A spice drawer full of identical glass jars looks tidy for about a week. Then someone reaches for cumin and gets coriander, or shakes Mexican oregano into a pot that wanted the Mediterranean kind, and the jars stop being helpful. In a restaurant kitchen every container on the line is labelled for exactly that reason: when you are cooking fast, you read, you do not sniff.
Labels fix the problem, and there are three ways to do it: preprinted sets with the common spice names already on them, blank labels you write or print yourself, and tape from a label maker. This guide covers eight spice jar label options from identifiable makers across all three, with the count, size, material and water resistance each maker states, and an honest note on what each one cannot do.
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Quick verdict: which spice labels to buy
For most spice collections, the AllSpice Ultimate Spice Label Set is the one to buy: 525 preprinted 1.5-inch round labels that AllSpice says are waterproof, tear-proof and repositionable, with a white paint pen for anything the set leaves out. If your jars are amber or dark glass, the white-on-vinyl Talented Kitchen 134-count set is made for them. If you would rather design your own, print on Avery Removable Round Labels, 1.5 in.
Below, the five standouts side by side, then all eight reviewed in full.
Five spice label sets at a glance
One pick for each way of labelling, with the count, size and water resistance each maker or listing states.
| Labels | Best for | Count and size | Water resistance (stated) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AllSpice Ultimate Spice Label Set, 525 LabelsBest overall
|
Large collections, round jar lids | 525 preprinted, 1.5 in round | Waterproof, tear-proof | View on Amazon |
Talented Kitchen Spice Labels, 134 CountBest for dark jars
|
Amber or dark glass bottles | 134 preprinted; size not stated | Resists moisture | View on Amazon |
AllSpice Blank Round Spice Labels, 70 CountBest blank labels
|
Chiles and blends no set includes | 70 blank, 1.5 in round | Waterproof, tear-proof | View on Amazon |
Avery Removable Round Labels, 1.5 in, 300 CountBest printable
|
Your own design and fonts | 300 blank, 1.5 in round | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Brother P-touch TZe-231 Tape, 1/2 in, 4 PackBest label-maker tape
|
Owners of a Brother label maker | 4 x 26.2 ft, 1/2 in wide | Water and grease resistant | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Counts, sizes and water resistance are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best spice jar labels
The first two are preprinted sets, the next four are blank labels you write or print on, and the last two are tapes for label makers. Whatever you choose, measure the space you want to label first, the lid or the side of the jar, because a label that wraps around a curve or overhangs a lid edge lifts much sooner than one that sits flat.
1. AllSpice Ultimate Spice Label Set, 525 Labels – The Biggest Preprinted List
AllSpice is a family-owned spice storage company based in Wisconsin, according to the listing, and it makes both jars and labels. This set has 525 preprinted round labels, 1.5 inches across, in white text on black in a modern font. AllSpice calls it the largest spice label collection available and says it covers all the basic herbs and spices and many exotic ones and blends.
The size is chosen for jar lids. AllSpice says the labels fit its own jars and the JK Adams and Penzeys jar sizes, which is useful if you buy whole and ground spices from a spice shop and decant them. The listing describes the labels as waterproof, tear-proof and repositionable, with the caveat that not every surface allows repositioning. That matters in a kitchen: you can move a label when you rearrange a drawer, and a label that survives a damp hand or a wipe-down lasts longer next to the stove.
A white paint pen comes in the set. For a Mexican pantry, that is the part you may use most. Check the list for the names you need, such as Mexican oregano, ancho, guajillo, árbol or epazote, and write any that are missing on a spare label so the whole drawer still matches.
Why we like it
- 525 preprinted labels, the largest count here
- Waterproof, tear-proof and repositionable, per AllSpice
- Includes an extra-fine white paint pen
- Sized for AllSpice, JK Adams and Penzeys jars
Key specifications
| Model | Ultimate Spice Label Set, Modern Black |
|---|---|
| Count | 525 labels plus a white paint pen |
| Label size | 1.5 in round |
| Preprinted, white text on black | |
| Material | Not stated |
| Water resistance | Waterproof and tear-proof |
| Removable | Repositionable on most surfaces |
| You also need | Nothing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a big spice collection in round-lid jars who wants every label to match, with a pen to fill the gaps.
