GNEISS SPICE FAQs

helpful videos

Which size jar should I buy?

SMALL JARS: If you have access to loose/bulk spices at a natural food store, we recommend using small jars and refilling often. Your spices will always be fresh and will improve the quality of your cooking. If you do not have a bulk spice section at your grocery store, you can buy jars pre-filled or buy small refills from us! Small jars hold a shy 1/4 cup volume of spice. They are 2" tall x 1.75" wide, with a mouth opening of 1.25" across.


LARGE JARS: If you cook a lot, go with our larger jars! Large jars are similar to a typical grocery store container, and are a good option if you'll be transferring from standard spice containers. Large jars hold a heaping 1/2 cup. They are 2.5" x 2.5" with a mouth opening of 1.82" across.


Many people use a combination of small and large jars. A good rule of thumb is if a recipe usually calls for 1/2 tsp or less, you may want a small jar. Spices should be used up in 6-12 months. The vision of Gneiss Spice is to create a system where spices are easy to use, stay fresh and flavorful, and you are organized to know what you have. No more duplicates!

How do I get a jar out of the middle of the honeycomb?


It's easy to wiggle your fingers around the jar and take it out of the middle (Watch our video!). Depending on how you arrange the jars, the majority of jars can be grabbed by the edge of the design (for example, in set of 24 jars, the most you'll ever have is 10 jars in the "middle" of the honeycomb). We get this question all the time, and so far no one has ever come back to complain about this being an inconvenience.

Any tips on refilling jars?


We use a clean piece of paper as a funnel to refill jars easily. No need to purchase a plastic funnel! Check out our video to see just how easy it is.

Can't I just DIY it? Why buy yours?

Sure! That's how we made our first spice rack in 2009. However, here are the additional benefits you'll get from purchasing our system. 
The Look!  We custom manufacture Gneiss Spice jars to have smooth bottoms that show off your spices. Commercially available jars have mold #s on the jar bottom, which distracts from the beauty of spices and causes labels to bubble up. 

Food Safe!  Certified food-safe, stainless steel magnet covers separate spices and magnets, prolonging the life of your magnets and protecting your spices. 

Personalized!  Choose from our collection of over 200 organic spices to create a spice rack personalized to your cooking tastes. 

Customized!  Custom hand-stamping makes Gneiss Spice jars unique. When you purchase our filled jars, the spice name is hand-stamped into the lid.  Hand-stamped empty jars are also available. 

Time Saving!  You'll need to figure out the correct magnet size and strength to work with your jars, and then find the time to put it together. Save even more time by purchasing one of our pre-filled organic spice kits!  

Save Money!  Magnets are expensive. Dozens of people have become our customers after trying to DIY-it first. 

Customer Service! And most importantly, when you have an issue with your spice jars, you have us to turn to for help.

FAQ Shipping

What is the holiday shipping cut-off date?

USPS and UPS express is not guaranteeing delivery dates. We recommend ordering early!

Domestic Orders:

US Ground Shipping: Order by Dec 12th. Free over $149! 

Most orders are delivered in 2-3 days. However, larger orders to the west coast can take up to 5 business days to be delivered. 

US Express 2-3 Day Shipping: *Order by December 18th.

*Delivery time is not guaranteed, most packages do arrive in 2-3 days.


International Orders:

New Cheaper Rates!!Canada: The UPS Worldwide is as fast as our domestic shipping! 2-5 business days. Order by Dec 12th.

Worldwide over 2-lbs: Shipped UPS Worldwide or USPS Priority per your choice at checkout; allow 4-10 business days for delivery. Order by Dec 10th.

Worldwide under 2-lbs: The least expensive option is international first class which takes 2-3 weeks to deliver. Please upgrade to UPS Worldwide or USPS Priority for holiday delivery. Please note: International delivery dates are an estimation and not guaranteed. 

Why isn't all shipping free? 

Because there is no such thing as free shipping. When shipping is "free" — shipping costs are built into the pricing structure of the products. We can't offer affordable single spice refills if we also had to cover shipping fees. 


