How do I read the date codes?
Spice Hunter products are date-coded by stamping or printing the date of manufacture on each unit. There are several date code formulas based on the type of product.
Jars, Holiday Tins, & Extracts (includes Fresh At Hand, Grill Shakers, and square jars):
YY JJJ H
Cup & Bowl Products:
# YY JJJ H
Holiday Packets & Gable Tops:
YY JJJ
The date codes are deciphered using the symbols below:
| Symbol |
Meaning |
| YY |
Year (the last two digits of the year this product was manufactured) |
| JJJ |
Julian Date (3 digits representing a day of the year, e.g. 001 = Jan 1, 365 = Dec. 31) |
| H |
Internal manufacturing code |
| # |
Internal reference number |
For example, the date code of a Spice Hunter jar manufactured on January 1, 2006 would read:
06 001 K
Helpful Hint: You can estimate the month your jar was manufactured by dividing the Julian date by the number "28". The resulting number will correspond to the month of the year. For example, the Julian date 208 corresponds to July 27. 208 divided by 28 is about 7, or the 7th month of the year, July.
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When will my spices expire?
When stored in optimum conditions your spices may remain usable for several years, however see the list below for our general recommendations by product group.
| Spice |
Duration |
| Vanilla Extract |
Indefinite |
| Lemon & Almond Extracts |
48 Months |
| Fresh At Hand, Grill Shakers |
36 Months |
| Spice Hunter (square) Jars |
24 Months |
| Holiday Tins/Packets/Gable Tops |
24 Months |
| Cups & Bowls |
12 Months |
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What is the best way to store my spices?
The life of your spices can best be preserved by storing them in ideal conditions. These include dark, dry, and cool locations with limited exposure to sunlight, moisture, and heat. You may have noticed how pale your dried herbs on the countertop become after just a few months - sunlight will degrade the color and flavor of your spices! Avoid shaking spices out of the jar directly over a steaming pot - moisture and heat can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold! Other common, but inadvisable locations for storing spices include over the coffee pot, sink, or other heat and/or steam producing kitchen appliances. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, and eventually mold, so if you choose to store your herbs and spices in the freezer or refrigerator, return them promptly after use.
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Why are my spices clumping?
Clumping may occur due to excessive moisture being introduced into your spice jar. Over time, the spices can become clumped together into a hardened clump which can be broken apart and used.
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Where can I find your Café Sole spice blends?
Café Sole has been repackaged under our product line called The Grill Shakers - same great recipes, exciting new look!
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Where can I find your Garden Harvest Freeze-dried Herbs?
Garden Harvest has been repackaged under our product line called Fresh At Hand.
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Are all Spice Hunter products all natural?
The Spice Hunter is a manufacturer of all natural gourmet spices and dried foods. Our position regarding acceptable and unacceptable “natural” ingredients is as follows:
Spice Hunter products do not contain:
- Artificial, FD&C Colors
- Artificial Flavors
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Chemical Preservatives
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Proteins
- Hydrogenated Oils
- Irradiated Ingredients
Occasionally, the Spice Hunter uses natural flavors in products and lists them as “natural flavor” in ingredient statements. These flavors comply with the FDA definition for natural flavors, which states they must be derived from the specific food the flavor represents. Natural flavors included in Spice Hunter products meet our natural product integrity standards.
Spice Hunter Products may contain:
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Maltodextrin
- Meat Products
- Salt
- Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
- White Sugar/Organic Milled Cane Sugar
- Gluten
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Are The Spice Hunter's spices and products kosher?
All of The Spice Hunter's spices, herbs, blends and extracts are kosher with the following exceptions: Thai Seasoning (contains shrimp), Flavor Discoveries Smoked Coffee Rub, Flavor Discoveries Cyprus Chile Salt, and Flavor Discoveries Cyprus Rosemary Salt. Kosher items are certified by the Orthodox Union (OU) and carry the kosher symbol on the label.
The Spice Hunter Meal In a Cup products, including our soups, potatoes, pasta, and risotto are not certified kosher.
