Get ready for taco night with this homemade Low Sodium Taco Seasoning recipe. You won’t mind that there is less salt with all the bold flavors of herbs and spices. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to make a big batch to keep in your pantry for all your favorite taco recipes.
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If you follow a low sodium diet or are just trying to be healthier in general, this is a great substitute for taco seasoning packets found at the grocery store. One of the best ways to lower sodium intake is to make your own seasoning blends, like this homemade blackened seasoning.
Sprinkle on ground beef for beef taco salad, shrimp for air fryer shrimp tacos, or use it as a chicken taco seasoning when making air fryer chicken thighs. This seasoning pairs well with any of our sides for shrimp tacos as well!
This is one of the best low sodium taco seasoning recipes and I’ve been using it for years on all my Tex-Mex and Mexican inspired dishes. This spice blend has all the flavors of an authentic Mexican taco seasoning.
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Why We Love this Recipe
- A healthy pantry swap! It’s a copycat Old El Paso taco seasoning recipe without the added sugar, salt, and fillers.
- Easily customizable! Control the ingredients by making this a salt free taco seasoning or kick up the heat and make a spicier version. Get creative and make your own DIY taco seasoning to suit your taste buds!
- Kid-friendly! Everyone will love this mild taco seasoning recipe.
- The meal possibilities are endless! Try this healthy taco seasoning on a variety of meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
The spices needed to make this homemade taco seasoning are probably already in your pantry or spice cabinet! Here's what you will need.
- Cumin - a main ingredient, it has a warm and earthy flavor with hints of both sweetness and bitterness.
- Chili powder - it's mild to moderately spicy, so use accordingly.
- Smoked paprika - smoked paprika is one of my favorite spices because it has a rich, smoky flavor. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika will work too.
- Garlic powder - made from garlic cloves that have been dehydrated and ground. The flavor is sweeter and more mild than fresh garlic.
- Onion powder - this has a very similar flavor to fresh onions and is pungent and sweet.
- Mexican oregano - the flavor is earthy with a hint of citrus.
- Salt & black pepper - only a small amount of salt is used and it can be removed completely for a no salt taco seasoning, if you prefer.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make a no sodium taco seasoning by omitting the small amount of salt called for in this recipe. You won’t miss it with the bold flavors of the other spices.
- For a spicy taco seasoning, add a bit of heat by doubling the amount of chili powder or add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use chipotle chili powder.
- Marjoram is the best substitute for Mexican oregano, or regular oregano works well too.
- Use chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder for a bolder flavor and more intense heat.
How to Make Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
It’s quick and easy to make your own taco seasoning full of great flavor. Use this on your favorite taco recipes, from fish tacos to beef tacos. With this easy taco seasoning, Taco Tuesday has never tasted so good!
Step 1: Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. This low sodium taco seasoning recipe makes about 2 tablespoons.
Expert Tips
- Some chili powders contain salt, so be aware of this if you’re on a strict no salt diet. Look for chili powder without salt.
- Store spices properly for maximum shelf life. Read more on how to do that in the “Storage” section below.
- Make a large batch to have in your pantry by doubling or tripling the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
It’s typical to use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat. Use up to 3 tablespoons if you want a bolder flavor.
Store-bought taco seasoning packets usually contain 1 ounce, or 2 tablespoons, of seasoning.
If stored properly, ground spices can last up to 2 years. Whole spices can last up to 4 years. When spices expire, they don’t “go bad” but they lose potency and flavor.
A typical store-bought taco seasoning packet contains 1,800 mg of sodium. This low sodium taco seasoning recipe has around 1,000 mg of salt which equals about 200 mg per serving.
Storage
After you make this authentic taco seasoning recipe, you need to store it properly to ensure it has a long shelf life. I prefer to store spices in a glass container, like a mason jar or these beautifully labeled spice jars with bamboo lids.
Store homemade taco seasoning in a cool, dark space, like a pantry or drawer, in an airtight container. Keep leftovers for up to 1 year.
Hungry for More?
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Homemade Low Sodium Taco Seasoning Recipe
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 2 tablespoons - enough to season one pound of meat
- If you want this spice blend to be spicier, double the chili powder and consider adding red pepper flakes and/or cayenne.
- Subtract the salt if you want a no sodium seasoning mix
Asia
This is EXACTLY how I make my taco seasoning too. It always tastes so delicious!
Christine
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thank you! 😊