How to Store Spices in Kilner Square Clip Top Spice Jars 70ml

By Kilner® - Iconic Glass Jars, Bottles & Equipment | Kilner® | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to filling, sealing and organising Kilner 70ml spice jars so your herbs and spices stay fresh and easy to find.

Quick answer

Fill each Kilner Square Clip Top Spice Jar 70ml with dry, room-temperature spices, press the lid down until the clip locks, and store the jars away from heat and steam. Label the lid or side before the jar goes into the cupboard so you never have to open it to identify the contents.

Why the 70ml square shape suits a spice shelf

The square footprint lets the jars sit shoulder to shoulder without wasted gaps, which matters when you are trying to fit a dozen or more spices into a narrow cupboard or drawer. The small capacity also means you can decant a modest amount from a bulk bag and keep the rest sealed elsewhere, so the jar in daily use is not opened and closed dozens of times a week.

Because the jar is small, it is not the right container for a spice you use by the cupful, such as paprika for a large batch of seasoning rub. Keep those in a larger clip top jar and use the 70ml size for the jars you reach for with a teaspoon.

When airtight storage helps and when it does not

The rubber seal on a clip top jar is designed to keep the contents fresher for longer by limiting air exchange, so it is a sensible choice for ground spices and dried herbs that fade when exposed to humid kitchen air. That benefit depends on the seal being clean and the lid being clipped shut every time, not just rested on top.

Airtight storage will not rescue a spice that was already stale or damp when you bought it. Smell the spice before decanting; if it has no aroma, a new jar will not bring it back.

Step-by-step: filling and keeping your 70ml spice jars

Start with dry jars and dry spices: Wash and fully air-dry the jars before first use, then check that each spice is dry and at room temperature. Common mistake: decanting a spice while it is still warm from toasting, which creates condensation inside the jar. If you see moisture beads on the glass, empty the jar, dry it completely and start again.
Fill to the shoulder, not the rim: Spoon spice into the jar up to the point where the glass starts to narrow. Leaving a little headspace keeps the spice out of the sealing groove and makes the lid easier to clip down. Wipe the rim and rubber seal with a dry cloth before closing; a single grain caught under the seal can break the airtight fit.
Seal with a firm press, not a slam: Place the lid on straight and press down until the clip engages. Check by lifting the jar gently by the lid; it should stay attached. Common mistake: clipping one side first, which can leave the lid slightly skewed. If the clip feels loose, reseat the rubber seal before assuming the jar is faulty.
Label before the jar goes away: Write the spice name and the date you opened the original packet on a label on the lid or the flat side of the jar. Use the date to rotate older jars to the front of the shelf. A date turns a row of identical jars into a simple first-in, first-out system.
Choose a cool, dark spot away from the hob: Store the jars in a closed cupboard or drawer rather than on an open shelf next to the oven, kettle or dishwasher. Heat and steam are the main enemies of ground spice aroma. If your only space is beside the hob, keep the most frequently used spices there and move long-keep spices further away.
Refill from a fresh packet, not an old one: When a jar runs low, top it up from a newly opened packet and update the label date. Do not tip the remains of an old packet into the new one, because you lose track of freshness. Smell the jar before refilling; if the aroma is flat, wash and dry the jar before adding new stock.

Product facts

Kilner Square Clip Top Spice Jar 70ml: The Kilner 70ml Square Clip Top Spice Jar has an airtight rubber seal. The seal is the part that limits air and moisture exchange, so keeping it clean and correctly seated is what makes the jar worth using for ground spices.
Kilner Square Clip Top Spice Jar 70ml