Printable Spice Labels for Pantry Organization

Learn tips for cleaning out your spices in the kitchen, and free printable spice jar labels.

I admit it. I’m a sucker for labels.

We have made linen closet labels, labels for seasonal storage and even labels on all of the pantry staples. A few weeks ago, I completely organized the pantry and am sharing a few tips for organizing spices and herbs (including some free printable spice jar labels).

Cinnamon sticks label on clear glass spice jar filled with cinnamon sticks.

How to Organize Spices

Begin by taking an inventory of what spices you have and actually use and those that are old or used infrequently. You may want to just dispose of the latter and create more space for organizing the ones you reach for the most.

Check to see if your spices are still fresh. They should smell strong, taste potent, and have a rich color.

Average shelf life of spices

opened, ground spices last six to nine months
opened, whole spices like cloves last about two years.
unopened spices last about 2-3 years

Since spices stay fresh longer when away from heat and light, avoid storing them next to the stove, oven, or windows. Store in air tight containers to keep their potency.

Wipe off the spice bottles and refill them if needed. Combine multiple jars if necessary. I set up a mini-station at the dining room table to clean and transfer the spices to their new jars. A mini funnel is helpful in transferring the spices from jar to jar.

Tip: It may seem over the top, but storing spices alphabetically helps you find them faster.

Spice Organization Supply List:

Clear Glass Spice Jars *these are perfectly sized for the printable labels
Plastic Funnels (the glass jars above came with one too)
Inkjet Printer
waterproof label sheets
scissors
washable paint pen

Organized pantry with hanging wire over-the-door spice rack and uniform labeled pantry bins.

Tips on Making Spice Labels

If you bought the exact same jars I used, (these jars from Amazon) then it’s super easy for you. You can use my exact template of words that are already sized to fit those jars. I have included most common spices. The labels are sized 1.2in x 1.8in if you want to use them on similar jars.

**Extra Tip: Use a washable paint pen to write the expiration date on the bottom of your new glass bottle.