Sugar, spice and how to tell what's worth the sticker price.
Shockingly Valuable Vintage Spice Jars to Look for at the Thrift Store
Published on May 23, 2025
When I’m stalking the aisles of my local thrift store, my eyes stay sharp for anything kitchen related. Previously owned items like vintage Pyrex, garden club cookbooks and unique spice jars always stand out. Vintage spice jars aren’t just pretty and practical—they can also be surprisingly valuable. Start by scanning for sets with original labels or unique typography, especially mid-century ceramic or milk glass styles. Condition is everything: intact lids, minimal wear and clear markings boost charm factor and resale value.
I also look for recognizable brands like Lenox, Hazel-Atlas, Hummel or old apothecary-style jars, which collectors love. Don’t sleep on flea markets and estate sales either; sometimes you’ll find rare pieces buried in a box of random kitchenware. The thrill is in the hunt, and once you start spotting these little treasures, it’s hard to stop.
The Most Valuable Vintage Spice Jars
Lenox Spice Garden
This delicately lovely spice jar set boasts hand-painted illustrations of fresh herbs that correspond with the contents. Full sets on eBay range between $500 and $700. The jars are adorned with two distinctive gold bands—one around the rim of the top and one on the bottom of each small, cream-colored jar. The names of the spices are also written on each container in gold. Authentic vintage sets will be marked “The Lenox Spice Garden” on the bottom.
Lenox Spice Carousel
Bring the whimsy of carnivals past into your kitchen with a lucrative spice jar set. White, gold-rimmed capsule jars are decorated with dazzlingly colorful animals in their full performance garb. And how much will a never-used, 22-piece set cost you? About $1,100, according to Etsy. Individual jars run between $25 and $100. Grab up what you can find from this vibrant 1993 collection.
Danbury Mint Hummel
Looking to add a touch of homespun innocence to your kitchen aesthetic? Hummel’s trademark images of children at work and play are somehow even cuter in spice jar form. The full set, going for $259 on Etsy, comes in a wooden, triple-row shelf that’s sturdy enough to house 24 spices, but compact enough for small kitchen spaces. To identify Hummel jars, make sure that the Goebel manufacturing trademark can be seen under the glaze; the symbol is often accompanied by a trademark number for further distinction.
Griffiths Milk Glass
Vintage milk glass spice jar sets aren’t just charming—they’re highly collectible, often fetching impressive prices depending on condition and rarity. Even the used and worn ones go for nearly $200. Their nostalgic appeal and classic kitchen style make them a favorite among home cooks and collectors alike. Complete sets, especially those with original racks and labels, are particularly valuable.
Griffiths milk glass is among the most sought-after, featuring squat, square-shaped jars with Art Deco-style labels and spice names printed in blocked lettering. Authentic jars will usually have a smooth bottom with no mold seams, and the labels will read “Griffith Laboratories” or simply “Griffiths” depending on the production year.
Lenox Walt Disney
Lenox Walt Disney spice jars are a fun and charming way to bring a little imagination into your kitchen. These collectible jars, released in 1995, feature classic animated characters alongside popular spices, making them a hit with both Disney diehards and vintage fans. Because they were manufactured in limited numbers, full sets can be quite valuable, with fully intact ones going for $1,700 to $2,500, depending on condition.
How to Know If Jars Are Really Vintage
With so many modern reproductions and reissued sets out there, it can be tricky to tell if your spice jars are truly vintage. One of the best ways to check is by looking at the bottom—authentic vintage jars often have telltale marks like maker’s stamps, worn bases or slight imperfections from older production methods. Reproductions might look a bit weathered, but they often have smooth finishes and newer-looking labels or decals. Be wary of jars that seem too perfect or come in trendy colors that match today’s design palettes; some might be straight from a 2021 Crate & Barrel collection. When in doubt, compare your jars to trusted reference photos or listings from reputable vintage dealers.
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