Salt and Spice Drive Packaging Trends for 2023

The market for spices, dry mixes, and extracts has been growing slowly but steadily ever since the sudden surge in 2020 (when millions of homebound consumers whiled away the quarantine by cooking and baking). Over the next few years, we can expect to see:

• A lingering higher level of interest in home cooking and baking.
• An increase in the variety of spices offered by retailers.
• A heightened interest in premium packaging as various retailers seek to differentiate themselves.

Packaging Needs for Spices

As with most any product, the three most important factors when it comes to packaging for spices and herbs are functionality, sustainability, and shelf appeal. Containers for spices tend to be smaller, with higher value features (pinch grips, grinder closures, and tamper-evident caps). Spices and herbs are also coming to rely more and more on transparent packaging to demonstrate their freshness and quality.

Making the Move to Recyclable Plastic

To address these packaging needs, two industry giants have begun transitioning away from paperboard and metal containers to PET (and rPET) plastic, which is lighter and easier to recycle.

McCormick & Co.

The largest producer of spices and related food products worldwide, McCormick has actually used plastic canisters for many of its products since 1985. However, it was only recently that the company decided to do away with the metal tins for its pepper and Old Bay products and make the move to recyclable, BPA-free plastic. These new plastic containers have been specially designed for easier pouring and measuring and include a freshness seal.