The 10 Best Seasonings at Trader Joe’s, According to One of Our Favorite Instagram Follows
As someone who runs a Trader Joe’s account on Instagram (@BlackGirlsInTraderJoes), I get asked all the time to name my favorite item. My normal response is a bit of a cheat: The seasonings aisle. What? Technically the aisle is one thing. Anyway! I figured it was about time I share my 10 favorite seasonings at Trader Joe’s that bring the heat, the savory, and even the bitter. Spoiler alert: The beloved Everything But The Bagel Seasoning didn’t make the cut.
1. Onion Salt, $1.99 for 2 ounces
The name is a little deceiving, because it’s really an allium salt. It’s more than just granulated onion; it’s got granulated garlic, minced onion, green onion, and chives too. Elevate your baked potato, add it to a salad dressing or marinade, or sprinkle it on top of your morning eggs.
2. Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend, $1.99 for 2.25 ounces
This new kid on the block became an instant favorite. With bright and tangy notes, this seasoning blend is the essence of Cuban cuisine in a bottle. It’s the perfect companion to the steak, fish, or poultry starring in your next summertime BBQ.
3. Chile Lime Seasoning Blend, $1.99 for 2.9 ounces
Do you need to perk up a not-so-great watermelon? Are you looking for an exciting rim for your margarita? Is your pad Thai missing something? A few dashes of this balanced seasoning is all you need!
4. Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend, $2.49 for 2.3 ounces
Elote is a popular Mexican street snack of corn covered in a mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and chili powder and then sprinkled with cheese. Trader Joe’s bottled the spirit of elote with Parmesan, cumin, lime, and more. Not making corn on the cob? Sprinkle some on popcorn for a quick snack.
5. 21 Seasoning Salute, $1.99 for 2.2 ounces
How do 21 different ingredients fit into a two-ounce bottle? I’m not sure, but that’s the magic of Trader Joe’s. This salt-free seasoning blend is really the MVP of the seasoning aisle.
6. South African Smoke Seasoning Blend, $2.29 for 1.76 ounces
A robust seasoning of smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic, and basil is a perfect match for those the hefty cuts of meat you plan on roasting or grilling this summer.
7. Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend, $2.99 for 2.1 ounces
Umami is our fifth taste. It’s that savory note when we eat something that makes our mouth water. And mushrooms are the powerhouse of umami! I love to add a few dashes of this multipurpose seasoning to my frittatas.
8. Italian Style Soffrito Seasoning, $3.29 for 2.7 ounces
This stuff is a crispy blend of onions, sun-dried tomatoes, sea salt, garlic, red peppers, and more. Add some to pasta or on pizza for extra crunch and seasoning. Not a fan of the big pieces? Throw it in a spice grinder for easier shake-ability.
9. Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multipurpose Seasoning, $2.49 for 1.95 ounces
This Japanese seasoning features white and black sesame seeds, seaweed, and salt. It’s great on poke, but you can also add it to rice, noodles, or salads for an extra pop of flavor.
10. Spanish Saffron, $5.99 for .02 ounces
Making a paella-inspired dish, but don’t want to break the bank? Trader Joe’s offers one of the most expensive spices in the world for a fraction of the price. I love to add a tiny pinch to my broth for risotto for an extra-decadent touch.
What are your favorite spices and seasoning blends at Trader Joe’s?