DIY Seasoning Mixes That Crush Store-Bought (Make 12 for the Price of 1)
If you’ve ever glanced at the price tag on a tiny jar of taco seasoning or Italian blend, you know the markup is ridiculous. At Budget101.com, we’ve been helping families save for over two decades—and DIY seasoning mixes are one of the simplest ways to slash grocery costs without sacrificing flavor.
DIY seasoning mixes aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re cleaner, bolder, and completely customizable. If you’re tired of overpriced, filler-packed store-bought blends, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make 12 popular seasoning blends for the price of ONE store-bought jar, using ingredients already in your pantry.
💖 Why Make Your Own Seasonings?
- ✅ Save Money: One store-bought seasoning can cost $2–$4. You can make a dozen for under that.
- ✅ No Fillers: No sugar, MSG, anti-caking agents, or weird preservatives.
- ✅ Customize Flavor: Love more garlic? Hate salt? Adjust to your taste.
- ✅ Pantry Simplicity: Combine common spices once, use them over and over.
🛒 Ingredient Basics
You’ll need a few pantry staples to mix and match:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (regular or smoked)
- Dried oregano
- Thyme
- Salt & pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Basil, parsley, rosemary, coriander, turmeric, etc.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy your herbs and spices in bulk from warehouse stores or ethnic grocery stores for huge savings.
🧂 How to Make a DIY Seasoning Mix
Follow these simple steps to create your own spice blends at home:
- Choose your blend recipe from the list below.
- Gather clean, dry measuring spoons and a small mixing bowl.
- Measure out each spice and combine them in the bowl.
- Stir until evenly mixed and well blended.
- Transfer your mix to an airtight jar or container.
- Label the jar with the name of the blend and today’s date.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry and use within 6–12 months for best flavor.
👩🍳 12 DIY Seasoning Mixes You’ll Love
1. Taco Seasoning
Equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika + a pinch of salt and cayenne. Use 2 Tbsp per pound of meat.
See Also: Copycat Taco Bell Seasoning Mix
2. Italian Seasoning
1 Tbsp each: oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley.
See Also: Bulk Italian Seasoning Mix
3. Ranch Mix
2 Tbsp parsley, 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp chives, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt. Mix with sour cream or mayo + milk for dressing.
See Also: Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
4. Cajun Seasoning
2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp cayenne, salt & pepper.
See Also: Emeril’s Creole Seasoning Mix
5. Chili Seasoning
1 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne.
6. Fajita Seasoning
2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp sugar, ½ tsp salt.
See Also: Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
7. Greek Seasoning
2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp parsley, ½ tsp cinnamon.
8. Poultry Seasoning
1 Tbsp sage, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp marjoram, ½ tsp rosemary, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp pepper.
See Also: Poultry Seasoning Mixes
9. Lemon Pepper
Zest of 3 lemons dried + 2 Tbsp cracked pepper + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp salt.
See Also: Lemon Pepper Seasoning Mix
10. Everything Bagel
1 Tbsp sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp garlic flakes, 1 tsp onion flakes, ½ tsp salt.
See Also: Make Your Own Bagels
11. BBQ Rub
2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp mustard powder, ½ tsp salt.
12. Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 Tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp cloves.
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown
Here’s a cost comparison for one seasoning blend vs. DIY:
| Ingredient | Amount Used | Package Size | Full Cost | Used Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chili Powder | 2 Tbsp | 2.5 oz | $1.12 | $0.32 |
| Cumin | 1 Tbsp | 2 oz | $1.28 | $0.19 |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | 3.4 oz | $1.00 | $0.06 |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp | 3 oz | $1.00 | $0.05 |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 2 oz | $1.18 | $0.08 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 26 oz | $0.54 | $0.01 |
| Total | 🧾 Total Recipe Cost: | $0.71 | ||
| 👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Use (1.5 oz yield): | $0.12 | |||
Compare that to a $1.28–$2.49 store packet. You’re saving up to 90%!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade spice blends typically last 6–12 months when stored properly in airtight containers away from heat and light. While dried spices don’t “expire,” their flavor and potency fade over time. For best results, make small batches and label them with a date.
Keep your seasoning mixes in glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Store them in a cool, dry pantry or drawer—not over the stove or in direct sunlight. This preserves freshness and prevents clumping caused by humidity.
Absolutely. Most store-bought seasonings contain high amounts of sodium, but DIY blends let you skip the salt or substitute it with low-sodium or salt-free options like potassium salt, vinegar powder, or citrus zest. This makes them heart-healthy and perfect for low-sodium diets.
Yes—DIY spice blends can save you 80–90% compared to store-bought packets. For example, a taco seasoning packet might cost $1.29, but you can make the same amount at home for under $0.20 using pantry staples. Multiply that savings across 12 blends, and the results add up fast.
Smoked paprika is made by drying peppers over wood smoke, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. Regular paprika is milder and has a slightly sweet, peppery profile. Use smoked paprika in BBQ rubs, chili, or anything where you want a grilled taste without a grill.
