide variety of installation options
- Packaged with a range of accessories and labels
- Glass jars
Cons
- Spices not included
- Jar lids are a soft aluminum and feel fragile – may dent during shipping
4. Best Overall: Kamenstein Ellington 16-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice Rack Organizer with Free Spice Refills for 5 Years
This spice rack and spice jar set is totally awesome for the cook who likes everything supplied and at his or her fingertips.
Beautifully designed, the two-tiered revolving spice rack has an attractive, modern design that will look great on any countertop, or for smaller spaces, fits nicely into a kitchen cabinet.
The set comes with 16 bulb-shaped glass jars that are already pre-filled with an assortment of quality spices such as basil, thyme, parsley, marjoram, garlic salt, coriander, rosemary, oregano and more. The cap on each jar has a chrome finish and is clearly labeled for quick and easy identification. The spice jars feature sifter tops for light seasoning that can also be removed for measuring out larger quantities.
And here’s the bonus: purchasers of this spice rack and jar set are eligible to receive five years of free spice refills of their choice. Imagine, not having to go out and find the spices you need; pay only the shipping and get free spices for five years.
Pros:
- Attractive two-tiered revolving spice rack
- Includes 16 pre-filled spice jars
- Jars are clearly labeled for easy identification
- Eligible for five years of free spice refills
- All spices and spice jars are filled and sealed for freshness in Kamenstein’s FDA-approved and monitored facility in Winchendon, Massachusetts
Cons:
- Caps only have holes for light seasoning, no pour option
- Pre-filled spice choice may vary
- More expensive than other spice racks with empty bottles
5. Best Mini-Tin Set: Aiyola Magnetic Spice Jars 12 pcs with Wall Base
Moving away from traditional glass or plastic jars, these cute stainless steel magnetic spice containers add a modern and funky look to any kitchen. And while the 12 containers do not come with a rack, the set does include a base to hold the tins.
The stainless steel base has an advanced magnetic feature and can be attached to a wall in any position for the convenience of the cook. If there is no space for the base, no problem. These 12 tin spice containers have a strong magnet on the bottom that allows them to firmly adhere to any metal surface: an oven, refrigerator, stove or microwave.
These cute tins have a transparent top to easily view the contents and are airtight to keep herbs, spices, and teas dry. Located on the side of each tin are two discharge ports that rotate for full control of how much you want to season your food – on one side, a slot for pouring and on the other side, holes for sprinkling.
Add a sleek look to your kitchen with these cute spice containers, also portable to take camping or for a barbecue.
Pros:
- Comes with 12 tin spice containers
- Spice tins have magnetic base
- Transparent lids to see contents easily
- Comes with a magnetic wall base to hold the tins
- Includes labels
Cons:
- Mini tins are smaller than other spice jars
- Shaking spices from the side, rather than the top, may take getting used to
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for spice containers so you will choose a set that works best for you:
Material:
Spice jars are typically made from plastic, glass or metal. Which one you choose is a personal decision. Many people prefer the purity and design options of glass. However, if you choose glass, make sure it is sturdy and won’t easily break if dropped. Some people like plastic because it is less expensive and less inclined to shatter if dropped on the floor. When choosing plastic, make sure it’s made from a non-toxic variety. Finally, some spice jars are made from tin or another metal. These should be lightweight for easy use and coated so they don’t rust after repeated washing.
Design and functionality:
Spice jars come in many designs, from bottles and mason jars to bulb and round-shaped jars and square tins. Aesthetics is highly personal, but design and shape should not interfere with functionality. Consider how you like to add spices to food while you are cooking. Do you like to sprinkle or pour? Do you like to measure in a teaspoon first? Do you like a top-pouring spout or a side-pour?
Some spice containers come with two dispense options: holes to sprinkle and a small flip tab for controlled pouring. Other models have a two-flip cap – lift the lid on one side to use holes, or flip the other side open for a pour. It’s important to choose spice jars that dispense herbs and spices the way you like to use them. If you’d rather sprinkle than pour, make sure the tops have that option.
Size:
Not all spice jars are the same size. Some hold 3 ounces, some hold 4 ounces, some have a capacity for 7 ounces, while others hold larger quantities. Smaller sizes need to be refilled more often, but the spices will stay fresher. However, if you use a lot of spices to cook with, then a larger size will be more convenient and with frequent use, the spices won’t lose their strength.
With a rack or without a rack:
Spice racks are a really convenient way to organize and store spice jars. If you don’t have one, it is helpful to purchase spice containers that come with a rack. However, if you already have one, or prefer to store your containers in a kitchen cabinet, then purchasing them without a rack is fine, and will be less expensive.
FAQS
How do I fill a spice jar?
The easiest way to fill a spice jar is with a little with of paper and a personal touch. Begin by folding a piece of paper in half, or roll it into a tube. Fit the top of this home-made funnel to the top of your new spice jar and gently work the spice into its new home. Make sure to tamp and redistribute your spices by tapping the container on your countertop with just enough force to settle the spice.
Is it better to store spices in glass or plastic?
Glass is always the better option for spice storage when compared to plastic spice jars. This is in part because plastic is porous by nature. As a result air can leak into the jar itself and reduce the shelf life of your spices. Generally speaking SousVideGuy recommends transferring your spices to glass jars if at all possible – especially if the plastic container your spices originally came in includes an expiry date. Glass spice jars can extend the shelf life of your spices significantly, and for only a little more than plastic in most places.
Do spices have to be stored in airtight containers?
The short answer is that that you always want to store your spices in airtight jars. Air causes an oxidization response in spices, which lead to them expiring faster or losing flavor. This is especially true for ground spices. When you grind spices you increase its overall surface area and therefore the potential for oxygen exposure during storage. Light and heat are also key sources of decay so make sure to store your spices in dark, cool places in airtight glass spice containers.
How often should I clean my spice bottles?
Washing out spice bottles is an easy process provided you have a little detergent or baking soda. Begin by washing out the dregs with got water and detergent. Next add about ½ tsp of baking soda, fill the far to half-way, and close the jar’s lid. At this point give it a little spin to make sure the seal if fitted properly. Finally shake the container back and forth with one hand to froth the baking soda. Rinse again with hot water, and set to try. Note that if using new spice jars they should always be cleaned and washed before use – although you can skip the baking soda as that is used primarily to get out tough spots.