20 Best (& Worst) Trader Joe's Seasoning Blends, Ranked

Stephanie Osmanski

July 26, 2023 at 8:30 PM·10 min read

Trader Joe's is beloved for many reasons: excellent customer service, cute tote bags, an incredible array of creative snacks, and a freezer section packed with heat-and-eat dinners and tons of treats. And then there's the never-ending array of Trader Joe's seasoning blends.

You probably know about the cult-favorite Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, which we love on so many things, and maybe you've experimented with a jar of Chile Lime Seasoning Blend, but are you aware of the depth and breadth of the Trader's spice rack? The store changed the seasoning game with its delicious and unique blends.

With new products launching often, it's hard to keep up with what's happening on the TJ's seasoning front. And that's where we come in. To help you make sense of the Trader Joe's spice aisle, we ranked 20 of the best (and worst) Trader Joe's seasonings and spice blends. Which shaker will end up on top? Read on to find out.

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Trader Joe's seasonings, ranked

20. Trader Joe's Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

Ketchup lovers went bananas when Trader Joe's introduced this unexpected seasoning flavor, but it falls a little flat for us. What do you actually put ketchup-flavored seasoning on? If anyone has the answer, let us know, because in nearly every scenario, we'd just prefer plain old ketchup.

Trader Joe's Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle Seasoning Blend (Pack of 1)

19. Trader Joe's Salmon Rub Seasoning Blend

While there are a lot of salmon dishes that TJ's gets right (like their Crispy Rice Salmon Bites and the Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon), this blend is a bust. The mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, pepper, salt and thyme is pretty easy to replicate at home, which makes this one feel not so special.

Trader Joe's Salmon Rub Seasoning Blend, 2.6 oz (Pack of 1)

18. Trader Joe's Pizza Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

This is another seasoning blend that gets points for creativity but falls short in the taste and practicality categories. Good on TJ's for going out of their comfort zone and appealing to pizza-loving people (AKA everyone), but just like the ketchup blend, what do you put Pizza Sprinkle Seasoning Blend on? Pizza? Popcorn? I mean, I guess, but do you really need to?

Trader Joe's Pizza Sprinkle Seasoning Blend (Pack of 1)

17. Trader Joe's Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning

This blend of black and white sesame seeds, strips of toasted nori, salt and kelp powder has a nice nutty flavor with hits of umami from the seaweed. Some shoppers have found that it's a little heavy on the sesame seeds and a little light on the nori. If you're a furikake fan, you're probably better off grabbing a shaker at an Asian market.

Trader Joe's Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning

16. Trader Joe's Za'atar Seasoning Blend

This blend is no longer on the TJ's site and seems to have been discontinued, though some shoppers may still have a jar in their cabinets. Some reviewers found it a little saltier than it needed to be, while others complained that it was bland. TJ's used a combination of sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, coriander, oregano and more, but the ingredients list of the Middle Eastern spice blend varies widely. Grab a jar at a Middle Eastern market or even at your go-to grocery store, where we're seeing it pop up on shelves. Sprinkle it on roasted veggies, chicken or salmon, or use it to dress up your dips or movie night popcorn.

Trader Joe's Za'ztar ZAATAR Seasoning Blend - 1.87oz - Middle Eastern Inspired Seasoning (Pack of 1)

15. Trader Joe's Ajika Georgian Seasoning Blend

Ajika Georgian Seasoning at TJ's is milder than the ajika you might find elsewhere, particularly in Georgia (although, TJ's says this seasoning is, in fact, made there). The TJ's version has a little bit of heat, a bit of a garlicky flavor, and an aromatic note from coriander fenugreek, and marigold petals. It's great on eggs, roasted potatoes, and grilled meat and pairs well with cheese.

Trader Joe's Ajika Georgian Seasoning Blend 2.1 oz

14. Trader Joe's Smoked Paprika

Ideal for anyone who wants to add a hefty dose of smokiness to their proteins or veggies, TJ's Smoked Paprika is a staple that should be in your pantry at all times. Is it the best or even the fan favorite? No, but it's still a solid addition to your spice cabinet.

Trader Joe's Smoked Paprika (2.6 Ounce (Pack of 1) - SET OF 2)

13. Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

This blend of coffee, garlic, paprika, brown sugar and sea salt is great on grilled chicken or steak and is also a fun way to wake up a baked potato.

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

12. Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute

Believe it or not, the number on the label is correct. There really are 21 seasonings in this blend. The mix of onion, pepper, celery seed, cayenne, parsley, basil, marjoram, bay leaf, oregano, thyme—and 11 more tasty things is great on fish, poultry, dressings or marinades, dips, pizza, roasted chickpeas, sandwiches, veggies. It's worth noting that salt isn't one of the ingredients, so this mix is great for cooks who are watching their sodium intake.

Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute (Pack of 2)

11. Trader Joe's Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend

If you cook a lot of Italian dishes, like pasta, lasagna and marinara sauce, TJ's Italian Style Soffritto will cut your seasoning time in half. The combination of onion, tomato flakes, sea salt, garlic, chili peppers, parsley, crushed red pepper, rosemary and sage will give all your dishes the Nonna touch.

Trader Joe's Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend 2.7 oz

10. Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose UMAMI Seasoning Blend

We'll kick the top 10 off with this super savory blend of salt, porcini and button mushrooms, onion, mustard seed, thyme and red and black pepper. This little jar has nearly 1,800 Amazon reviews and 82% of those are five-star ratings. Reviewers noted that it has a mild mushroom taste, but deepens the flavor of a range of dishes, including salad dressings, eggs and soups. It's a great addition to a vegetarian kitchen because it can add a plant-based hit of "meaty" depth with just a shake.

Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose UMAMI Seasoning Blend NET WT. (2 Packs) 2.1 OZ

9. Trader Joe's Sriracha Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

Concerned about the sriracha shortage? TJ's has your back. This blend has an extra kick of flavor that's super versatile. Here are five ideas off the top of our heads: Add it to ramen, mix it into a rub for seafood (especially shrimp), sprinkle it on deviled eggs, mix it with honey and drizzle it on pizza, or add it to your breading mix for fried chicken for a spicy surprise.

Trader Joe's Sriracha Sprinkle Seasoning Blend (Pack of 1)

8. Traders Joe's Cheesy Seasoning Blend

Obviously, Cheesy Seasoning Blend is a delicious topper for popcorn, but if think outside of the popcorn box, you'll see that this mix has lots of uses. The base cheese is cheddar, so let that be your muse. Try it on baked or mashed potatoes, sprinkle it in tomato soup, add it to scrambled eggs, or put a dash in your ground beef to infuse the meat with cheesy flavor.

Traders Joe Green Goddess and Cheesy Seasoning Blend

7. Trader Joe's Ranch Seasoning Blend

We know—you can find ranch-seasoned food just about anywhere, but Ranch Seasoning Blend from TJ's lets you DIY it. You can sprinkle (not drizzle) a little bit (or a lotta bit) on salad, pizza, wings, french fries, popcorn, roasted veggies, quesadillas, tacos and more.

Trader Joe's Ranch Seasoning Blend (Pack of 2)

6. Trader Joe's Green Goddess Seasoning Blend

Another dressing-turned-seasoning-blend, TJ's take on Green Goddess is out of this world. Herbal and oniony (thanks to the green onions in the mix), this blend plays well with vegetables and fish and is a fun and easy way to instantly upgrade your avocado toast.

Trader Joe's Green Goddess Seasoning Blend (Pack of 2)

5. Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend

Garlic, salt, onion, lime, red pepper, bay leaves, coriander, cumin, pepper, bitter orange, oregano, cilantro, basil, lemon, marjoram and parsley come together to make a mojo sauce (a staple in Cuban cuisine) in powder form. Put it on veggies and salads or use it as a rub or pork tenderloin or pork chops.

Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend 2.25oz

4. Trader Joe's Onion Salt

TJ's Onion Salt may not break the mold in terms of innovation, but it's a great version of the pantry essential. It's mostly granulated onion, but TJ's ups the alliums (the onion family) by also mixing in green onion, chives, granulated garlic and minced onion for a super-charged flavor. We suggest that you buy two at a time so you're always stocked up. Our favorite way to use it? Scrambled eggs.

Trader Joe's Onion Salt

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3. Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend

A spicy blend that can be used on anything (so long as you can handle a slight kick), Chile Lime Seasoning Blend pairs well with soups, eggs, potatoes, grilled cheese, quesadillas and tacos. But the TJ's website might have the best idea of all: use the seasoning blend to coat the rim of a margarita glass. Genius!

Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend 2.9 Oz, Pack of 1

2. Trader Joe's Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend

A consistent fan-favorite, Trader Joe's better never discontinue this blend because fans may storm the store. It's inspired by elote, the famous Mexican street corn, which is sweet and salty and creamy and so delicious. The highlight ingredients include dried cilantro, cumin, chipotle powder, Parmesan cheese, chili pepper and cane sugar, but the real reason people love this blend is not because of any one ingredient. It's because it's somehow citrusy but not acidic and creamy but not too savory. It is the best of both worlds, and it's incomparable. It instantly improves many things, but try it on biscuits and burgers and toast and, well, grilled corn.

Trader Joe's Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend With Chile Pepper, Parmesan Cheese, Chipotle Powder, Cumin, Cilantro and Sea Salt Simply Delicious - PACK OF 2

1. Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

The be-all end-all of Trader Joe's seasonings, the Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has an extremely enthusiastic fan club. Can you make it at home? Sure. It's just sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic and onion, but TJ's has the blend down to a science and it's so much easier to buy than DIY. If you choose only one spice from this list to keep in the pantry at all times, please let it be this one. Wondering what to do with it? We have a few (25 to be exact) thoughts.

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 oz, Pack of 1

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