Skip it if your jars have small or square lids; a 1.5-inch circle needs a flat space at least that wide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge range of names
- Repositionable if you reorganise
- Pen included for missing spices
Cons
- Label material not stated
- Most of the 525 will go unused in a small kitchen
- Round format only
2. Talented Kitchen Spice Labels, 134 Count – White Vinyl for Dark Bottles
Talented Kitchen, a brand that sells kitchen labels and storage mainly on Amazon, makes this set specifically for dark bottles: the listing describes white glossy vinyl labels in a minimalist all-caps design, and the title says they are for dark bottles. If your spices live in amber glass, black tins or dark-lidded jars, white lettering reads far better than black.
There are 134 preprinted labels, covering what the listing calls a wide array of seasonings. Talented Kitchen says the vinyl resists moisture and wear, which is the property you want next to a sink or a steaming pot. The listing does not give the label size, so check the product photos against your jars before you order, and it does not say whether the labels can be removed cleanly.
The trade-off against our top pick is range. With 134 names rather than 525, a cook who keeps a lot of dried chiles and Mexican herbs may find gaps, and there is no blank label or pen included in the listing’s description. For a typical drawer of everyday spices it is a tidy, simple answer.
Why we like it
- White design made for dark bottles
- Vinyl that resists moisture and wear, per the listing
- 134 preprinted names
- Clean, minimalist all-caps lettering
Key specifications
| Model | TLK-LNYOU-AllCapsSpiceLabels |
|---|---|
| Count | 134 labels |
| Label size | Not stated |
| Preprinted, white minimalist design | |
| Material | Glossy vinyl |
| Water resistance | Resists moisture |
| Removable | Not stated |
| You also need | Nothing |
Why we recommend it
It is the set for amber, black or other dark containers, where black-on-white labels are hard to read.
Skip it if your jars are clear glass on a pale shelf; white lettering will be hard to see.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Readable on dark surfaces
- Vinyl rather than paper
- Ready to stick, no writing needed
Cons
- Label size not given
- Smaller range of names
- No blanks or pen described
3. R.S.V.P. 96-Piece Spice Label Set – Small Clear Strips for the Jar Side
R.S.V.P. International makes kitchen tools and gadgets, and its spice label set is the simplest product here. It has 96 clear rectangular labels, each 2 inches by half an inch, according to the listing: 84 preprinted spice names and 12 blanks.
The shape is the point. A thin strip fits along the side of a small spice bottle or across a narrow lid where a 1.5-inch circle would not, and clear labels let the colour of the spice show through, which some cooks find is half of how they recognise it. With 12 blanks you have room for a few house blends or chiles the set does not name.
The listing is brief. It does not state the material, whether the labels resist water, or whether they peel off cleanly, so treat them as labels for a dry cupboard or drawer rather than for jars that get handled with wet hands next to the stove.
Why we like it
- Narrow 2 x 1/2 inch strips fit small bottles
- Clear, so the spice shows through
- 84 preprinted names plus 12 blanks
Key specifications
| Model | 96-Piece Spice Label Set |
|---|---|
| Count | 96 (84 preprinted, 12 blank) |
| Label size | 2 x 1/2 in rectangle |
| Preprinted names on clear labels | |
| Material | Not stated |
| Water resistance | Not stated |
| Removable | Not stated |
| You also need | A fine marker for the blanks |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small collection in slim bottles, where a round lid label will not fit and you want the spice visible.
Skip it if your jars get wet or greasy; the listing makes no water-resistance claim.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits narrow surfaces
- Includes blanks
- Clear finish shows the contents
Cons
- Very little detail on the listing
- Small text on a narrow strip
- Smallest preprinted range here
4. AllSpice Blank Round Spice Labels, 70 Count – Write Your Own Chiles and Blends
Preprinted sets are built around a general spice list, and a Mexican pantry rarely matches it. Dried chiles alone can fill a shelf: ancho, guajillo, pasilla, árbol, chipotle, cascabel. These blank labels from AllSpice are the same 1.5-inch round, black, waterproof format as our top pick, with nothing printed on them, so you can name every jar exactly as you use it.
