Spices are often sold in plastic bottles or packets and these products tend to be the lower priced option over spices sold in glass containers which often come with a built-in grinder.
Spices should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve their freshness and flavor. Exposure to light, heat, and moisture can cause spices to lose their potency over time. So what is the ideal material to store spices in, when they might not be used for some time?
It’s best to transfer spices to airtight containers, like glass jars with tight-fitting lids, to protect them from moisture and light. Avoid plastic when possible. Label the container with the name of the spice and the date when it was opened.
Below we’ll talk about spice storage best practices including why spices are packaged in certain materials and which storage materials should be avoided.
Can spices be safely stored in a plastic container?
Spices can be stored in plastic containers, but it’s not the ideal storage option. Plastic containers are not as airtight as glass jars, so plastic can allow air and moisture to penetrate and affect the freshness and flavor of the spices. Additionally, spices can absorb the scent and flavors of the plastic container, which can negatively impact the taste.
Furthermore, certain spices like black pepper and turmeric are known to have natural oils that can react with certain type of plastics and cause them to leach chemicals into your spice.
Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are the best option for storing spices because they protect them from air, light, and moisture. They also don’t have any scent or flavor that can affect the taste of the spices.
Spices are sold in plastic bottles for convenience
If plastic is an inferior storage choice when compared to glass, why are plastic bottles used so frequently for spice storage?
There are three main reasons why spices are often sold in plastic bottles rather than glass bottles:
Cost
Plastic bottles are generally cheaper to produce than glass bottles, which makes them a more cost-effective option for manufacturers and retailers.
Weight
Plastic bottles are lighter than glass bottles, which makes them cheaper to transport, especially for bulk shipment.
Durability
Additionally, plastic bottles are more durable and less fragile than glass bottles, which makes them less likely to break during transport and handling. This reduces the risk of damage and loss for manufacturers and retailers.
You’ll notice that nowhere in the list is plastic shown to be a superior option from the perspective of the spices themselves. Glass is considered to be a better option for long-term storage of spices, as they keep the spices fresher for a longer period of time.
Plastic is a superior option only for the spice company producing the product and the retailer selling it, which is why it is widely sold as such.
Summary
An airtight glass storage container is the preferred way to store spices given that it will prevent air and moisture from drying the spice. Glass won’t impact the taste of the spice unlike plastic which can affect taste over time.
Ground spices generally have a shorter shelf life than whole spices, and should be used within 6 months to a year. Whole spices can last up to 3-4 years if stored properly. It’s best to use them before the expiration date on the package once they have been opened.
Have you noticed that your spices clump up and get hard over time? Check out my article called Why Do My Spices Solidify? (Stop Clumping) to avoid this annoying and costly problem.