No. Fresh herbs will spoil and introduce moisture, which can cause your mix to mold or clump. Always use dried herbs when making spice blends, and make sure they’re fully dehydrated for safe long-term storage.
Yes—when made with single-ingredient spices from trusted brands, these seasoning mixes are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your spice labels, as some cheaper blends may include anti-caking agents or fillers that contain gluten.
Definitely! Homemade spice mixes make thoughtful and affordable gifts. Package them in glass spice jars or mini mason jars with cute labels or handwritten tags. Pair them with a printable recipe card from Budget101.com to create a custom DIY kitchen gift set.
Rub a pinch of the spice between your fingers—if it has a strong aroma and vibrant color, it’s still good. If it smells dull, looks faded, or has no flavor, it’s time to toss and replace. Whole spices last longer than ground ones, so grind fresh when possible for maximum flavor.
Yes, all of the seasoning recipes are scalable. Multiply the quantities and store the mix in bulk containers. Just remember to shake or stir well before each use to ensure an even blend of ingredients.
No. Most seasoning mixes use pre-ground spices and can be mixed by hand with a spoon or whisk. However, a spice grinder is helpful if you want ultra-fine blends or are starting with whole spices for peak freshness and aroma.
Warehouse clubs, ethnic grocery stores, and online retailers like Amazon or Penzey’s offer great prices on high-quality bulk spices. Buying in bulk saves money and lets you replenish your seasoning mixes for pennies per batch.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Label each mix with the name and date.
- Keep a master cheat sheet near your pantry for quick refills.
🎨 Flavor Variations
One of the biggest benefits of DIY seasoning mixes is how endlessly customizable they are. You can adjust heat levels, salt content, herb blends, and even dietary preferences with just a few tweaks. Below are some flavorful variation ideas for each seasoning mix to suit different tastes, health needs, and regional cuisines.
🌶️ Spicy Boost
- Add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder to Taco, Chili, or Cajun blends for extra kick.
- For smoky heat, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- In Everything Bagel, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy surprise.
🧂 Low-Sodium Options
- Skip added salt in any blend and allow the cook to season to taste later.
- Use potassium salt substitutes if medically approved.
- Add dried lemon zest or vinegar powder to boost flavor without salt.
🌱 Herbal Refresh
- Swap parsley for cilantro in Ranch mix for a southwestern twist.
- Add tarragon or sage to Italian seasoning for a French-inspired blend.
- Include dried mint in Greek seasoning for an authentic Mediterranean note.
🍭 Sweet & Savory Combos
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon to BBQ rub for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Include ground clove or nutmeg in poultry seasoning for holiday flavor.
- Mix 1 tsp maple sugar or coconut sugar into fajita or chili blends to balance acidity.
🌽 Allergen-Free Versions
- Use coconut sugar or date powder in place of brown sugar (BBQ rub).
- Ensure garlic and onion powders are corn-free if avoiding GMO ingredients.
- Make nightshade-free versions by skipping chili powders and using herbs like turmeric, sumac, or ginger instead.
🥩 Regional Flavor Upgrades
- Tex-Mex Taco Seasoning: Add dried oregano, coriander, and cocoa powder.
- Caribbean Jerk Variation: Add allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and a pinch of sugar to Cajun seasoning.
- Indian-Inspired BBQ Rub: Include turmeric, cumin, and ground ginger.
🍗 Grilling & Smoking Blends
- Double the smoked paprika in your BBQ rub for deeper flavor on smoked ribs or brisket.
- Add dry mustard to Cajun or Chili blends for an extra punch on grilled meats.
- Mix Lemon Pepper with rosemary and thyme for a versatile grilled chicken rub.
🧁 Dessert-Ready Seasonings
- Use Pumpkin Pie Spice as a base for snickerdoodles, muffins, or oatmeal.
- Add cardamom or vanilla bean powder for a chai-inspired variation.
- Make an “Apple Pie Spice” by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger (heavier on cinnamon).
🧪 Test Your Own Blends
- Start with a 1:1:1 ratio for small batches and adjust to taste.
- Label and date every blend and keep notes on what worked best.
- Invite the family to do a blind taste test for fun and feedback!
✨ Whether you’re cooking keto, Whole30, vegan, gluten-free, low-FODMAP, or just plain budget-conscious, these seasoning variations give you endless room to experiment. The best part? You control every ingredient—just the way it should be.
📦 Storage Tips
- Keep in glass jars, labeled and dated.
- Avoid light and humidity—store in a drawer or pantry cabinet.
- Use within 6 months for the best flavor punch.
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Want more ways to slash your grocery bill? Check out our full library of Make Your Own Seasoning Mixes here »
🎯 Final Thoughts
Once you start making your own seasoning mixes, you’ll never want to go back to overpriced packets again. From bold tacos to cozy chili, these DIY blends elevate every meal for just pennies. Which one will you try first? Share your creations in our Facebook community and tag us—we’d love to see!
