Refresh Your Spice Cabinet

Posted by on January 23, 2026

The new year is the perfect time for a pantry cleanout and a spice cabinet refresh. Not only does this create a more organized kitchen, but it also ensures that every dish you cook tastes bold, bright and full of flavor. At Tastefully Simple, we’re passionate about helping home cooks get the most from their ingredients – starting with fresh, high-quality seasoning blends.

Here’s how to clean out your pantry and revive your spice collection for the year ahead.

  1. Empty Everything Out for a True Pantry Reset

To start any effective pantry organization project, remove everything from your shelves and spice racks. Seeing all your ingredients laid out makes it easier to spot duplicates, old products and items you no longer use.

Clean your shelves with a simple wipe-down before restocking. A fresh space sets the tone for a fresh year.

Woman standing in front of cupboard to clean out
Box of expired food
  1. Check the Expiration Dates and Test the Freshness of Your Spices

Spices can lose potency over time, which means dull flavors in your cooking. A general guideline for spice shelf life:

  • Whole spices: 2-4 years
  • Ground spices: 1-3 years
  • Dried herbs: 1-2 years
  • Seasoning blends: 1-2 years, depending on ingredients

For the best flavor, check:

  • Aroma: Fresh spices should smell strong and vibrant.
  • Color: Faded color indicates reduced potency.
  • Taste: A quick pinch test can confirm whether it still packs a punch.

If you can’t remember when you bought something, it’s probably time to replace it.

  1. Dispose and Recycle Thoughtfully

Expired spices can often be composted and empty glass jars are perfect for recycling or refilling.

  1. Analyze What You Use Most

This step helps you restock smarter and avoid future waste. Ask yourself:

  • Which spices did I use constantly this year?
  • What new flavors do I want to explore?
  • Which blends made weeknight cooking easier?

Tracking these habits helps shape your spice lineup.

  1. Reorganize for Maximum Visibility and Ease

An organized spice cabinet saves time and boosts creativity. Try organizing your seasonings by:

  • Cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Asian, etc.
  • Function: Everyday essentials, chiles & heat and baking
  • Alphabetical order: A favorite for larger collections

Tiered shelves, pull-out drawers or magnetic tins make your spices easier to see and use.

  1. Refresh Your Pantry with Fresh, High-Quality Seasonings

Now comes the fun part: replenishing your spice collection. Start with essentials like:

You can find these and other signature flavors here.

Try these Tastefully Simple Seasonings
Seasoning Assortment
  1. Make Your Pantry Cleanout a New Year Tradition

A yearly pantry reset keeps your kitchen organized and your spices fresh. Set a recurring reminder each January so you can maintain the habit – and enjoy great-tasting meals all year long.

Start the New Year with Better Flavor

A small investment of time in your pantry and spice cabinet sets you up for a year full of delicious, confident cooking. Whether you’re trying new recipes or perfecting family favorites, starting with vibrant, high-quality spices makes all the difference.

Ready to refresh your spice cabinet and give your kitchen a fresh start? Find your favorites and explore our signature blends at tastefullysimple.com.