Seasoning Blends I No Longer Buy (I DIY Instead!) As a Registered Dietitian

Simple, Do-It-At-Home Seasoning Blends!

If you peeked into my spice cabinet, you might be surprised by what you won’t find. As a registered dietitian that cooks at home a lot, there are several seasoning blends I’ve stopped buying! I realized that with a well-stocked collection of herbs and spices, I can skip the expensive pre-made blends altogether (those little jars add up fast!), avoid excess sodium, and make my own flavor combinations at home. Even better? I can customize each blend exactly to my taste preferences!

Below are the seasoning blends I no longer buy, and exactly how I make them myself.

1. Taco Seasoning

Why I DIY it:

Most store-bought taco packets are loaded with sodium. I like to add my own flavors and control the amount of salt, especially because we use taco seasoning all of the time! Tacos are one of our go-to's for meal prep.

DIY Taco Seasoning

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼–½ tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, more if you like heat!)

Use it for taco meat, burrito bowls, breakfast skillets, quesadillas, taco stuffed peppers, or fajitas!

2. Ranch Seasoning

Why I DIY it:

Ranch seasoning is expensive! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Trader Joe's ranch seasoning blend, but it's easier for me to make in bulk at home, prep ahead of time, and save some $$.

DIY Ranch Blend

• 2 Tbsp dried parsley

• 1 Tbsp dried dill

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried chives

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Use it for dips, roasted veggies, popcorn, pretzels, or homemade dressings!

3. Italian Seasoning

Why I DIY it:

Italian seasoning is one of the easiest blends to make, and you probably already have everything in your cabinet!

DIY Italian Seasoning

• 1 Tbsp dried basil

• 1 Tbsp dried oregano

• 1 Tbsp rosemary

• 1 Tbsp marjoram

• 2 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Great for pasta, chicken, roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, or olive oil dips!

4. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Why I DIY it:

Store versions can be very salty, and I use this for everything!

DIY Everything Bagel Blend

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

• 2 Tbsp poppy seeds

• 2 Tbsp dried minced garlic

• 2 Tbsp dried minced onion

• Salt to taste

Perfect for eggs, avocado toast, cottage cheese, tuna salad, fries, hummus, or roasted veggies!

5. BBQ Seasoning

Why I DIY it:

Many BBQ rubs sneak in a surprising amount of sugar. Making it yourself lets you decide how sweet, or not, it should be.

DIY BBQ Rub

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 2 Tbsp cumin

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 2 tsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp Black pepper

• 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)

• Salt to taste

  

Why DIY Seasonings as a Dietitian?

Let me be clear: store-bought seasonings aren’t “bad.”

But DIY blends can:

• Support lower sodium intake when needed

• Encourage cooking at home

• Make your meals actually taste good

• Reduce reliance on ultra-processed convenience foods

• Save some money!

How I Store My Blends

• Small glass jars or reused spice containers

• Label with name + date

• Store away from heat and sunlight

• Best used within 6-12 months for peak flavor

Final Thoughts

Seasonings are one of the simplest ways to make nourishing food enjoyable. Whether you buy them or make them, the goal is the same: meals you actually want to eat. But if you’re someone who likes customization and saving a few dollars, DIY seasoning blends are a game changer!