Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning with Low Sodium Option is my go-to homemade spice blend, refreshed for anyone who wants big taco flavor without relying on added salt. When sodium intake became a concern for me, I went back to the recipe and realized something important: a well-balanced mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and more, holds its own just fine. This version tastes great as written, with the option to add salt if you want it, so you can season tacos your way without sacrificing flavor.
Why I love this Taco Seasoning, and hope you will, too
The spice blend industry is a whole thing at this point, and I’m not mad about it. But it wasn’t always that way. Just a decade or two ago, there were a few common spice blends — curry powder, chili powder, seasoned salt, poultry seasoning — plus a couple of taco seasoning options and, of course, the ubiquitous ranch packet. And that was about it (unless you were willing to go mail-order. Penzeys!).
If you wanted a spice rub for your brisket or a smokin’ hot chili powder, you had to make that yourself. Which is how I became obsessed with making my own spice and herb blends.
But while spices, herbs, and their combos now occupy almost an entire aisle at the grocery store, one thing is still curiously missing: low-sodium blends. I’m not here to go all neggy on salt. It’s fabulous — I don’t have a sweet tooth; gimme all the salty carbs! My favorite thing in the world is potato chips. But sometimes life throws you cruel curveballs and forces you to watch your sodium intake. Boooo!
Taco seasoning has been my go-to spice mix of late, sprinkling it on gently rather than generously because salt is usually the second or third ingredient (remember: the ingredients list on food packaging are ordered from highest to lowest concentrations).
So, I took my own favorite, long-standing homemade blend and made one tweak to see what would happen — I left out the salt. The verdict: still delish!
The best thing about this low-sodium taco seasoning is that I can have my salt and eat it, too. I simply season the components of a dish — say, add lots of my seasoning to a pound of ground beef for Taco Soup — and then wait until the cooking is complete to give a final taste and adjust the salt at that point.
If homemade spice blends are your jam, you might want to check out my Homemade Chili Powder, my Creole Spice Blend, and my Garlic Bread Seasoning.
Recipe Highlights
- My version of Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning is super flavorful without any added salt. Try it for yourself! You can always add salt to your jar at any time.
- This versatile spice blend is easy to make and easy to customize. Tweak the ingredient balance, or add your favorite zesty spices to suit your tastes.
- Although Mexican in inspiration, taco seasoning can be used in so many dishes for a bright and flavorful result. Sprinkle it on roasted veggies and baked potatoes (russet or sweet). Even cottage cheese!
Key Ingredients
This taco seasoning blend is spice-heavy, but not hot, and includes ground spices such as chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, oregano, and more. If you prefer things a little zestier, choose a hotter chili powder, or add other ground chili peppers, such as chipotle or cayenne.
Frequently Asked Questions
–
How to Make Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning
Ready to make the recipe? Skip to the recipe card now to see the full ingredient list, quantities, prep/cooking times, and printable, detailed instructions. Or, keep scrolling for a visual walk-through and summary of making the seasoning.
Grind the dried herbs (optional)
If your dried herbs and nutritional yeast are in flake form, run them through a spice grinder to reduce them to powder. This will allow them to seamlessly blend into the rest of the spices in your jar or bottle.
Mix the blend
Pour all of the measured spices and herbs — plus salt, if you’re using it — into a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. A funnel helps to direct the spices right into the container (you can MacGyver a funnel by rolling a piece of paper into a cone). Stir well with a small spoon or chopstick, and you’re ready to go!
Storing
Store tightly sealed in a cool, low-light place. Depending on the freshness of the spices you started with, this taco seasoning should retain its fragrance and flavor for 3 to 6 months.
I hope this Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. Whether you go with my low-sodium version or choose to add a little salt, you’re getting way better flavor than anything that comes in a packet. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know!
Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning (with salted option)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon mild chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- First, check your oregano, marjoram, and nutritional yeast. If any of them are in flake form rather than powdered form, I recommend running them through a few pulses in a spice grinder to break up the pieces. This will allow them to mix easily into the other spices.
- Add all of the seasoning ingredients to a bottle or jar. A funnel will help direct the ingredients into the container. Use a small spoon or chopstick to stir everything together.
- Store in a cool, dry, low-light area. Makes about 5 tablespoons.