Technically speaking, yes, you can use the Cuisinart Supreme Grind as a normal grind mill for other substances such as nuts, spices. However, a coffee grinder is designed for grinding coffee beans only. Grinding the hard stuff may dull the burr. Also, this grinder has static cling, it's not easy to clean out all the leftover grounds after using it as a grind mill, you don't want to affect the coffee taste with other flavors.