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What does "organic" mean?
The Spice Hunter's 100% Organic spices, herbs, and blends are USDA Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Among the many reasons to choose Organic (including the positive impacts on the ecosystem - improving
water, soil, and air quality - and helping to build local farming economies) certified organic products are guaranteed free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and are never grown from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The Spice Hunter carries over thirty 100% Certified Organic spices, herbs, and blends: Allspice, Basil, Bay Leaves, Cayenne, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Curry Seasoning, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Herbes De Provence Blend, Italian Seasoning, Marjoram, Mexican Seasoning, Nutmeg, Onion (minced and granulated), Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Black Pepper (whole and ground), Poultry Seasoning, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme, and Turmeric.
Just look for the label with "100% Organic" and the USDA and QAI logos!
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Are Spice Hunter spices irradiated?
The Spice Hunter does not irradiate any ingredients.
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Which Spice Hunter products contain allergens?
The Spice Hunter, Inc. has a comprehensive Allergen Control Program in place to prevent unlabeled allergens from reaching our consumers. The program is focused on the eight major allergens: soy, wheat, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, and peanuts. There are no peanuts in the facility. Products which contain, or may contain, allergens have them clearly listed on the ingredient statements or in the allergen statement in accordance with federal regulations. For allergens in a specific product, go to the product description in our Products section of the website. Our spices and spice blends are allergen free with the exception of Thai Seasoning and Pine Nuts.
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Which Spice Hunter products contain gluten?
Our spices and spice blends are gluten free. However, our cup products do contain or may contain gluten (see list below). All Spice Hunter products are manufactured in the same building.
| Spice Hunter Products Which Contain Gluten |
| Curly Macaroni and Cheese |
White Bean and Ham Soup |
| Chicken Noodle Soup |
Miso Udon Soup |
| Spicy Thai Soup |
Hot & Sour Udon Soup |
| Szechwan Noodle Soup |
Beef Tagliatelle Soup |
| Creamy Thai Soup |
Split Pea Soup |
| Spice Hunter Products Which May Contain Gluten |
| Three Cheese Risotto |
Sour Cream & Chive Potato |
| Wild Mushroom Risotto |
Roasted Chicken with Vegetable Potato |
| White Cheddar & Broccoli Potato |
Chipotle Black Bean Soup |
| Bacon & White Cheddar Potato |
Curry Lentil Soup |
| Potato Leek Soup |
Chicken Vegetable with Rice Soup |
| Roasted Garlic & Mushroom Potato |
Spinach and Garlic Risotto |
| Creamy Butter Potato |
Beef Barley Soup |
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Is Cassia the same as Cinnamon?
There are at least 4 species of the Cinnamomum genus which are used for cinnamon: Cinnamomum cassia, C. burmanii, C. loureirii, and C. zeylanicum. C. cassia, C. burmanii, and C. loureirii are all considered "cassia" types of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is reddish brown in color with a strong characteristic aroma and flavor. Quite different from cassia type cinnamon is C. zeylanicum, the Sri Lankan or Ceylon cinnamon often referred to as "true" cinnamon. Not widely available in the U.S., this cinnamon is tan in color, with flavor and aroma so much milder than that of cassia that the average person in this country would consider it a weak or poor cinnamon. In labeling, any bark from the Cinnamomum genus (whether cassia or Ceylon-type) may be called "cinnamon." The higher the oil content, the more intensive the aroma and flavor. Thus it is that the cassia types of cinnamon, which average higher in oil content than the Ceylon types, are rated superior by the cinnamon-loving American market.
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What is Highland Harvested Saigon™ Cinnamon?
Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureirii)
has traditionally been considered the finest quality cinnamon due to the fact that its volatile oil content runs higher than that of other types. Saigon cinnamon is reddish brown and has a distinctly sweet flavor. The Spice Hunter's Highland Harvested Saigon (tm) Cinnamon is sourced from the highlands of Vietnam, with a minimum of 5% volatile oil - which accounts for its intense aroma and wonderful taste!
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