According to the listing, they are waterproof, tear-proof and repositionable (not on every surface), and they fit AllSpice, JK Adams and Penzeys jar sizes. They are designed to be written on with a white paint pen. The listing for this set does not say a pen is included, so plan to buy one; an oil-based or water-based paint marker in white is what the format is made for.
Because they match the Ultimate set, the two work well together: use the preprinted labels for the standard spices and these for your chiles, house blends and anything you buy from a Mexican market in bulk. Hand lettering also lets you add a date, which helps you notice when a ground spice has sat too long.
Why we like it
- Blank, so any name or date fits
- Waterproof and tear-proof, per AllSpice
- Matches the AllSpice preprinted set
- Repositionable on most surfaces
Key specifications
| Model | Blank round labels, black |
|---|---|
| Count | 70 labels |
| Label size | 1.5 in round |
| Blank black | |
| Material | Not stated |
| Water resistance | Waterproof and tear-proof |
| Removable | Repositionable on most surfaces |
| You also need | A white paint pen (inclusion not stated) |
Why we recommend it
It is for a cook whose spices do not fit a standard list, especially a shelf of dried chiles and Mexican herbs.
Skip it if you dislike your own handwriting; a preprinted set or a label maker will look neater.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete freedom over names
- Same look as the preprinted AllSpice set
- Stated waterproof
Cons
- Needs a paint pen
- Hand lettering takes time
- Only 70 in the pack
5. Avery Removable Round Labels, 1.5 in, 300 Count – Print Your Own Design
Avery sells blank 1.5-inch matte white round labels that go through a home laser or inkjet printer. You design the labels on Avery’s free template (Presta 94506 is named on the listing) or in its Design & Print tool, in any font and colour, and print the whole set in one go. The print-to-the-edge layout lets a design fill the whole circle.
The useful detail for spice jars is the adhesive. Avery says these removable labels stick, stay and remove cleanly from flat smooth surfaces, including glass, plastic and metal. That means you can relabel a jar when you change what goes in it, without scraping off paper residue. The Sure Feed feature, according to Avery, makes them feed through a printer more reliably, with fewer misalignments and jams.
What the listing does not claim is water resistance, and the face material is not stated. A printed matte label near a wet sink may smudge or wrinkle, depending on your printer and ink, so these suit jars kept in a drawer or cupboard. At 300 labels, there are plenty for misprints and future changes.
Why we like it
- Removes cleanly from glass, plastic and metal, per Avery
- Free templates for your own design
- Print-to-the-edge round format
- 300 labels in the pack
Key specifications
| Model | 94506-RMP15 |
|---|---|
| Count | 300 labels |
| Label size | 1.5 in round |
| Blank matte white, laser or inkjet | |
| Material | Not stated |
| Water resistance | Not stated |
| Removable | Yes, removes cleanly from smooth surfaces |
| You also need | A laser or inkjet printer |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a printer who wants custom labels, perhaps in Spanish and English, and expects to relabel jars later.
Skip it if your jars live next to the sink; the listing makes no water-resistance claim.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Any design you like
- Clean removal stated
- Large pack
Cons
- Needs a printer and some setup
- Water resistance not stated
- Print quality depends on your printer
6. Avery Kraft Brown Square Labels, 2 x 2 in, 300 Count – Recycled Paper With a Rustic Look
For a more handmade look, Avery’s kraft brown square labels print like the round ones but read like a market label. The listing describes 2 by 2 inch squares made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper processed chlorine-free, printable on a laser or inkjet printer, with Avery’s print-to-the-edge layout and Sure Feed technology.
A 2-inch square is larger than the round labels above, which suits bigger jars: the quart jars you might keep dried chiles in, or a tall jar of Mexican oregano bought by the bag. Avery says the permanent adhesive sticks and stays on glass, plastic and painted metal and prevents peeling and curling.
Two things follow from that. These are permanent, so plan your labels before you stick them, and they are paper, with no water-resistance claim, so keep them away from wet hands and steam. Brown kraft also gives lower contrast than white, so use a dark, bold font to keep names readable.
