If there is one thing that Trader Joe’s is better known for is their eclectic collection of seasonings and spices. Where there is a will, there is a way to season nearly anything bland to give it more taste, zest, or zing. Luckily for the near-endless selection found at TJ’s, here are some shining examples of seasonings that are must-have items for your kitchen.
Trader Joe’s Seasonings Reviewed
21 Seasoning Salute
If there was ever a seasoning that includes everything but the kitchen sink, that’s where 21 Seasoning Salute is the answer to all of your seasoning needs. The best part is that this seasoning is containing virtually no sodium, so the taste is what you’ll get in return. It contains all of the classic ingredients such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, bay leaf, parsley, and basil.
Then it also goes on to include flavor bomb additives including orange peel, lemon zest, carrot, tomato, cayenne, coriander, and many more flavor-boosting extras. It’s good for adding to nearly anything that needs flavor or used as a sprinkled topping for bland-tasting meals.
Citrusy Garlic
For a bit of tropical flair, you can count on the taste of Cuba with a generous amount of garlic and lime, plus a little bit of onion powder, cilantro, oregano, and parsley all packed into a little jar. This seasoning is perfect for poultry, fish, and pork and also works to help tenderize meats when added beforehand in a marinade. Get ready to have that explosion of flavor that will boost your meal experience with Citrusy garlic seasoning.
Everything but the Elote
Perhaps it’s the perfect go-to seasoning for flavorings somewhat boring side dishes such as mashed potatoes or cauliflower. Actually, the cheesy flavors within this seasoning are great for sprinkling on corn on the cob, popcorn, and toppings for bland-tasting soups. Packed into this seasoning also includes salt, cheese, cumin, chili pepper, and chipotle. It’s just the right amount of perk to wake up food flavor and your taste buds.
Smoked Paprika
As if Sam the Cooking guy cannot forget to mention this vital ingredient in most of his dishes, smoked paprika is a classic additive for most meats and vegetables. This flavor not only gives ordinary meat like beef and pork instant charm, especially if you add onion powder or other classic spices. The unique thing about smoked paprika is that it works so perfectly sprinkled into marinades that need a nice and deep flavor that has that old-fashioned charm.
Organic Chili Seasoning
When looking for that ultimate seasoning for Tex-Mex dishes like chili con carne or BBQ meats, this chili seasoning is a must-have. It contains a delicate mix of chili that creates layers of heat and spice, giving various dishes a distinct bang for your buck. If you have more than one seasoning in your kitchen that will add a colorful cloud of spiciness, you’ll want to include this one on your list.
Chili Lime Seasoning
Why not have a multi-tasking spice that includes chili, lime, red bell pepper, and salt to perk up exotic fruits, vegetables, salads, and soups. Another perfect way to make your avocado toast to a whole new level is sprinkling this on top. Just in time for summer, this will make fresh slices of watermelon become a total blast for melon lovers. When it comes to tacos and salsa, this added seasoning will wake up south-of-the-border flavors.
TJ’s Onion Salt
You might think this is ordinary onion salt except that wouldn’t be an outrageous Trader Joe’s seasoning. This mixture is a next-level taste with dried onion and sea salt with a fair bit of scallions. It’s perfect for adding to chicken and beef so you’ll want to keep this around to add a dash or two when seasoning steaks or a topping for carne asada. If you’re looking to make compound butter mixes, this is the perfect flavor you’ll want to try likewise.
TJ’s Umami Seasoning
This flavor might sound off the path than most seasonings but those who love the mushroom-laden taste of Umami will appreciate this for rice or sauce dishes. It’s perfect for making your average cream of mushroom soup into a flavor bomb that you’ll love adding. Around the holidays for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’ll want to add this to gravy mixes that provide a deeply immersed flavor that will always be cherished year after year.
For more on cooking with Trader Joe’s check out our roundup of our favorite cookbooks…
