Homemade Taco Seasoning
on May 09, 2024, Updated Jul 24, 2024
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
You will never regret keeping a jar of this homemade taco seasoning in your spice cabinet—ready when you are on taco night. Homemade is so much healthier than store-bought because it contains no thickeners, preservatives or excess salt—just good, clean spices—everything taco seasoning should be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, did someone say tacos? It’s Steph here, ready to dish out the details on why our Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the ultimate spice cabinet hero. Trust me, folks, once you try this flavor-packed blend, you’ll never look back! We use this seasoning for everything! I like to spice up vegan mayo, Vegan Chipotle Sour Cream and dressings with our homemade taco seasoning. It’s also super yummy as a seasoning on air-fried potatoes or vegetables.
Why the taco seasoning obsession, you ask? Well, besides the fact that it’s quick, easy, and practically foolproof, this recipe is a game-changer for all your Mexican-inspired meals! With just a handful of spice rack staples, you’ve got yourself a homemade taco seasoning that’s miles ahead of those store-bought packets. No more trips to the store for taco seasoning that contains questionable additives—just pure, flavorful goodness that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. So go ahead, sprinkle it on your black beans or use it to make our Mushroom & Tofu Taco ‘Meat’ and never worry again about what’s in your taco seasoning.
Key Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients list!
- Chili powder brings more than just moderate heat to the recipe. It is rich in antioxidants, and may help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism due to the capsaicin content. Flavor-wise, it adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall taste of the dish with its smoky and slightly sweet notes.
- Chipotle chili powder adds a distinctive smoky flavor and heat to the recipe. Like chili powder, chipotle chili powder contains capsaicin, which may offer health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential metabolism-boosting effects. Its unique flavor profile balances the other ingredients and provides a rich, earthy undertone.
- Ground cumin imparts a nutty, earthy aroma to the seasoning. This spice is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a flavorful and healthful addition to the dish.
- Sea salt serves not only to enhance the flavors of the seasoning but also to provide essential minerals. While sodium intake should be monitored, sea salt contains trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which can support overall health. Its subtle salty balance brings out the flavors of other ingredients.
- Ground black pepper adds a bold, peppery kick to the recipe and contains a compound that may improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.
- Smoked paprika contributes a rich, smoky flavor and vibrant red color to the recipe. It elevates the seasoning blend with its distinctive aroma and slightly sweet undertones.
- Garlic powder not only imparts a savory, aromatic flavor to the recipe but also offers potential health benefits. Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which may have antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. Its distinctively pungent taste enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Onion powder provides a sweet, savory flavor and aroma to the recipe.
- Oregano adds a subtle herbal note and a hint of bitterness to the recipe, enhancing its overall taste profile.

The Process
It couldn’t be easier to keep healthy homemade taco seasoning on hand for when you need it! Mix all spices in a bowl or jar. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe Tips
- Make larger batches to keep on hand!
- 3 tablespoons of this mix is equivalent to ONE store-bought taco seasoning packet.
- This recipe makes the equivalent of two store-bought taco seasoning packets.
- Feel free to decrease the amount of sea salt to suit your needs or use a different type of salt. We like green salt as it has less sodium than sea salt.
- Store in an airtight jar in your spice cabinet for up to six months.
- Chipotle chili powder can be very spicy. Reduce or omit it for less heat.
- Bring more heat, if you like, by adding more chipotle chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Homemade spice blends make excellent gifts!

Keepin’ it Fresh: How to store the Homemade Taco Seasoning
Store your taco seasoning in an airtight jar in your spice cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has the same shelf life as individual spices. So it will be good for up to six months.
Yes, you can freeze the taco seasoning mix if you’d like.
Yes, absolutely! We are sure you will want more of it on hand once you taste how good it is, see how easy it is to make and realize its versatility.
If you made this recipe, don’t be shy—show off your culinary skills on your socials and tag us! We absolutely love seeing how our recipes inspire creativity in our readers’ kitchens. So, let’s spread the kitchen love and share the deliciousness together!

Homemade Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Mixing bowl or jar
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt, to taste
- 2 tsp black pepper, ground
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Mix all spices in a bowl or jar. Store in an airtight container.



