Want a taco mix free of ingredients like MSG, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and silicon dioxide? Make this homemade taco seasoning mix for a preservative-free spice mix. Bonus: it’s super versatile and tastes amazing!

Are you looking for a taco mix free of ingredients like MSG, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and silicon dioxide? Make this homemade taco seasoning mix for a preservative-free spice mix. Bonus: it’s super versatile and tastes amazing!

A taco just isn’t a taco without the perfect blend of spicy flavor.

I’m a firm believer in tasty taco seasoning and love to add it to tons of recipes. But you know how I feel about store-bought stuff and packaged foods.

Like packaged taco seasoning.

That’s why I’ve come up with this DIY homemade taco seasoning mix that adds just the right amount of kick to Mexican dishes. Chili is a big hit here in Texas, you know, so of course, we make it often and it’s a favorite when we go to a potluck.

Taco salad is another dish where this spice works really well. And have you made my chicken tortilla soup in your slow cooker? It’s another recipe where this seasoning mix adds the perfect touch.

This homemade taco seasoning mix is easy to make in minutes and you’ll most likely have all of the spices in your pantry. Let’s try it!

Overhead image of a marble cutting board with white and clear bowls filled with spices including paprika, cumin, kosher salt, dried oregano, ground ginger and more; wooden spoons are beside.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?

If I don’t have taco seasoning (a rare occurrence!) I use a mixture of chili powder and cumin. If I really want to add a little extra heat, I add some cayenne pepper. For a bit of smokiness, you can add chipotle chili powder. Mmm.

The great thing about making your own spice mixes is that you can go heavier on the specific spice that you like best. Don’t forget a dash of salt and pepper.

Close up side view of a mason jar containing a few of the ingredients to make taco seasoning mix, with some of the spices pictured beside.

How Many Tablespoons Are In A Packet Of Taco Seasoning?

A typical package of store-bought taco seasoning is the equivalence of 2 tablespoons of the mix. If you have a recipe that calls for one packet of taco seasoning, go ahead and substitute it with 2 tablespoons of this much healthier homemade taco seasoning!

An overhead view of some of the spices in bowls; a bit of the mixture is in a bowl with a wooden spoon and a funnel is in the mason jar for adding the mix.

What Is In Store Bought Taco Seasoning?

Store bought taco seasoning has a lot of stuff you want to avoid. Seriously, homemade taco seasoning is just SO much better for you! When you make your own you don’t have ingredients like tons of salt, sugar (hidden sugars you don’t need!) and silicon dioxide, which is used as an anticaking agent.

The dangers aren’t clearly outlined but studies do show that there may be risks with eating a lot of food containing this ingredient.

What else is in packaged taco mix? MSG as a flavor enhancer is one, and we all know many people have adverse reactions to it such as headaches. Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is another ingredient I choose to avoid, along with Ethoxyquin, a controversial preservative often used in pet foods, too.

A side view of some of the spices in bowls; a bit of the mixture is in a bowl with a wooden spoon and a funnel is in the mason jar for adding the mix.

What Is In This Homemade Taco Seasoning?

This homemade taco seasoning has delicious and aromatic ingredients that you’ll find in your spice cupboard. The blend is amazing! Here are the ingredients:

Kosher salt
Ground cumin
Ground black pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Dried oregano
Cayenne pepper
Ground ginger.

How To Make This Homemade Taco Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning mix is just so simple! Want to know how easy it is to make a spice blend that you’ll use over and over? To make it, you combine all of the ingredients and mix them well, storing the mixture in an airtight container in the pantry.

An airtight container is essential to keeping those flavors aromatic and fresh. Store no longer than 6 months. That is it – ready to go!

Overhead view of 5 spoons side by side and one at the top, all have spices in them to be mixed as taco seasoning.

What Can You Substitute For Cumin In Taco Seasoning?

As a substitute for cumin in taco seasoning, I would swap one of these in:

Garam masala - this blend often has cumin in it, so if you don’t want cumin, don’t choose this as a substitute
Ground coriander - milder than cumin with an earthy, lemony taste
Fennel seeds - they have a licorice-like taste, so keep this in mind
Caraway seeds - milder than cumin also but with a similar taste
Curry powder - curry powder has cumin in it, and turmeric too (read about the benefits!)
Paprika - gives an earthy and smoky taste

Overhead view of 6 spoons side by side, all have spices in them to be mixed as taco seasoning.

Ways To Use Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

You are going to love this spice mix so much that you’ll find tons of ways to use it. Like these!

As a spice rub for beef, chicken and fish
In soup (like chicken enchilada soup!)
Sprinkle on your avocado toast
As a flavor boost to a pan of roasting veggies
Use it to flavor a homemade dip
To add a kick to popcorn
Season your quinoa taco stackers

More Homemade Seasoning Blends

Now that you know how much healthier homemade seasoning blends are for you, you’ll want to keep making them! Try these:

This post contains affiliate links to products I use regularly and highly recommend.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix | With Spices You Likely Have At Home!