Why we like it
- 100% post-consumer recycled paper, per Avery
- 2-inch square suits larger jars
- Permanent adhesive that resists peeling and curling
- Print-to-the-edge templates
Key specifications
| Model | 22846 |
|---|---|
| Count | 300 labels |
| Label size | 2 x 2 in square |
| Blank kraft brown, laser or inkjet | |
| Material | Recycled paper |
| Water resistance | Not stated |
| Removable | No, permanent adhesive |
| You also need | A laser or inkjet printer |
Why we recommend it
It is for larger pantry jars and a cook who likes a natural, market-stall look and has a printer.
Skip it if you change what is in your jars often; these labels are made to stay put.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Recycled paper
- Room for a name and a date
- Resists peeling, per Avery
Cons
- Permanent, not removable
- Paper with no water claim
- Too big for most spice-bottle lids
7. Brother P-touch TZe-231 Tape, 1/2 in, 4 Pack – Laminated Labels That Shrug Off Grease
If you already own a Brother P-touch label maker, its tape may be the most durable spice label of all. TZe-231 is Brother’s standard half-inch black-on-white laminated tape, and this pack has four cassettes of 26.2 feet each. Brother says the laminated labels resist fading, water, grease and grime, and that the print stays in place without peeling or cracking, which is the kind of claim that matters on jars that live beside the stove.
The labels are crisp, uniform and quick to make: type the name, print, peel the split back and stick. You can print in Spanish and English, add a date, or label the shelf edge instead of the jar. Brother lists compatible models including the PT-D210, PT-D400, PT-D600, PT-H110 and Bluetooth P-touch models.
The obvious catch is that this is tape, not labels: you need a compatible Brother machine, which is a separate purchase if you do not already have one. A half-inch strip is also narrow, so it works best along the side of a jar or a lid rim rather than as a big, readable lid label. The listing shows a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Laminated; resists fading, water, grease and grime, per Brother
- Four 26.2-foot cassettes
- Split back for easy peeling
- Works with many P-touch models
Key specifications
| Model | TZE2314PKB (TZe-231) |
|---|---|
| Count | 4 cassettes, 26.2 ft each |
| Label size | 1/2 in (12 mm) wide, any length |
| Black on white | |
| Material | Laminated tape |
| Water resistance | Water, grease and grime resistant |
| Removable | Not stated |
| You also need | A compatible Brother P-touch label maker |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone with a P-touch already in a drawer who wants the toughest labels for jars near heat and steam.
Skip it if you do not own a Brother label maker and do not want to buy one just for spices.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most durable claims in this guide
- Neat, uniform printing
- Plenty of tape for a full pantry
Cons
- Requires a compatible label maker
- Narrow strip only
- Plain office look
8. DYMO LetraTag Plastic Tape, Black on Clear, 6 Pack – Clear Labels From a Handheld Maker
DYMO’s LetraTag is the other common home label maker, and this is its half-inch plastic tape in black print on a clear background. The pack holds six cassettes, each half an inch wide and 13 feet long, according to the listing. DYMO says the plastic labels stick easily to common surfaces such as paper and glass.
Clear tape suits glass spice jars: the label almost disappears and the spice colour shows through behind the black lettering, much like the R.S.V.P. clear strips but printed in any words you choose. DYMO also sells LetraTag paper tape, but for jars that get handled in a kitchen we would choose the plastic.
Check two things before buying. You need a DYMO LetraTag label maker; this tape does not fit DYMO’s LabelManager machines, which use a different tape. And the listing is slightly muddled: one line describes black print on a white surface, while the title and contents list say black on clear, so confirm the colour on the listing. DYMO makes no specific water- or grease-resistance claim here. The listing shows a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Why we like it
- Clear plastic shows the spice behind it
- Six 13-foot cassettes
- Sticks to glass, per DYMO
- Fits the widely sold LetraTag handhelds
Key specifications
| Model | 2050824 |
|---|---|
| Count | 6 cassettes, 13 ft each |
| Label size | 1/2 in (12 mm) wide, any length |
| Black on clear | |
| Material | Plastic tape |
| Water resistance | Not stated |
| Removable | Not stated |
| You also need | A DYMO LetraTag label maker |
Why we recommend it
It is for LetraTag owners who want near-invisible labels on clear glass jars.
