Why Do Spices Clump? (And Why Cooking With Greens Spice Blends Are Different)

There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for your favorite spice blend mid-recipe, only to find it’s clumped together like a rock. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens — and why it’s actually a sign of real, wholesome ingredients — you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in, the Cooking With Greens way.

What Causes Spices To Clump?

Clumping is all about science. When spices are exposed to moisture, heat, or air, some of their natural particles dissolve and then stick together as they dry. Salt-based blends, like garlic or onion salt, are especially prone to this because salt naturally attracts moisture from the air. Even just shaking spices over a steaming pot can introduce enough humidity to cause clumping!

Why Don’t We Add Anticaking Agents?

Many commercial spice blends use artificial anticaking agents (like silicon dioxide or calcium silicate) to keep things loose and powdery. At Cooking With Greens, we believe in keeping our blends as pure and natural as possible — that means no artificial additives, fillers, or anticaking agents. Just real herbs, spices, and a whole lot of love.

Clumping in our blends is proof you’re getting a truly natural product, free from unnecessary chemicals. We’d rather you have to give your bottle a gentle shake than compromise on quality and health.

How To Prevent (Or Fix) Clumping At Home

• Store your spices in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Keep lids tightly closed. Airtight glass jars are ideal!

• Spoon your spices into a dish or your hand before adding to hot food. Avoid shaking directly over steam.

• For saltier blends: Add a few grains of uncooked rice to the jar — the rice absorbs moisture. (We recommend this only for coarse blends, not fine powders.)

• If clumps form, just break them up with a clean fork or give the jar a hearty shake.

Why Our Clumping Is Worth Celebrating

When you see a little clumping in your Cooking With Greens spice blends, know that it’s a badge of honor! It means you’re cooking with real, handcrafted ingredients — nothing more, nothing less. Each blend is made in small batches, by hand, right here in Norfolk, Virginia, with a focus on health, flavor, and community.

Our Promise To You

We’ll never compromise on quality. That’s why our blends are:

• Free from artificial anticaking agents and unnecessary additives

• Packed with flavor, not fillers

• Made with pink Himalayan sea salt, kelp for natural iodine, and plenty of no-salt options

• Crafted in small batches by our family, for yours

So next time you spot a clump in your spice jar, give it a shake, smile, and know you’re part of the Cooking With Greens family — where real food, real flavor, and real people come first.

Ready to taste the difference? Explore our handcrafted spice blends and join our movement for healthier, more joyful home cooking. Let’s cook something better, together!