At Gneiss Spice, we charge discounted shipping costs, one time, according to the weight of the order. This way, whether you order one item or ten, you pay shipping fees once. Base shipping starts at $3.95. Additionally, we ship plastic-free, which has added material costs. We balance what's best for the environment, is financially sustainable for us and cost-effective for you, to arrive at what we think are reasonable shipping fees! 


We offer free ground shipping on purchases over $149. It's our gift to you for making a significant purchase with us. 

How much does shipping cost? (Free over $149)

USA Ground Shipping (3-8 days): $2.75 for a couple small refills, up to $9.95 for a 6-lb spice kit. Orders over $149 ship free! 

USA Express Shipping (1-3 days): $11.95-$29.95 based on weight. 

Please note, all custom jars and refills are filled to order and require 2-4 business days handling time. 


International shipping is discounted around 20%, and ship DDU (delivered duties unpaid). Put items in your cart to see shipping charges to your country. Read shipping policies here.  

When will my order ship? When will it arrive?

Handling Time: Most standard items ship in 1-2 business days; custom items ship in 1-4 business days. Spice refills are filled to order, to ensure freshness. Trust us, it's worth the wait! And, we don't work weekends, because we like our families. If there is a delay, we will contact you.


Shipping Speed: During checkout, you will choose your shipping speed. Ground items are delivered 3-7 days after shipping; express delivery is 1-3 days after shipping.

My aunt's birthday is Friday! Can you help me?  (That depends.)

Depending on what you'd like to send as a gift, we can ship in stock items if ordered by 9 am.  Check out our sale section for "ready to ship" gift kits. Text is the fastest way to contact us at 347.668.2376 with questions. Please write your gift message in the "notes to seller" at checkout. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! For most locations, we use DHL International Express. Our international shipping prices are discounted by 25% (because even we wouldn't pay $90 to mail order a spice rack, no matter how stylish it is). Please note: international packages are shipped DDU (Delivered Duties Unpaid). Depending on your country, you may have to pay customs fees to receive your parcel. Though we charge you less than actual shipping costs, your country may charge duties on the full shipping price. Read policies here.

My item is lost! Help!

FAQ Customer service

What is your return policy?

We want you to love your new spice organization system! Please contact us with any issues. We'll work hard to make it right. If we can't, we'll issue a pre-paid return label to send the item back for a refund. See full shop policies here. Unused product can be returned within 60-days. Contact us at hello@gneissspice.com.

Help! My jars are sliding!

Oh, no! We're sorry the jars aren't working perfectly for you! Our jars are compatible with about 99% of magnetic fridges. If you have issues, please contact us at hello@gneissspice.com. We have a bunch of tricks to get your jars to stay put for you! 

I purchased small jars. Can I exchange for the large? (Yes.)

Yes! We will work with you to get exactly what works perfectly in your kitchen. Watch the FAQ video first (Question #1) comparing the jar sizes. We recommend choosing jar size based on how often you use spices. A good rule of thumb is to use small jars for any spices that use 1/2 tsp or less per recipe. You want to rotate through your spices every 6-12 months. 


To begin an exchange, send us an email at hello@gneissspice.com with your order # and we will issue a return label. 

What?! I just purchased and now you're having a sale. Boo hoo!!

You'll send me a free gift if I find a typo on the website? (Yes.)

Yes, please!! It's hard for us to proof our own work. Send us an email to hello@gneissspice.com with the typo and your shipping address. We'll send you a free gift!

And when is your next sale?

We don't have site-wide sales very often! Instead, we have a rewards program called the Pepper Perks. We will share exclusive offers and new products with our newsletter family first. Join today!

FAQ PEPPER PERKS (REWARDS)

I just made a purchase and now see you have a rewards program! How do I get my points?

You already have them! All points are associated with your email address. Once you create an account—your points will be waiting for you here when you log in!


Our rewards program will replace our coupon codes. We realized coupon codes benefitted new customers most, and we want a program that will reward our base of loyal returning customers. Please join our free Pepper Perks today by creating an account.

How do I earn points?