Skip it if you need labels for wet, greasy jars by the stove; Brother’s laminated tape makes the stronger claims.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear finish on glass
- Any wording you like
- Six cassettes in the pack
Cons
- LetraTag machines only
- No water or grease claim
- Listing describes the colour two ways
How to choose spice jar labels
Start with your jars, not the labels. The right label is the one that fits the flattest surface on the jar, reads clearly against its colour and survives where the jar actually lives.
Preprinted, blank or label maker
Preprinted sets are fastest and match perfectly, but they are built around a general spice list. Blank labels take longer but fit any name, which matters for dried chiles and Mexican herbs. A label maker gives neat, durable results if you already own one. Many kitchens end up mixing a preprinted set with a few matching blanks.
Size and shape
Measure the lid or the flat panel of the jar. AllSpice sizes its 1.5-inch circles for AllSpice, JK Adams and Penzeys jars, so measure any other lid first; narrow bottles need strips like the R.S.V.P. set or label-maker tape; quart jars can take a 2-inch square. A label that overhangs an edge or wraps a tight curve is the first to lift.
Contrast and readability
Choose white lettering for amber, black or dark jars and dark lettering for clear glass on a pale shelf. Bold, simple fonts read faster than script when you are reaching into a drawer mid-recipe. Lid labels suit drawers; side labels suit racks and shelves.
Water and grease resistance
Jars near the stove and sink get handled with damp, oily hands. Vinyl, laminated tape and labels the maker calls waterproof are the better choice there; plain paper labels belong in a cupboard. Where a listing says nothing about water, assume it is not water resistant.
Removable or permanent
If you refill the same jar with the same spice, permanent is fine. If you rotate contents, buy repositionable or removable labels such as AllSpice’s or Avery’s removable rounds, so you are not scraping glue off glass.
How we picked these eight label sets
We began with how a working Mexican kitchen labels its line: clearly, durably and in a way anyone on the team can read at a glance. We then searched Amazon US for spice jar labels and label-maker tapes from identifiable makers, preferring established companies (Avery, Brother, DYMO, R.S.V.P. International and AllSpice) and limiting brands sold mainly on Amazon to two at most. We checked every pick was in stock with Amazon’s product data before writing, and took counts, sizes, materials, water resistance and adhesive claims from each listing. Where a listing is silent, we say “not stated”. We left out dozens of unbranded preprinted sets with near-identical listings, chalkboard label sets from sellers with little or no maker information, and items that were close to selling out. We did not use these labels for this guide.
Spice jar label questions, answered
What are the best spice jars with labels?
Several jar sets come with labels in the box; our guide to the best spice jars covers them. If your jars came without good labels, the AllSpice Ultimate set fits the common 1.5-inch lid size.
Should spice labels go on the top or the side of the jar?
Top-of-jar labels suit a drawer, where you look down at the lids. Side labels suit a rack, shelf or turntable. Many people label both when jars move between a drawer and a counter rack.
Are spice jar labels waterproof?
Some are. AllSpice calls its labels waterproof and tear-proof, Talented Kitchen says its vinyl resists moisture, and Brother says its laminated TZe tape resists water and grease. Paper labels and listings that make no claim should be kept away from the sink.
How do I label spices that a preprinted set does not include?
Use matching blank labels and a paint pen, as with the AllSpice blanks, or print them with a label maker. That is often the only way to label dried chiles, epazote or your own seasoning blends.
Can I remove spice labels without leaving residue?
Choose labels sold as removable or repositionable. Avery says its removable rounds peel cleanly from glass, plastic and metal, and AllSpice says its labels are repositionable on most surfaces. Permanent labels, such as Avery’s kraft squares, are meant to stay.
Our final word on labelling spices
Buy the AllSpice Ultimate set if you want a complete, matching drawer with the least effort, and add its blank labels for your chiles. Choose Talented Kitchen for dark bottles, Avery for your own printed design, and Brother tape if a P-touch is already in the house.
Labels work best on jars that suit them. Start with the best spice jars, then give them a home with the best spice rack or, for drawer storage, the best drawer spice rack. To decide what goes in them, see our guide to the best Mexican spices and Mexican chiles explained.
And when you would rather someone else did the seasoning, see the menu or call to order.