Trader Joe’s has earned a reputation for selling unique and tasty products, but one section of the store that deserves a special shout out is their spice and seasoning collection. That’s because these aren’t your usual salt-and-pepper fare. Trader Joe’s spices are versatile, international, affordable, and are among the easiest ways to add variety to your meals and enhance flavor.

Spices and seasonings are, simply put, low-effort, high-impact culinary essentials, and TJ’s has mastered this niche. Here’s our guide to the 15 best spices from Trader Joe’s.

1. Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

If you love a good everything bagel, but don’t always want to be weighed down by an entire bagel, this will change your world. Inspired by the savory, garlicky flavor of the beloved everything bagel, this seasoning blend has salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion and garlic. This cult favorite blend amps up the flavor of…well, everything: eggs, avocado toast, hummus, Greek yogurt-based dip, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, soup — you name it.

2. 21 Seasoning Salute

Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute is a pleasantly potent mix of 21 different spices and herbs, including onion, black pepper, celery seed, cayenne pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and garlic (to name a few). It’s perfect for seasoning meat, vegetables, and soups, and it’s also versatile enough to sprinkle atop an omelet or add to a salad dressing. The best part? There’s zero grams of salt, so you can reduce your sodium intake without sacrificing taste.

3. Mushroom and Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend

If you’re not yet familiar umami, the savory “fifth taste” of foods, prepare to be amazed. Trader Joe’s Umami Seasoning Blend is a savory, earthy, slightly spicy mix that includes kosher salt, dried onion, ground mustard seed, porcini mushroom powder, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and thyme. The flavor is a smooth, rich addition to soup broths, sauces, and meat rubs, and you could also dust it over roasted veggies and pizza crusts. It’s not called a “multipurpose blend” for nothing — the versatility is legit!

4. Seasoning Salt

Why use regular salt when you can you this cool seasoning salt? This all-purpose savory seasoning brightens the flavor of most any dish. It’s a simple, but mighty blend of sea salt, granulated onion and garlic, celery seed, paprika, and dry mustard, plus a bit of ground nutmeg to balance out the saltiness. Use it as the base for salad dressings, sauces, and meat marinades, or sub it in for regular salt and pepper on sautéed veggies and scrambled eggs.

5. South African Smoke Seasoning Blend

When you’re tired of your usual rotation of spices, look to this smokey seasoning. It’s a delicious blend of African-grown, slow-smoked paprika and sea salt, garlic, and basil. The smoky paprika gives it a flavor similar to bacon, which makes it an excellent addition to grilled or barbecued meat, creamy pasta, and egg dishes.

6. Chile Lime Seasoning Blend

Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend takes everyday dishes to a whole new spicy and refreshing level. Made with sea salt, chile pepper, red bell pepper, and lime juice power, it’s the ideal balance of spicy and citrusy. Use it on tacos, salads, grilled fish, chicken, or baked potatoes. Or, add a few shakes to popcorn, sliced cucumber, or fresh watermelon and mango for an invigorating, salty snack.

7. Onion Salt

Homemade onion dip is made easy with this Trader Joe’s Onion Salt! This savory mixture includes granulated onion and garlic, plus minced onion, kosher salt, green onion, and dried chives. The possibilities with onion salt go beyond just dips: use it to season taco meat, hamburgers, or steak, sprinkle it on baked potatoes, eggs, and roasted veggies, blend it into hummus, or use it to bake your own oniony crackers or bread.

8. Dukkah

Originating from Egypt, this nut and spice blend is designed for bread-dipping purposes. It contains almonds, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, coriander, anise seeds, and kosher salt for a spicy, rich taste. Go the classic route and dip a thick slice of bread in a bit of olive oil and dukkah, or add a pinch of dukkah to hummus or salad dressing to give an extra kick of flavor.