You earn 1-pt for each $1 spent. You earn additional points for creating an account, following us on social media, writing product reviews and referring friends! Additionally, you get 100-pts on your birthday! And then bonus points for hitting lifetime spend amounts. You must keep your account active every 12-months to retain your points. 

What is the value of points?

You earn 5% back in points for every purchase. So for every 100 points you earn, you will receive a $5 rebate. You can save up to 400 points in your account before you need to start redeeming them.

How do I redeem points?

Log into your account, then head to the Pepper Perks page. Click "REDEEM NOW" to see what you are eligible for. Points can be redeemed in increments of 100. When you redeem points, you will be given a code to enter at checkout. Don't worry if you forget to copy the code—it will be listed in your "Rewards History" to the right of the "Redeem Now" button. 

Help! I redeemed points and now can't find my code!

Don't worry! Your code is listed in your "Rewards History" to the right of the "Redeem Now" button. There is a little square symbol to click on to copy the code and go paste it in your cart at checkout. 

Do points expire? (Not really.)

Your rewards account expires after 12 months of inactivity (inactivity means no purchases or point redemptions on the website). As long as you make at least one purchase every 12 months, you can continue to collect points and your point balance won't disappear. 


And coincidentally, spices are best used up within 12 months...so we hope our points system will encourage you to buy what you can use in a year and refill often. Spices are magic...when they are fresh!

I entered the wrong birthday! Help!

How do I check my rewards balance?

What are the frequent-buyer tier benefits?

Pepper Perks: $0 Spend

  • Free to join
  • 50 bonus points for creating account
  • 100 points annual birthday gift
  • 1 point for $1 spent

Cardamom Club: $300 Lifetime Spend

  • 100 bonus points for entry
  • 100 points annual birthday gift
  • 1 point for $1 spent
  • exclusive double-point days and discounts

Saffron Society: $800 Lifetime Spend

  • 200 bonus points for entry
  • 100 points annual birthday gift
  • 1 points for $1 spent
  • exclusive double-point days and discounts
  • free samples + merchandise

FAQ Magnetic jars

Where can I read an honest review from a third party?

Is Gneiss Spice the most stylish spice rack?

Will Gneiss Spice magnetic jars make me a better cook?

Yes! Keeping your spices in sight will encourage you to use them more often. You won't skip seasoning because it's inconvenient. You'll experiment more because spices are "in sight, in mind," as our reviewer Patricia says. 


And because our organic spices are so fresh, your food will actually taste better, too!

What are the dimensions of the jars?


Small jars measure 2" tall by 1.75" wide and hold a shy 1/4 cup volume. Jar mouth opening is 1.25" wide.

Large jars measure 2.5" x 2.5" and hold a heaping 1/2 cup volume. Jar mouth opening is 1.75" wide.


We recommend small jars for most spices, especially ones you use infrequently or in small amounts like cardamom, cayenne, cloves or nutmeg. However, if you plan to transfer standard grocery store bottles, purchase the larger jars. 


Check out our helpful FAQ video where we compare the two jar sizes. 

Can I use both sizes of jars? (Yes, we recommend it.)


Yes! And we recommend it! Personally, we use mostly small jars, and then use larger jars for our favorite spices. While ordering, keep in mind you want to use up ground spices in 6-12 months. Use this timeframe as a guide to determine which size jar to use for each spice.


Need more help? Check out our helpful FAQ video where we compare the two jar sizes. 

I'm transferring spices from a regular grocery store bottle. Will they fit?


Small jars:  No!  You cannot fit a standard grocery store bottle of spices into the small jars. They hold a shy 1/4 cup. We recommend refilling at a bulk food store, where you can buy a small amount of spice. Otherwise, you'll need to store the overflow. We sell "size-appropriate" refills for small jars. 


Large jars:  Yes! Most grocery store bottles are similar in size to our larger jars. However, please purchase jar size based on how often you will use the spices. Stale spices don't make for delicious meals! 

Can I fit a standard tablespoon in the jar?


Small jars:  No!  A standard round tablespoon will not fit in our small jars. Use these rectangular measuring spoons which fit perfectly. 


