Shockingly Valuable Vintage Spice Jars to Look for at the Thrift Store

Sugar, spice, and how to determine the value of vintage spice jars.

Published on May 23, 2025

When I’m browsing through my local thrift store, my focus is always on kitchen-related items. Items like vintage Pyrex, garden club cookbooks, and unique spice jars catch my attention. Vintage spice jars are not only attractive and practical but can also hold surprising value. Look for sets with original labels or unique typography, especially mid-century ceramic or milk glass styles. The condition is crucial: intact lids, minimal wear, and clear markings enhance the charm and resale value.

Recognizable brands like Lenox, Hazel-Atlas, Hummel, or old apothecary-style jars are popular among collectors. Don’t overlook flea markets and estate sales; sometimes, you can find rare pieces hidden among random kitchenware. The excitement lies in the search, and once you start discovering these treasures, it’s hard to stop.

Lenox Spice Garden

This elegant spice jar set features hand-painted herb illustrations corresponding to the contents. Full sets on eBay can range between $500 and $700. The jars are adorned with two gold bands—one around the top rim and one at the bottom of each cream-colored jar. The spice names are also inscribed in gold on each container. Genuine vintage sets will have “The Lenox Spice Garden” marked on the bottom.

Lenox Spice Carousel

Add a touch of carnival whimsy to your kitchen with this profitable spice jar set. The white, gold-rimmed jars are decorated with colorful animals in carnival attire. A never-used 22-piece set can cost around $1,100 on Etsy, with individual jars priced between $25 and $100. Collect what you can from this vibrant 1993 collection.

Danbury Mint Hummel

For a dash of rustic charm in your kitchen decor, consider the Hummel spice jars. The full set, priced at $259 on Etsy, comes in a sturdy wooden shelf accommodating 24 spices. To identify Hummel jars, ensure that the Goebel manufacturing trademark is visible under the glaze, often with a trademark number for further identification.

Griffiths Milk Glass

Vintage milk glass spice jar sets are not only delightful but also highly collectible, fetching impressive prices based on condition and rarity. Even worn ones can sell for nearly $200. Griffiths milk glass jars feature square-shaped jars with Art Deco-style labels and spice names printed in blocked lettering. Authentic jars will have a smooth bottom with no mold seams and labels reading “Griffith Laboratories” or “Griffiths” depending on the production year.

Lenox Walt Disney

Lenox Walt Disney spice jars offer a whimsical touch to your kitchen, featuring classic animated characters alongside popular spices. Released in 1995, these collectible jars are sought after, with full sets in good condition selling for $1,700 to $2,500.

Determining If Jars Are Truly Vintage

With numerous modern reproductions available, distinguishing true vintage spice jars can be challenging. Check the bottom of the jars for marks like maker’s stamps, worn bases, or imperfections from older production methods. Reproductions may appear weathered but often have smooth finishes and newer-looking labels. Be cautious of jars that look too perfect or match current design trends; they could be from a recent collection. When unsure, compare your jars to reference photos or listings from reputable vintage dealers.