9. Vegan Chicken-less Seasoning Salt

Although chicken salt started as a food trend at fish and chip shops in Australia, it has now taken the world by storm. Trader Joe’s is bringing this food craze into homes across the U.S. with its Vegan Chicken-less Seasoning Salt, made with sea salt, onion and garlic powder, turmeric, and a few other spices. It mimics the taste of chicken bouillon, but doesn’t use any animal products so our friendly herbivores can still enjoy it. Sprinkle this seasoning over some freshly made french fries or use it to spruce up any vegetable dish!

10. Everything But the Elote Seasoning Blend

There’s something so comforting about a fresh ear of corn that’s hot off the grill and smothered in spices. Now, it’s easier than ever to channel your inner elotero and make the delicious seasoned corn on the cob at home! Like the Everything But the Bagel blend, Everything But the Elote seasoning has everything you’d want on your elote — chile pepper, parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, dried cilantro and a couple other additions from Trader Joe himself. If you’re not a huge fan of corn but still love the taste of this irresistible seasoning, sprinkle it onto some popcorn or even chicken for a nice kick!

11. Nori Komi Furikake

We’re taking a trip around the world with Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake made with dried nori seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and kelp powder. This Japanese multi-purpose seasoning is popularly used in rice bowls and other traditional dishes like udon and ramen, but you can mix it in with some eggs, rice, or popcorn. It adds a nice crunchy texture to otherwise soft food like tofu, and the sesame seeds serve as the perfect aromatic to let everyone in the house know that you’re whipping up something delicious.

12. Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend

Very rarely do you get a seasoning that can really do it all, but Trader Joe’s has concocted this herby and savory seasoning that you can throw on just about anything. It’s got crispy onions, tomatoes, garlic, red peppers, and three herbs — everything you could possibly ask for in a seasoning. Bring the warmth of authentic Italian cooking right to your kitchen by putting this in some pasta sauce, roasted meats and veggies, and even dips and salads.

13. Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic

The name Citrusy Garlic might seem self-explanatory, but its combination of garlic, onion, lemon, lime, red pepper and 13 other seasonings hits at least three taste buds and smacks the olfactories with a combo that’s tangy, spicy, and savory. Where TJ’s Chile Lime seasoning is more chili forward, this blend takes its citrus content to 11, testing the tongue’s tolerance for tartness and brightening up the aromatics of anything it touches.

14. Cheesy Seasoning Blend

Upgrade everything from your main entrees to your midnight snacks with Trader Joe’s Cheesy Seasoning Blend. Made up of powdered Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and oregano, this flavorful seasoning can add a touch of cheesy goodness to popcorn, eggs, pastas, and more.

15. Green Goddess Seasoning Blend

Give your meals the Green Goddess treatment with this seasoning blend. Made of onion, salt, pepper, garlic, and four greens — dried chives, dried green onion, spinach powder, and dried parsley  — this blend promises a kick of herby-freshness. Add to vegetables, proteins, or use this seasoning to create your own Green Goddess dressing. 

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Spices form an integral part of Indian cuisines. People add them to main course meals like curry and biryani, desserts and beverages. Even cuisines prepared outside India contain spices in abundance. Historically, spices brought traders from across the globe to India centuries ago. Spices serve a variety of purposes apart from flavour and taste. For example, turmeric is renowned for its antibacterial and therapeutic effects. Many spices can also help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and burning more calories due to their nutritional properties.

Nutritional Advantages of Spices

Spices have intense flavours but don’t make a significant contribution to the calories in our diet. It is because we use them in relatively small amounts. However, some spices contain large protein, fats, and carbs. Paprika, for example, includes a lot of vitamin A. Spices include significant amounts of iron, minerals, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, most spices have antioxidant effects and contain phenolic components like flavonoids, which improve the body’s absorption of nutrients.