Large jars:  Yes! We have yet to meet a measuring spoon that can't fit into the mouth of the larger jars.  

Do these come with shaker lids?

No. Due to the airtight-style of lid we use to ensure freshness, there is no room for an optional shaker fitment. We have investigated different prototype ideas, and have not found a functional design that can be made plastic-free or airtight. 


Additionally, Gneiss Spice discourages the use of shaker fitments. They should only be used when seasoning finished dishes or cold ingredients. You should never shake any spice jars directly over cooking food. Steam will quickly degrade your spices, causing them to lose flavor and clump together. 


We understand that for some people, shaker fitments are an essential part of their cooking style. If this is you, and you still want to give our system a try—write us a message in the "notes to seller" at checkout and we will include a free hand-carved spice spoon for you to use as a "shaker." Keeping the jar top open for easy measuring, and using a spoon to "scoop + shake" works great. :)

What is the best way to wash my jars?

Glass jars can be run through the dishwasher; magnetic lids should be hand-washed and dried. We recommend wiping out with a damp cloth when needed. Never submerge lids. Please contact us if you have any issues at hello@gneissspice.com.

Do I need to wash new empty jars prior to filling?

We work in a certified food-safe kitchen, and practice the highest sanitation standards. Your jars and lids are handled carefully, and are sent to you ready to use! Happy Cooking!

Are magnets safe to be near spices?

Yes! We use the same grade magnets used during food manufacturing to remove metal particles from ingredients. However, to prolong the life of your product, we have designed a certified food-safe steel magnet cover that seals magnets to the lid and separates them from the spices. 


The components of our lids are made of metal. While most spice jars use plastic, plastic lasts forever; we think that's a bad thing! To prolong the life of the metal parts, please keep them dry. If you have any issues with corrosion, contact us and we'll be happy to help. 

Gneiss Spice does not use plastic—will this product last forever?

No! Plastic lasts forever; we consider that a bad thing! Our product is plastic-free. While plastic is cheap, durable and lightweight, it's bad for the earth. We choose higher quality glass and metal to construct our product.


Lids are made of metal and won't last forever. With basic care, lids should last for several years. Very salty blends, such as our seasoning salts or popcorn blends may cause lids to rust more quickly, especially if you live in a humid climate. It's essential to keep lids dry.


If you have any issues with significant rusting, reach out to us at hello@gneissspice.com and we'll be happy to assist you with replacements. All of the components that make up our spice jars can be deconstructed. This way, we can replace only the necessary parts, instead of the whole product, allowing us to reuse materials and create less waste. 

Where is your product made?

We source materials domestically and internationally, and all production is done in our studio in Bethel, Maine, USA. Specifically, lids, magnet covers, steel wall plates and labels are sourced in the USA. Glass jars and magnets are produced in China. We work with a few US spice importers that work directly with farms to ensure organic, sustainable and fair trade practices are followed. 


We dream of being 100% made in the USA. However, the US no longer manufactures magnets, and unfortunately, domestic glass prices are significantly more than we can afford. Help our company grow so we can afford to purchase US made glass! 

Where do I stick the labels?

Wherever you want! I think of our spice jars as artwork; I put labels on the lids. If you want to easily identify each spice, put the labels on the glass bottoms. If you find you don't like where you placed them, and need an additional set—just contact us at hello@gneissspice.com and we'll be happy to provide an extra one at no cost.

I make a delicious custom blend. Can you create a personalized sticker label for me?

Our clear sticker labels are pre-printed on a local mechanical offset press. We cannot customize them. However, there are four blank labels included with the set that you can use to customize your spice jar labels. 


For our hand-stamped lids, we can do any spice name or word. Small lids can fit one word up to 9-letters long or two small words. Check out our empty, personalized jars here.

I have hand-stamped jars, but want to change the spice inside. Can I get a replacement lid?

Yes! Our lids are designed to disassemble, so we can replace the lid and reuse the magnetic components. Contact us at hello@gneissspice.com.

Are your jars safe for children to use?

Yes! The jars are colorful and fun—children will love to rearrange them on your fridge. However, please keep in mind that magnets are not toys, so the magnetic components should never be disassembled around children. 

