Cooking spices are kitchen essentials, and a good spice collection makes every recipe easier, but jars quickly end up crammed in a cabinet, hidden behind each other and bought twice. The right spice storage keeps your favorite spices fresh, visible and within easy access while you cook. These spice storage ideas cover drawers, cabinets, walls, pantries and countertops, plus how to store spices so they last.
How to Store Spices to Keep Them Fresh
Spices lose flavor faster when exposed to heat, light, air and moisture. Whatever system you choose:
- Keep them cool: Not right next to or above the stove or oven.
- Keep them dark: Light fades color and flavor. A drawer or cabinet is better than a sunny windowsill.
- Keep them dry: Don't shake jars over a steaming pot; use a spoon.
- Keep them sealed: Use airtight jars.
How Long Do Spices Stay Fresh?
| Type | Typical best quality |
|---|---|
| Whole spices (cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cumin seeds) | About 3 to 4 years |
| Ground spices | About 2 to 3 years |
| Dried herbs | About 1 to 3 years |
Spices don't usually spoil, but they lose flavor. If a spice has little smell when you rub it between your fingers, it's time to replace it.
16 Spice Storage Ideas
1. A spice drawer with inserts
Laying spice jars in a drawer with a tiered insert lets you read every label at a glance. A drawer system near the stove (but not directly over it) is a favorite of many cooks.
2. Upright jars in a shallow drawer
If your drawer is about 4 to 5 inches tall, jars can stand upright with labels on the lids. Label lids with custom labels.
3. Tiered shelf risers in a cabinet
Stepped risers in an upper cabinet put the back row above the front row.
4. Lazy Susan
A lazy Susan in a corner cabinet or on the counter spins so nothing hides at the back.
5. Pull-out spice rack
A narrow pull-out cabinet beside the range holds many jars in a slim space.
6. Door-mounted racks
Racks on the inside of a cabinet or pantry door use space that's otherwise wasted.
7. Wall-mounted spice rack
Wall space can be spice space. A rack or magnetic strip on a backsplash keeps spices in reach. Keep it away from the stove's heat and direct sun.
8. Magnetic tins
Magnetic tins on the side of the refrigerator or a metal board save counter space in a small kitchen. Skip the side next to the stove, which gets warm.
9. Pantry shelves
Dedicate one pantry shelf to spices, using risers or bins grouped by cuisine.
10. Bins by category
Group spices into bins: baking, everyday, international, herbs. Pull out one bin at a time.
11. Rolling cart
A slim rolling cart between the fridge and wall, or a cart that pulls out of a pantry cabinet, holds spices and oils.
12. Countertop tray
Keep only your most-used spices (salt, pepper, chili flakes) on a tray by the stove.
13. Under-shelf baskets
Baskets that hang beneath a shelf add a level for small jars.
14. Matching jars
Decanting into matching glass jars looks tidy and makes labels consistent.
15. Store bulk spices separately
Keep refills in a cool pantry and only a small jar in your daily spot.
16. A spice station in a pantry cabinet
A tall pantry cabinet with drawers and shelves can hold spices, oils and baking supplies together, out of the light.
Neat Options for Spices in Drawers
Drawers are many cooks' best option because spices stay dark and labels are easy to read. Measure the drawer height before buying jars or inserts.
- The Pantry Cabinet with Rolling Storage Cart has drawers measuring 23.3" W × 15.8" D × 4.6" H, a good height for lay-flat inserts or short upright jars, plus a rolling cart that pulls out on its own.
- The Modern Luxe Pantry Storage Wall System has drawers of 30.1" W × 15.8" D × 5.8" H alongside open display shelves and a pull-out rolling cart.
Spice Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens
- Use the inside of cabinet doors.
- Stick magnetic tins on the fridge.
- Add a narrow rolling cart.
- Keep only your top 10 to 15 spices in reach; store the rest in a bin.
- Use vertical space with a wall rack.
Step-by-Step: Organize Your Spices
- Gather everything. Pull every jar, bag and bottle from cabinets, drawers and the pantry.
- Check freshness. Smell each one; toss spices that have lost their aroma or have clumped.
- Combine duplicates. Merge half-empty jars of the same spice.
- Decide where they'll live. Choose a drawer, cabinet or pantry shelf away from heat.
- Choose containers. Matching airtight jars make arranging easier.
- Label. Label lids for drawers and fronts for shelves; add purchase dates.
- Arrange. Put the spices you grab most in front.
- Store extras. Keep spare jars and refills in a sturdy bin in the pantry.
Don't Forget Extracts and Oils
Vanilla and other extracts, oils and vinegars need the same cool, dark spot. Store bottles upright in a cabinet or pantry shelf, not on the counter beside the stove. A tiered shelf or turntable keeps them in sight.
Smart Solutions When Space Is Limited
In a small kitchen with limited cabinets, there are several different ways to fit a growing collection: a slim rack screwed inside a cabinet door, stacking shelves, or a drawer insert that holds jars filled from bulk bags. Choose solutions that are easy to install or need no screws if you rent. Accessibility matters most; if you can't see a spice, you won't use it.
How Should You Organize a Spice Rack?
- Alphabetically: Easy to find anything.
- By frequency: Most-used in front.
- By cuisine: Mexican, Indian, Italian, baking.
- By type: Herbs, ground spices, whole spices, blends.
Pick one system and label everything.
Is It Better to Store Spices in Glass or Metal?
Both work if they seal tightly. Glass jars let you see what's inside and don't absorb odors, but should be kept out of light. Metal tins block light completely. Avoid thin plastic bags and containers that let air in.
How Do Professional Chefs Store Spices?
Professional kitchens usually buy smaller quantities more often, store spices in labeled airtight containers away from heat, and keep the most-used ones within arm's reach of the line, with refills in a cool, dark storeroom.
How to Make a Homemade Spice Organizer
- Use a cutlery tray or shoebox lid as a drawer insert.
- Build a stepped riser from scrap wood.
- Hang a small wooden shelf with a front rail.
- Glue magnets to tin lids and mount a metal sheet inside a cabinet door.
Spice Storage by Location
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer | Dark, easy to read labels | Takes drawer space |
| Cabinet with risers | Dark, holds many jars | Back rows harder to reach |
| Wall rack | Easy access, decorative | Light and heat exposure |
| Pantry | Cool, dark, room for bulk | Farther from the stove |
| Countertop | Right at hand | Light, clutter |
| Fridge door or side | Saves cabinet space | Fridge sides can be warm |
For whole-pantry organization, see our guides to pantry cabinet organization ideas, organizing kitchen cabinets and freestanding pantry cabinets.
Related: see our pantry ideas.
FAQ
What is the best way to store spices?
In airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place, such as a drawer or cabinet away from the stove.
Should spices be stored in the fridge?
Most dried spices don't need it, and moisture from opening the fridge can make them clump. Some cooks refrigerate chili-based spices like paprika to keep color longer.
Are spice racks worth it?
Yes, if they fit your space and keep spices out of heat and sun. Drawer inserts and cabinet risers are often more practical than countertop racks.
What's the best container for whole spices?
Airtight glass jars or tins. Grind whole spices as needed for the best flavor.