Spices that Help in Weight Loss

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The most well-known property of cinnamon is its ability to aid weight loss. Cinnamon has a natural appetite suppressant effect. Additionally, it speeds up your metabolism. It acts as an insulin stimulant and allows sugar metabolization more efficiently. One of the major causes of excess body weight is insulin resistance. It does not indicate that the person has diabetes; rather, it indicates un-metabolized insulin. The sugar in the body turns into fat if not absorbed through its metabolism. Cinnamon aids in breaking down and metabolising sugar. As a result, it helps lose weight.

2. Cayenne Pepper

This blazing hot spice gets easily digested by the stomach and decreases hunger. The active element in cayenne pepper helps to reduce bad cholesterol resulting in improved heart health. In addition, the capsaicin in peppers contains thermogenic properties that help in burning fat.

According to one study, adding 1 gram of cayenne pepper to a meal can raise core body temperature significantly. As a result, your body will burn more calories. In addition, it speeds up the metabolic process. The rate of food transformation by the body and liquids into energy is determined by metabolic rate. Therefore, the body turns nutrients into energy rather than stored fat when your metabolic rate increases. 

3. Fennel

Fennel, commonly known as Saunf, is a natural diuretic and appetite suppressant. It is high in vitamins A, C, and D. It offers several antioxidant characteristics that aid digestive health. Improved digestion naturally results in a healthy digestive system and leads to weight loss.

Fennel is high in fibre, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. As a result, it reduces cravings and overeating, leading to low-calorie consumption. It ultimately aids in weight loss. Fennel prevents fat accumulation by promoting increased vitamin and mineral absorption. Since Saunf contains diuretic characteristics, consuming fennel tea can help remove toxins from the body, resulting in weight loss. 

The seeds of fennel are essential for boosting metabolism. A healthy metabolic rate leads to a healthy and maintained weight. The key to healthily losing weight is to have a healthy metabolism. Fennel seeds contain volatile oils such as estragole, fenchone, and anethole. They aid digestion by increasing the formation of gastric juices. The key to losing weight in a healthy approach is to have a healthy digestive system.

4. Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains fibre that aids in the suppression of food cravings. Fibre also makes you feel full and prevents you from overeating. In addition, the mucilaginous fibre in the fenugreek seeds relaxes and shields the digestive system from damage caused by free radicals. As a result, it improves digestion and food absorption.

Fenugreek seeds have a significant level of insoluble fibre, which is essential for proper digestion and aids in the elimination of toxins. Additionally, galactomannan is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide in fenugreek seeds. It improves weight loss by lowering fat accumulation. 

5. Cardamom

Cardamom is a diuretic and digestive stimulant that boosts metabolism and burns fat more effectively. So a spoonful of this fragrant spice can help you lose a few pounds. 

Cardamom promotes weight loss by preventing indigestion, constipation, and water retention. It contains active chemicals that combat bacteria and balance intestinal flora. It also allows proper digestion. Additionally, it contains melatonin that speeds up the body’s fat-burning mechanism. It also aids in the expulsion of excess water from the body, retained as urine. 

The majority of fat collected near the belly in many people increases the risk for various health concerns. Cardamom water aids in the reduction of belly fat-storage by reducing the bulge in that region. You can mix a few pods into your tea or eat them to get the optimum results.

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper is capable of a lot more than merely flavouring your meal. For example, piperine, a chemical found in black pepper, improves metabolic function and reduces fat storage in the body. As a result, you can effectively prevent obesity with black pepper dishes like black pepper tea.

Black pepper additionally aids the body’s ineffective absorption of the nutrients. It is known as dietary bioavailability. In addition, it aids in boosting immunity and prevents infections. If mixed with other fat-burning ingredients, black pepper can burn an equivalent amount of calories as a 20-minute walk. It also prevents the formation of new fat cells.

7. Garlic

Along with its strong flavour, this spice also possesses fat-burning effects. Garlic burns the body fat by increasing the overall body temperature.

Garlic is essential for increasing energy levels, which helps you burn calories and stay in shape. It actively increases the metabolic rate and helps the body lose weight more effectively. In addition, garlic is well-known for its appetite-suppressing properties. It keeps you full for long, reducing your chances of overeating.

