A Creative Travel-Size Trick For Spices That You'll Actually Use

If you're a true spice lover, chances are you already have a whole collection stashed in your pantry. Whether it's a pack of sweet and aromatic garam masala, some light and warm nutmeg, or perhaps even some pungent and vibrant cayenne pepper, every spice is a story of its own — and knowing how to store spices for the longest lasting flavor makes all the difference when it comes to the final product. 

That said, keeping spices fresh and preserving their full flavor can be a real challenge when you're traveling. Of course, picking up a few store pill organizers from your local pharmacy or using several small, plastic airtight containers is a smart way to keep them neatly packed and travel-ready. But this often takes up too much time and effort, uses up valuable luggage space, or limits the number of spices you can bring along. Naturally, you can't bring your entire spice rack with you, but you can't leave behind the essentials. So, what's the solution? 

Well, what if we told you that instead of tossing out those empty Tic Tac containers in the trash once you've finished the mints, you could absolutely repurpose them into handy, travel-size spice dispensers? Small and tightly sealable, Tic Tac boxes are, as a matter of fact, incredibly user-friendly. What's more, not only are they super convenient for your next trip, but they will also help you get more flavor from your spices by preserving their unique qualities and preventing messy spills whenever you're on the go.

Tiny yet surprisingly practical, Tic Tac containers measure only 1.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches high. And this can make your vacation much more enjoyable, given how perfectly compact and easy to store they are. They're also well-suited for air travel, even if you're packing light with just a carry-on bag. A typical Tic Tac container can hold only about 1 ounce of product, which is well under the TSA's 3.4-ounce limit for spices in carry-on bags. 

To avoid confusion, make sure to peel off the original Tic Tac label before you transfer the spice into the container, and add your own. By labeling each container separately, you'll stay more organized and avoid potential mix-ups, especially when you're midway through cooking and need to grab the right seasoning. You wouldn't want to end up sprinkling cinnamon instead of nutmeg in your pasta sauce now, would you?

However, Tic Tac containers aren't just handy for your next getaway to Italy or weekend camping trip, they're actually surprisingly useful in everyday life as well. That's because carrying your own salt or pepper dispenser while dining out can help you avoid the bacteria present on the restaurant shakers. With all of this in mind, you can now sit back, relax, and remain confident that if a craving for sweet and spicy Korean fried popcorn chicken hits during your trip, you've got your very own mini spice collection ready to back you up.