FAQ wall plates

I need a specific size wall plate for my kitchen. Can you help me? (Yes.)

Stainless wall plates can be customized up to 48", and are priced by the square inch. Here are a few customer photos to spark your creativity. Please contact us at hello@gneissspice.com to set up a special order. 

Why don't wall plates come with hardware? That's annoying.

You need to use whatever hardware is appropriate for your wall surface (wood, sheetrock, tile, etc.). You can even use double-sided adhesive tape! In the past when we included hardware, it caused issues. Plus, people wouldn't use the hardware so it was wasteful. 

How do I install the wall plates?

All wall plates come with drilled corner holes. Wall plates 15" or larger come with center edge holes, too. Use whatever hardware is appropriate for your wall surface. Because the plates anchor at all 4 corners, there is no need to attach to wall studs. 


You can also use heavy-duty, doubled-sided adhesive tape!

How many jars fit comfortably on a wall plate?

6"x8" plate: 10 small jars or 6 large jars

10"x12" plate: 28 small jars or 18 large jars 

12"x15" plate: 48 small jars or 24 large jars 

14"x14" plate: 48 small jars or 24 large jars 

20"x10" plate: 60 small jars or 30 large jars

Can I hang the jars vertically under a shelf or cabinet? (Yes.)


Yes! The jars are more than strong enough to hang vertically under a cabinet. We can provide a custom cut plate as thin as 3". Or you can purchase steel strips from your local hardware store.

Do I even need a wall plate?  (No.)

No! Our jars are made to stick to your fridge—assuming you have a fridge that holds magnets. We find our jars are about 99% compatible with most fridge models. If your fridge is too slick or not magnetic enough, and your jars are sliding, we'll work hard to find a solution for you. If we can't fix it, a wall plate will work perfectly.

FAQ SPICES

How are "zero-waste" spice refills packaged?

Gneiss Spice offers zero-waste spice refill service. 


All spices are packed to order. Spice refills are shipped in a plant-based bag sealed with stickers made from cellulose material. They are entirely compostable! If you can't compost, you can request paper refill bags for your order. 


Refill bags are not meant for long-term storage, and spices should be moved into airtight containers. Spice refills are sold to fit our small and large jars.

I have seen the 2021 Consumer Reports Article about heavy metals, how can I trust your brand?

Updated  9/18/2024:

In 2021, this article came out from Consumer Reports regarding high levels of heavy metals found in too many spice brands. Heavy metals are concerning, especially for spices you use daily. We appreciate that our consumers are paying attention to their health and asking us to be transparent about our practices!


Gneiss Spice takes many steps to ensure the safety of our customers and the planet. Our glass is lead-free and we use only certified food-safe materials that will come in contact with your spices. All of our packaging is sustainable and plastic-free. We're the only online spice refill company to ship in compostable packaging! For most of our spice sourcing, we work with larger partner vendors with the resources to ensure safety, quality, sustainability, and fairness in spice sourcing. 


We choose vendors that follow these guidelines:

  • spices grown without pesticides (one source of heavy metals)
  • spices are single-origin (harvested at a specific farm and each batch can be traced to its origin)
  • pay ethical wages (ideally certified Fair Trade)
  • provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) 

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory test that analyzes spices for pathogens, foreign materials and heavy metals. Here is the FDA guideline for daily intake of heavy metals:

  • Lead 3 ppm total/day 
  • Cadmium 0.36 ppm kg of body weight/day
  • Mercury 0.1 ppm kg of body weight/day
  • Arsenic 0.3 ppm per kg/body weight/day


All of our 20 most popular spices have COA results showing heavy metal levels well below FDA allowable limits. These spices are: garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, onion, thyme, basil, bay leaf, ginger, turmeric, parsley, pepper, cayenne, coriander, paprika, chili flakes, dill weed, nutmeg and sage. Ginger has our highest levels of lead at 0.59ppm, still well below FDA limits. In the Consumer Reports results, no brand passed for oregano. I am thrilled to report that the COA for our oregano would pass with results of lead 0.15ppm, cadmium 0.007ppm, mercury 0.009ppm, and arsenic 0.11ppm. 