It’s a fantastic detoxifier. It aids in the removal of toxins that severely damages the digestive system. Garlic also provides several other health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and prevented heart disease and osteoarthritis. Therefore, you should include garlic in your regular diet. 

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is a well-known immunity-boosting plant that can also aid weight loss. In addition, it bears several fat-burning qualities. It aids in digestion and is a powerful fat-burning agent. It also contains a chemical called curcumin, which aids in increasing the body’s metabolic rate simply by increasing core body heat. 

Curcumin reduces inflammatory markers linked to obesity. People who are overweight or obese have higher levels of these indicators. Therefore, this substance can help you lose weight, inhibit fat tissue growth, prevent weight gain, and improve insulin sensitivity. 

Mix turmeric powder to your curry or beverages and enjoy your healthy diet. 

9. Ashwagandha

It is one of the most effective spices for weight reduction. This plant can help to improve digestion and promote metabolism. The herb contains antioxidants, anticonvulsants, and antibacterial qualities. 

Ashwagandha aids in reducing stress, one of the leading reasons for weight gain in the present time. Especially for women, various physical issues cause stress to women. Few of these concerns include an irregular menstruation cycle, acne, pimples, and bloating. It directly increases the body’s cortisol level, further leading to stress. Stress and elevated cortisol levels commonly contribute to weight gain. Ashwagandha relieves anxiety and reduces the adverse effects of cortisol on the body and overall health. It suppresses your hunger and, as a result, aids in weight loss.

Ashwagandha is high in antioxidants, necessary for weight loss and general health. They boost the metabolic rate, reduce inflammation, and aid in burning fat accumulated in the body.

10. Guggul

Guggul is a herb extracted from the resin of the Commiphora Mukul tree. As per a study, guggul can help with weight loss and improve thyroid function. Furthermore, combining a guggulsterone phosphate supplement with regular exercise results in a considerable reduction in the body’s fat mass.

High cholesterol is commonly treated and controlled with this Ayurvedic herb. In addition, ayurvedic remedies are famous for helping people lose weight and live healthier lifestyles. 

Guggul includes plant steroids known as guggulsterone that help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Research suggests that guggulsterone help improve thyroid health, which means they aid the body’s natural ability to control metabolism. The thyroid’s primary function is to regulate your metabolism. 

Metabolism refers to how your body converts food into energy that it can use to function. The thyroid produces T4 and T3 hormones to regulate metabolism. These hormones are responsible for informing the body’s cells about how much energy they should consume. Lack of proper release of these hormones results in storing all the nutrients in fat. As a result, it further contributes to weight gain.

Healthy Recipes Using Spices

Asian Jalapeno Chicken

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Cold pressed coconut oil or home made ghee: 1 tbsp
• Boneless chicken breasts chunks:  ½  kgs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sesame seeds: 1/2 tsp
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves: 2 tbsp
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
• Honey: 1/2 cup
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Lemon Juice: 1 lemon
• Sodium soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp 
• Sesame oil: 1 tsp
• Jalapeno: 1 

Method

• Put the vegetable oil over medium flame in a skillet. 
• Use salt and pepper to season the chicken. Place the seasoned skillet in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes till it turns golden.
• Then mix cornstarch and one tablespoon water in a bowl.
• Take a small frying pan and mix honey, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil and jalapeno over medium flame.
• Boil it and after lowering the heat, add cornstarch mixture to it till it becomes thick—mix chicken in it.
• Serve after garnishing with sesame seeds.

