Healthy Eating

8 Simple Homemade Seasoning Mix Blends (Better Than Store-Bought)

Hint: healthier, tastier, and less expensive.

By: Lexy Parsons

If you’re still seasoning your recipes with store-bought seasonings, you’re doing your home-cooked meals a disservice. Sure, pre-packaged blends can be a quick and easy flavor option. But, even seasoning ingredients can be sneaky! Unfortunately, many blends contain all sorts of hidden additives like sugar, sodium, MSG, and GMOs. Plus, there are artificial colors, and preservatives to consider. While there are certainly healthy spices on the market, many contain unhealthy ingredients and fillers. Why risk it when you could make your own? If you’ve yet to make homemade seasoning mix blends, you’re in for a treat! Not only are they so much healthier, but they’re so much more flavorful, too. 

Ahead, how to make your own homemade seasoning mix. Plus, 8 healthy blends you need in your kitchen ASAP!  

How to Make DIY Spice Blends

A simple step-by-step recipe to make your own DIY spice blends with ease! 

Step #1: Gather your individual bulk seasonings of choice.

Step #2: Combine all the ingredients together, mixing until well combined. 

Step #3: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Shake or stir before use!

8 Healthy Homemade Spice Mix Recipes You Need In Your Kitchen

Spice up your kitchen with these simple homemade recipes. Modify any ingredients as desired! 

#1 Everyday Seasoning (Salt-Free)

Your go-to blend for just about anything. Add it to veggies, poultry, seafood, and meat, stir it into sauces or marinades, or use it as a sodium-free flavor bomb for dips and spreads. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper

Related: Easy One Pan Meals That Get Dinner On The Table Fast

#2 Poultry Seasoning

No matter if you’re making grilled chicken breast, oven-baked chicken thighs, or breaded tenders, this simple poultry seasoning will elevate the flavor of any dish. Made with less than 10 ingredients (that you probably have on hand), it’s simple to make and will be loved by all. Add it to marinades, stir-fries, veggie dishes, and any chicken dish of your choosing. 

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp basil
  • 3 tbsp thyme
  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp sage
  • 1 tbsp marjoram
  • 1 tbsp rosemary
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

#3 Taco & Fajita Seasoning 

Skip the store-bought taco packets. The secret to making restaurant-style tacos and fajitas at home? You guessed it — DIY seasoning! Perfect for ground beef and turkey, shredded chicken, sauteed mushrooms, and crumbled tofu. With this mouth-watering blend, you’ll be craving Taco Tuesday every night of the week!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp celery seeds, optional 
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional 
  • ½ tsp sea salt, optional 

Related: 6 Healthy Taco Recipes That Taste Better Than The Real Thing

#4 Curry Powder 

Made with nutritious ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and coriander, this superfood spice blend is just as healthy as it is tasty. Enjoy it in homemade curries, add it to stir-fries, and sprinkle it in soups and sauces — you can even add it to tofu and egg scrambles, or sprinkle it over veggies!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp cumin powder
  • 2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground ginger 
  • ½ tsp mustard seed
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes

#5 Italian Seasoning

Pizza, pasta, salad, dressing — no matter how you enjoy it, you can’t go wrong! Frankly, this herby seasoning pairs well with just about everything. Use it to make a homemade vinaigrette or olive oil dressing, blend it into a homemade tomato sauce, add it to meatballs or eggplant parm, or sprinkle it all over your favorite veggies of choice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • 2 tbsp basil
  • 2 tbsp parsley 
  • 1 ½ tbsp rosemary 
  • 1 tbsp thyme 
  • 1 tbsp red chili flakes (or 1 tsp black pepper)
  • 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ – 1 tsp sea salt

#6 Chili Powder

Smoky, spicy, and full of flavor — every kitchen needs homemade chili powder! Of course, it’s delicious in a variety of chili recipes. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Stir it into tofu stir-fries, add it to homemade burger recipes, use it in Indian and Mexican-inspired dishes. And feel free to modify the chili powder itself — there are so many ways to enjoy it! Add cinnamon or cacao, turn up the heat with extra cayenne, or double down on ingredients like smoked paprika or oregano.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp paprika
  • 2 ½ tsp oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
  • ¾ tsp cayenne pepper, optional 

#7 Cajun Seasoning

New to Cajun seasoning? Think of it as a bolder all-purpose spice, perfect for when you want to add a little heat alongside some serious flavor. While it’s classically used in seafood dishes like Paella and Jambalaya, don’t let that limit you! This yummy seasoning adds delicious flavor to nearly any savory dish, including things like rice, pasta, soup, veggies, and fries. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder 
  • 1 tbsp Himalayan salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 ½ tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper 
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp oregano

#8 Pumpkin Spice Seasoning

For more than just your PSL or coffee! Sprinkle it on oats and smoothies, stir it into breakfast bowls and baked goods, or enjoy it on fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tsp ground ginger
  • 4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 4 tsp ground allspice 
  • ½ tsp ground cloves

Spice Up Your Plate

Simple to make, healthier than store-bought options, and much more cost-effective! With these easy-prep recipes, spice up your plate with healthy flavor, while saving money and stress. Use our step-by-step guide for making your own DIY spices and modify any recipe as you’d like! Sprinkle on veggies, add to marinades or sauces, use in dips or spreads, or enhance the flavor of any bowl or plate. Keep these staple blends on hand, and you’ll have something for all your flavor needs.