At Gneiss Spice, safety is our top priority, followed by fairness, freshness and flavor! We would never sell anything we would not consume ourselves. Many of you use our jars to store your preferred brand of spices or support your local spice shop. Take a moment to review the Consumer Reports data or request the COA from your favorite brand to ensure they are safe. 

I have seen the 2024 Consumer Reports Article about high lead levels in cinnamon. What are the Gneiss Spice results?

Updated  9/18/2024:

Earlier this month, a Consumer Reports article came out regarding high levels of lead in cinnamon from many store-brands. At Gneiss Spice, each harvest of cinnamon is tested for heavy metals in an accredited food-safety lab. The current lead level of our cinnamon is 0.38 ppm for Cassia Cinnamon and 0.56 ppm for Ceylon Cinnamon. These results are significantly below the recommended limit of 1 ppm. You can safely consume 1/2 tsp of cinnamon everyday.

When should I replace my spices? How can I tell if they are fresh?

Ground spices should be used in 6-12 months. Whole spices will last up to 2 years. To tell if your spices are fresh enough to use—give them a sniff! If they still smell delicious, use them. If not, it's time to compost and refill your jars. Cooking is an act of love, don't ruin it with stale spices!

I already have spices. Why should I buy yours?

Spices are packed to order, so they are as fresh as possible. Our spices will be the most fragrant you have ever purchased! If your spices are older than 6 months, please sniff them prior to filling your jars. If you can't smell much, you won't taste much. We know it's hard to dump stale spices (and it goes against zero waste principles), but if you value flavorful food, it's time to compost your old spices.

I thought spices were supposed to be kept in the dark!

Gneiss Spice knows that if you see your spices, you'll use them! Get them out where they are easily accessible and start experimenting! Spices will go stale just as quickly sitting in a dark cupboard. 

Why are your spices sold by volume, not weight?

At Gneiss Spice, our goal is to reduce kitchen waste. Spice refills are sold by volume to fit our small and large jars, eliminating the problem of having to store leftovers. 

Are spices certified organic?

Yes! 99% of our offerings are certified organic. Not only that, they are ethically and sustainably harvested. And, most importantly, they are super fresh and the best quality you can buy. 


There are a few spices that we have not been able to source with an organic certification (like my favorite, Turkish urfa biber!). If a spice is not organic, it is noted on the specific product pages. And a few others are grown organically, but do not have a certification. Each product page will list the details.

And non-irradiated? 

No Irradiation or ETO — Gneiss Spice does not sell any products or use any ingredients that have been sterilized by irradiation or ethylene oxide (ETO). We purchase from vendors that utilize safe and effective steam sterilization to preserve product quality.

What about gluten-free? 

Yes! We sell 100% pure salts, spices and seasonings. No additives or preservatives are used in any products.

Or peanuts and tree nuts?

We do not process peanuts in our studio, so there is no risk for cross-contamination. 


However, pink peppercorn and amchur (green mango powder) is related to the cashew tree, and can cause allergic reactions to people with tree nut allergies. We do not grind or process these items on any equipment. We only re-package them from their bulk containers into the customer's jar or refill bag. There is little risk for cross-contamination. 

And kosher? 

The product listing page shows whether the sourced product has been certified kosher. Ingredients are certified kosher by Earth Kosher or Union Orthodox. In our studio, we transfer bulk ingredients into your jars or zero waste refill bags to order, so there is no kosher seal. We are not processing these kosher items on any equipment, but they are not considered certified kosher once we transfer them from one packaging to another. Please email us at hello@gneissspice.com and we can forward the kosher certification for the spices you are interested in. Thanks!

My popcorn spices are getting clumpy!

Our popcorn seasonings are ground very fine to help stick to the popcorn kernels. We do not use any anti-caking agents or artificial gunk; we only blend pure spices and salt. Use up your popcorn seasonings in a few months to avoid clumping. We promise, this won't be hard! If clumping does occur, just stir them up.

What is your favorite spice?