Spiced Raw Chocolate Mousse

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Raw cashews: 30g
• Raw cocoa: 2 tbsp
• Ripe avocado: 1
• Frozen banana: 1
• Raw organic honey: 2 tbsp
• Cayenne pepper- 1/2 tsp
• Ground ginger- 1/2 tsp
• Pinch of sea salt

Method

• Soften the cashews by soaking them in water for 10 to 12 minutes. 
• Put soaked cashews, cocoa, avocado, banana, honey (or maple syrup), cayenne, ginger and salt in a blender and mix until it becomes smooth and thick. 
• Add water if it becomes too thick. 
• Serve chilled

The Best Ways to Use Spices

Spices have so many health benefits that it’s advisable to incorporate them into your everyday food menu. In addition, you can use them in various ways to promote excellent health.

• The easiest way to add spice into your diet is through cooking. Whole, ground, and blended spices are readily accessible in the market. To improve food taste and nutrient content, you can use specific spices or add significant amounts of mixed spice to food while cooking.
• You can also use spices as preservatives. For example, you can use them to extend the shelf life of prepared meals. Pickles are the most common example of this.
• You can use spices as home remedies to address various minor health conditions. For example, prepare face packs using turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon to treat acne and achieve bright skin. Turmeric paste also treats minor scrapes and bruises. In addition, it is rich with antibacterial properties that heal wounds fast.  

Precaution

Spices are beneficial for health. They are generally safe to consume on an everyday basis without causing significant adverse effects. However, individual reactions to different spices can be harmful if you consume spiced foods or drinks that aren’t adequately prepared or preserved. Therefore, you should also avoid excessive consumption of spices.

Overeating hot or spiced foods can result in nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea. It is because spicy foods produce significant body heat, which harms the good bacteria and membrane of the stomach. Moreover, in case of contact with hot spices, there is a possibility of inducing contact dermatitis or red, itchy rashes. Spices that release quite a lot of heat, like cinnamon and nutmeg, are more likely to cause it. 

Furthermore, many spices may react with certain drugs, resulting in blood thinning and haemorrhoids development. Fortunately, these are highly uncommon, and the advantages of spices suppress the minor side effects.

Conclusion

Although spices effectively suppress hunger, it does not mean you should use them excessively. Instead, make intelligent choices, and you’ll lose weight naturally. Also, when purchasing spices, make sure they’re unadulterated and safe, particularly if you’re buying spice blends or powdered spices for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which spices are good for health?

A. Cinnamon, fennel, fenugreek, and turmeric are all beneficial to your health. Fennel is a natural diuretic and appetite suppressant, while cinnamon contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that aid in weight loss. At the same time, the fibre in fenugreek helps curb food cravings and improves digestion and meal absorption. Furthermore, turmeric helps boost immunity and lose weight. 

Q. How do spices affect your body?

A. Spices offer several health advantages and a delicious taste and fragrance to your food. Therefore, you should include them in your regular diet. They aid in weight reduction, reduce food cravings, enhance digestion and meal absorption, and are also used to promote immunity and improve thyroid function.

Q. What spices boost energy?

A. Several spices help boost energy. For example, ginseng contains ginsenosides, eleutherosides, and ciwujianosides, which have energy-enhancing effects. In addition, spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves can help you feel more energised throughout the day.

Q. Which spice keeps the heart healthy?

A. Cinnamon has heart-healthy properties. It helps lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which helps lower blood pressure and keeps blood flowing well around your body. Furthermore, some spices in Indian delicacies also help improve heart health, which include garlic, pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.

Q. Are dried spices healthy?

A. Yes, dried spices with high ORAC values, such as cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, have antioxidant properties. A teaspoon of these spices is about the same amount as a cup of blueberries or strawberries. In addition, dried spices have a lot of nutritional value, which helps benefit the body.

Q. Is Chilli good for health?

A. Yes, Chilli has up to seven times the vitamin C content of an orange. As a result, it has several health advantages. For example, it helps reduce headaches, muscular, joint, and nerve pain, and battling nasal congestion. 

Q. What spice unclogs arteries?

A. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps maintain arteries clear from any blockages. That is because of curcumin in turmeric. It helps reduce inflammation, a primary cause of artery hardening.

