The Icon Is Back: Old Bay’s Classic Tin Returns — and Alexandria and the DMV are Here for It
Old Bay Tin Returns to Store Shelves — and Alexandria and the DMV Are Here for It
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The legendary Old Bay metal tin — that bright yellow relic of crab feasts, backyard cookouts, and every Chesapeake kitchen drawer — is officially making its comeback.
McCormick confirmed that after years of stocking only the modern plastic canister, the beloved tin is returning due to overwhelming public demand. And for many in the Mid-Atlantic, this isn’t just product news — it’s a cultural moment.
A Little History Behind the Tin
Old Bay’s story began in 1939, when German immigrant Gustav Brunn created the now-iconic spice blend in Baltimore. From day one, Old Bay was packed in a metal tin, and that design quickly became as famous as the seasoning itself.
“The Old Bay tin has been part of Chesapeake identity for generations,” said a longtime Alexandria resident who grew up eating steamed blue crabs on Lake Barcroft. “It wasn’t just a container — it was a symbol of home.”
The tin remained standard for decades, even after McCormick purchased the brand in 1990. But as packaging shifted industry-wide, the tin quietly faded from shelves in the late 2010s. By 2019, it was nearly impossible to find.
That scarcity only fueled nostalgia — and demand.
“We heard our fans loud and clear,” a McCormick spokesperson said in a recent announcement. “People missed the tin. They missed the feel, the look, the tradition. Bringing it back was an easy decision.”
Why Alexandria Cares So Much
Around here, Old Bay is more than seasoning — it’s identity. Alexandrians sprinkle it on fries in Del Ray and Old Town, use it on crab cakes, dust it over steamed crabs and shrimp boils, and rim cocktail glasses.
“There’s just something about seeing the metal tin behind the bar,” said Linda Farmer, Bar Manager at Ramparts in Alexandria, who has worked in the industry for decades, including at Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill back when the Old Bay tin sat on nearly every back bar. “It’s a small detail, but it brings an authenticity you can’t fake—real Mid-Atlantic history in one vintage can.”
The love runs straight into the holidays, too. The Old Bay tin is so beloved that artists across Maryland and Virginia make Christmas ornaments shaped like the classic container, often complete with miniature labels and faux “spice.” These ornaments regularly sell out at regional holiday markets and online shops, as Chesapeake transplants and locals alike decorate their trees with a tiny taste of home.
Why the Return Matters
In a city that balances innovation with deep respect for its roots, the return of the Old Bay tin feels right at home.
“We’re a community that loves its classics,” said Lucelle O’Flaherty, a native Alexandrian. “From cobblestone streets to family crab recipes, we hold onto the things that matter. The Old Bay tin is one of those things.”
Where to Find It — and How to Join the Fun
The tins are expected to hit shelves soon — and early reports suggest they’ll go fast.
When you spot yours?
Send The Zebra a photo to [email protected] or tag us on social of how you’re using it — on crabs, in a Bloody Mary, on popcorn, or in that secret family recipe passed down for generations.
Welcome back, Old Bay tin. Alexandria and the DMV are here for it.