Lately shichimi togarashi doesn't make it back to the fridge and lives on the kitchen table. Smoked paprika, za'atar and ras el hanout also make a heavy rotation in our house. Our burger blend is salt-free, so it doesn't dry out your meat (salt outside just prior to cooking!). Urfa biber is a crushed Turkish chili used like a condiment. It has a luxurious oily texture, with a smoky-sweet-salty-sour flavor all at once. 




P.S. Our coriander is amazing. You probably don't even know what coriander smells like, as most grocery store bottles are so stale! 

So what does coriander smell like? 

Coriander smells like a fresh lemon cut open in a pine forest. 

What are the best-selling spices? 

Click here to see a list sorted by what our customers most often buy!

FAQ ZERO WASTE

What is a "zero waste" lifestyle anyway? How does it relate to my spice collection?

Zero Waste is a set of principles focused on waste prevention that encourages that all products are reused. The goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. Currently, only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. To Gneiss Spice, zero waste means reusing as many packing materials as possible, and buying sustainable and recyclable materials. 


For our customers, we help eliminate the need for single-use plastic spice containers. Our glass jars can be brought to your local natural food store and refilled in the bulk spice aisle. For customers that do not have access to a bulk spice shop, we offer "size appropriate" spice refills shipped in compostable packaging. Instead of buying spices by weight, we sell our spice refills by volume so that there is no waste. 

What can I expect from your zero waste packaging? 

Your item will arrive in a cardboard box, sealed with water-activated tape that is fully recyclable. Any logo stickers on the box are 100% PCW, uncoated, and made with plant-based adhesive that is fully recyclable. Any paper invoices and inserts are printed on 100% PCW materials. Packing peanuts in your shipment are compostable (you can eat them!) and never purchased, but salvaged from incoming shipments. 


Most cardboard jar cases have been repurposed from the manufacturer. Hopefully you can reuse the box, and if not, please recycle.


Please note, our empty DIY spice sets and custom filled kits include clear plastic spice labels for the bottom of the jars. Please request these to be removed from your order if you do not want the plastic waste.   

What part of your product is plastic? 

The only plastic components sold with Gneiss Spice magnetic jars are the clear stick-on spice labels. These are included in our Empty DIY Spice Kits and our Your Choice Filled Spice Kits. Please request labels to be removed from your order if you do not want the plastic waste.

Why can't I keep my spices in the refill baggies?

Our packaging is made out of plants, not plastic! Spice refills are shipped in an uncoated cellophane bag, with compostable stickers to seal. The bags are fragile and not waterproof. Eventually humidity will cause your spices to clump. Do your food a favor and move your spice refills into an airtight container after delivery. 

What material are the compostable bags made of?

Gneiss Spice refills are shipped in an 1.2mil, uncoated cellophane bag. They are made in the USA from sustainable wood cellulose. Refill bags are certified for home composting. they are suitable for anaerobic digestion and have been screened for biodegradation and disintegration in seawater. 


Refill bags are sealed with a compostable sticker made from EarthFirstPLA which is a biopolymer made of plants manufactured in the USA. The stock is European Certified Compostable for ASTM-D6400 Industrial Composting and certified safe for home composting (results in home composting will vary). They are lined with a water soluble adhesive which is safe for direct contact with food. Stickers are printed with HP Toner TUV Austria Certified for Industrial and Home Compost.


Can't compost? You can request recyclable paper bags made from glassine which is a smooth, translucent material made from 100% paper that is curbside recyclable. (It is not a wax or parchment paper). Paper bags are sealed with a strip of paper tape with recyclable adhesive.


Due to fragility of these materials, spice refills are packed to order to ensure freshness. Please move spices into an airtight container after delivery.

I have spice jars I want to reuse. Can I purchase your lids? 

Our lids are custom manufactured to fit our spice jars. Please message us with a photo and measurements of your jar opening at hello@gneissspice.com to see if they are compatible. If your lids are steel based (meaning they hold magnets) you can purchase replacement magnetic components here. Please note these are rated to work with our size/weight jar, and cannot guarantee usage in a different application.