Upcycle An Empty Altoids Tin Into A Clever Kitchen Storage Solution

Altoids tins have found a second life far beyond their original purpose of holding mints. These tiny candy tins have become a popular item among Gen Zs, with many of them converting them into miniature wallets, trinket containers, and tiny catch-alls for everyday carries. If you have eaten the last mint from your Altoids tin and you want to use it for something other than a tiny wallet or essentials case, try turning it into a storage container for garnishes and seasonings. This can be one of the many creative ways you can keep your kitchen spices organized, especially if you want to reduce waste.

If you are the type to keep your sweet and savory garnishes in large jars or containers in your pantry, keeping a handful of them in smaller tins can help preserve your inventory for longer. With your seasonings stored in smaller containers, you won't need to open the larger containers as often, which can help extend the shelf life of pantry items. For this hack, however, it is best to store dense or coarser garnishes inside the tins, like chunky candy sprinkles, coarse seasonings, or dried herbs. Finer ingredients may be more difficult to manage, as they can spill into the container's crevices, making it harder to clean.

Before filling your Altoids tin with garnishes, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Wash the container with dish soap and water, then dry it before use; you can also clean with baking soda to help prevent the mint scent and flavor from sticking to the contents. Once ready, make sure not to overcrowd the container and store just the right amount. Store the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat. To help preserve the contents better and prevent spoiling your spices or sweets, try adhering a small silica gel packet right under the lid; this will help absorb any traces of moisture or humidity that may affect shelf life.

Next, you can opt to personalize your Altoids tin so you can quickly identify what's inside, especially if you're working with multiple containers. You can cover the lid with paint or other decorative wrappers, then get creative with organizing your spices by using either markers or stickers to create labels. Keep your new, personalized tin containers within reach by placing them on countertops and dinner tables so anyone can grab their garnish of choice and sprinkle away.