Spices are the heart and soul of any flavorful dish, adding depth, aroma, and character to our meals. 

But have you ever read the ingredients on spice mixes, especially things like taco seasoning? Many store-bought spice mixes often come with a laundry list of additives, fillers, and preservatives that just don’t need to be there. And – most of them are not gluten-free, which is a concern for us. 

When you pick up a store-bought spice mix, you might assume you’re getting a blend of quality spices. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many commercial spice mixes contain added salt, sugar, MSG, anti-caking agents, and artificial colors and flavors. These additives not only compromise the flavor but can also have negative effects on your health when consumed regularly. Additionally, pre-packaged spice mixes may sit on store shelves for months, leading to a loss of potency and flavor.

By Making Your Own Spice Blends, You Get: 

1. Quality Control: By making your own spice mixes, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can select high-quality, organic spices and avoid fillers and additives altogether. This ensures that your spice blends are pure, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

2. Customization: One of the most exciting aspects of DIY spice mixes is the ability to customize flavors to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a hint of sweetness, or a savory flavor, you can tailor your spice blends to create the perfect balance of flavors for your dishes. For instance, you might want to leave out the cayenne pepper if you have kiddos who like spicy foods.

3. Fresher Flavors: When you make your own spice mixes, you have the option to grind whole spices just before using them, preserving their freshness and potency. This results in richer, more vibrant flavors that will elevate your dishes to new heights.

4. Healthier Options: By avoiding additives and preservatives commonly found in store-bought spice mixes, you can ensure that your meals are not only delicious but also healthier. Homemade spice blends are free from unnecessary sodium, sugar, and artificial ingredients, making them a wholesome choice for you and your family. And, they keep just as well in the pantry without the preservatives. For instance, you can customize your blends to be reduced sodium or salt-free or sugar-free if that’s a concern for you.

How Easy Is It to Make Your Own Spice Mixes?

Making your own spice mixes is so simple, and you probably already have all of the individual spices in your kitchen pantry already. Or, if you want to get really fancy, you might buy a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Not only does this empower you to control the quality and freshness of your ingredients, but it also allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste preferences. 

All you need is an airtight container like a small mason jar, your single spices, measuring spoons, and maybe a kitchen funnel. I also like to transfer my spice mixes to my cute little spice jars to go in my spice drawer. https://amzn.to/49lhNsX (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Experiment with different combinations of spices and adjust the quantities to achieve your desired flavor profile. Whether you’re whipping up a classic curry powder, a zesty taco seasoning, or a fragrant Italian seasoning, the possibilities are endless!

To get you started, below is my simple recipe for a homemade Tex-Mex seasoning.

Do you make your own spice mixes? Share your recipes below! 

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Make Your Own Fajita Seasoning

Quick and easy DIY Fajita Seasoning

Course Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword gluten-free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 30

Calories 6kcal

Equipment

• 8oz air-tight container
• kitchen funnel (optional)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp ground chili powder
• 2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp salt preferably kosher
• 1 1/2 tsp ground smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper optional for extra heat

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients to an airtight container, put the lid on to seal, and shake to combine.

Notes

My favorite container is a small mason jar. I transfer my mix into this cute spice jar, and while it’s labeled fajita seasoning, I use this for tacos, enchilada sauce, or anything needing a Tex-Mex flavor.

1 serving = 1 tsp.

I use ~1 Tbsp of seasoning per pound of protein.