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No matter how seasoned a cook you are, you know that the right herbs and spices will enhance flavor.

But have you checked the expiration dates on your spice jars lately? Seasonings may look like they’ll last forever, but do spices go bad?

Do Herbs & Spices Really Expire or Go Bad?

Not really. According to the USDA, most pantry items can last for years, if not indefinitely, including dried herbs and spices.

Still, herbs and spices do have a shelf-life for freshness, even if they don’t appear spoiled.

Air, heat, and bright light can cause herbs and spices to lose flavor over time, and if that happens, they simply won’t work.

Can spices go bad and make you sick?

According to Brittany Crump, M.P.H., R.D.N. at Savor Nutrition, “Over time, herbs and spices will lose their flavor, but there’s a very low risk they will make you sick.”

Herbs and spices don’t go bad as milk or yogurt would.

Eating 25-year old curry powder won’t kill you, but that spiced chicken won’t taste or look quite right.

It’s tough to tell how long spices are good after the expiration date. But the longer you wait, the more flavor you lose.

Shelf-Life of Common Herbs & Spices

When should you throw out old spices? To get the maximum flavor out of your herbs and spices, use them before the “best by” date (if one is listed).

The type of spice — fresh, ground, or whole — affects how long they last.

Here’s a chart of the average shelf-life for common herbs and spices from Iowa State University:

Whole Vs. Ground Spice

In general:

• Ground (dried) spices will last 2-3 years.
• Whole spices will last 4-5 years.

You can apply this rule of thumb to:

• Asian spices (ginger, star anise, lemongrass, etc.)
• Indian spices (cardamom, garam masala, turmeric, etc.)
• Mexican spices (annatto, chile, oregano, etc.)
• Mediterranean spices (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.)
• Moroccan spices (paprika, nutmeg, Ras el hanout, etc.)
• Other spices not listed above

While the strategy might work for the average palate, you might want to observe stricter “best by” dates if you have truly discerning tastes.

Some chefs or recipe sites recommend chucking ground spice after three months and whole spices after 10 months.

Salt is an exception. Table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, Himalayan — no matter which kind you like, you can store salt indefinitely.

Do Different Spice Brands Matter?

“The most important factor is the freshness of the spice, not the brand,” says Crump. Most spice companies will seal their spice jars to lock in the freshness.

Look at the “best by” dates before you buy because stale spices won’t do your dish justice!

Anti-Caking Additives

Some manufacturers use anti-caking agents to help preserve the freshness of their products.

Since caking is caused by moisture, these additives act to absorb or repel water and oil to prevent spices from clumping together.

One of the most common anti-caking food additives, silicon dioxide, is approved by the FDA for safe human consumption.

Not every spice brand uses anti-caking agents, but many do.

If you really want to avoid these additives, be sure to read the ingredients list on the label.

Tips to Enjoy Fresher Herbs & Spices

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Do spices go bad?” let’s look at some best practices. Herbs and spices can be expensive.

Here are top tips to get the most out of your culinary investment:

• Buy whole spices instead of ground. You’ll have a longer window of opportunity to enjoy them. Invest in a spice mill or pestle to ground whole spices.
• Don’t buy in bulk. Buy smaller quantities that you can use up in just a few months to a year.
• Use air-tight spice jars. If your herbs and spices don’t come in a jar, use a glass mason jar or stainless steel container to keep air out.
• Store in cool, dry places. Avoid direct sunlight or moisture, which can degrade the herbs and spices. “The convenience is tempting, but avoid storing your spices near your stove or any heat sources that generate humidity, which can cause spices to lose their freshness,” Crump adds. “I prefer to store mine in a cool, dry cabinet.”

If you’re looking for tips on how to use spices in cooking, we recommend checking out:

Want more expert nutrition tips and advice? Head over to BODNutrition.com to earn how Beachbody nutrition programs and products can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

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