SpiceSpotter

Label Your Spices: A System That Sticks

Label Your Spices: A System That Sticks

By Nora Kim · October 9, 2026

Why Labels Matter

Without labels, you're guessing which jar is three years old and which was bought last month. A simple system prevents waste.

The Three-Line Label

Line 1: Spice name
Line 2: Purchase date (MM/YY)
Line 3: Use-by date (ground: +18 months, whole: +36 months)

Color-Coding by Type

Use colored dots or washi tape: red for chilies, yellow for warm spices, green for herbs, blue for seeds. Scan your rack at a glance.

Inventory Rotation

Once a month, pull jars past their use-by date. Toast and use them in a batch recipe rather than wasting them.