11 Best Seasoned Salts
Seasoned salts are truly an excellent way of quickly adding a new dimension of flavor. And if you have been looking for the best seasoned salt options then you are at the right place.
What are the best-seasoned salts? The best-seasoned salts provide a balance of flavor, add versatility, and are made using high-quality ingredients. Brands can go overboard with additives and preservatives to stabilize their product. If you want the best, then stick to natural seasonings.
Read below to learn more about seasoned salts, why you should use them, and the best-seasoned salt options available right now!
What Are Seasoned Salts?
Seasoned salt is a fantastic way to add complex flavors to your dishes without adding additional herbs or seasonings.
Chefs have been seasoning salt for a very long time. In a restaurant setting, seasoned salts not only help add layers of flavors but are also extremely convenient.
Instead of frantically taking out multiple condiments, herbs, and seasonings, a chef can just add a dash of seasoned salts to get the same great flavor.
Many restaurants will make their own seasoned salts, but home chefs don’t have to worry about getting their ratios just right. Instead, you can purchase a seasoned salt and know it will taste good, every time.
Classic Seasoned Salt Combos
Since salt seasonings are so diverse, there is not one perfect blend that you can use – but there are a few classics that you can easily rely on for all-purpose cooking.
A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic, for example, can go a long way in making meat and veggie dishes.
You can use this combination as a quick marinade or you could also sprinkle some over as a garnish for an extra boost of flavor!
There are also a lot of complex blends that can combine 5, 7, or more herbs and spices to create extremely delicious seasonings.
Every region has its twist on salt blends.
Some might focus more on umami flavorings with the help of dried, pulverized ginger and garlic. While others may be more inclined towards a spicy blend of paprika, red chilies, turmeric, and other regional spices.
The “Right” Blend
Recommending the right blend can be tough because, for most people, the definition of the “best blend” will be ever-changing.
The best way to combat this issue is to buy 2-3 essential blends that you can use in a variety of recipes.
Begin by assessing your needs. If you like spicy food then you will get more value from seasoned salt blends that contain several spices like paprika and red chili.
Want more umami flavors? Then go for blends that contain garlic, ginger, onion powder, and other strong ingredients that can bring out the best in your savory dishes.
Once you have these basic blends, you can quickly whip up a meal without creating a mess and without shopping for additional ingredients!
But before you go on a seasoned salt shopping spree, we highly recommend that you check out our buyer’s guide for some important information on the ingredients and quality of seasoned blends:
Buyer’s Guide for Best Seasoned Salts
Here are some things you’ll want to consider when shopping for seasoned salts:
- MSG and other additives
- Dietary restrictions and preferences
- Blend buality
MSG and Other Additives
Some brands use MSG (monosodium glutamate) to spike the flavor of their seasoned salt blend.
While these products are commonly used in a commercial setting (like in restaurants or food factories) it’s always best that you keep it natural and healthy when shopping for seasoned salts for your personal use.
MSG is a very common flavor enhancer that is used to amplify the overall flavor of the blend and to bring out the umami notes in food. However, this ingredient is also notorious for being overused in a typical diet.
The use of MSG has been linked to some health problems in the past, though recent research and sources like the Mayo Clinic do not always agree that it’s harmful in small portions.
It’s probably worth avoiding excessive MSG consumption to be safe, however.
So, if you already eat a lot of take-out or are accustomed to eating out then you should probably go for a seasoned salt that does not have added MSG or preservatives in it.
Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
Against modified food products? Then check the packaging on the back for Non-GMO and kosher labels because some brands may rely on modified food ingredients to flavor their products.
Keep an eye out for the ingredient label on any salt blend that contains a lot of spices and herbs. Chances are, some might contain dairy or may not be gluten-free.
Although these restrictive seasoned salt blends are phasing out in favor of improved and better seasonings, you may still run into a lot of options that may not be suitable for people with dietary restrictions.
Luckily, several seasoned salt products in our recommendations below can easily fit your preferences.
Blend Quality
Never tried seasoned salts? Then make sure you pick a brand that offers a basic pairing of salt, pepper, and garlic.
These three ingredients are enough to get you started, but you can try out other combinations for an even more developed flavor too.
The quality of ingredients used to make seasoned salts speak directly to their flavor and texture. See, cheaper seasoned salts may contain chemical flavorings that are used as a replacement for flavor enhancers – a.k.a. seasonings, spices, and herbs.
These chemicals provide artificial flavors that can cover up the low-quality ingredients used in salt seasoning.
A high-quality blend will always be free-flowing and free from harmful chemicals. Free-flowing seasoned salts are preferred because they do not clump up or harden, due to humidity or changing weather conditions.
11 Best Seasoned Salts
Here are some top picks that you can rely on to flavor virtually all your meals:
Rank | Product | Description |
---|---|---|
1. | Lawry's Seasoned Salt | Classic onion, paprika, turmeric, and garlic mix |
2. | Spice LA Seasoned Salt | Meat and veggie seasoning agent |
3. | Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Salt Seasoning | Complex but balanced with hints of truffle |
4. | Borsari Original Seasoned Salt Blend | All-purpose salt seasoning |
5. | Morton Season-All Seasoned Salt | Great for marinades and savory dishes |
6. | Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt | Go-to everyday mix of spices and herbs |
7. | Gourmet Celtic Sea Salt Organic Celery Salt | Adds complexity and flavor to give food a restaurant-level appeal |
8. | Sylvias Soulful Seasoned Salt | Simple seasoned salt blend |
9. | Lawry's Coarse Ground Garlic Salt With Parsley | Great as garnish or primary flavor agent |
10. | McCormick Himalayan Pink Salt with Black Pepper and Garlic | All-purpose blend of Himalayan salt and classic seasonings |
11. | Johnny's Seasoning Salt | Perfect blend for roasts, steaks, hamburgers, and chicken |
Our recommendations have been handpicked as per our buyer’s guide so you can expect only the best-seasoned salt products!
1. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Lawry’s seasoned salt is a balanced mix of paprika, garlic, onion, and turmeric. It is an excellent all-purpose blend that can be used in a variety of cuisines.
It’s a simple seasoned salt mix made a little more interesting with paprika and turmeric. But it’s the addition of garlic and onion in this mixture that truly makes it stand out.
Not only can you use this seasoned salt to flavor sauces and gravies but it can also be used as a dry rub to marinate chicken and beef.
If you are in the market for something highly versatile and reliable then this is a good place to start. Plus, it’s available in multiple sizes, so you can buy according to your needs and your household size.
2. Spice LA Seasoned Salt
Add a bit of spice and a flavorful kick using Spice LA’s seasoned salt.
Made with a delicious combination of herbs and spices, this ingredient is the perfect way to season a lot of different dishes.
Love Mexican, Portuguese or Indian cuisine? Then this seasoned salt blend will help you create tasty, restaurant-level dishes that you can enjoy with your family.
Yeah that’s right, this spice mix covers a WIDE variety of cuisines. Just swap the ingredients you pair it with and you have a really versatile spice mix.
It’s made from premium non-GMO ingredients and is completely kosher! It is available in a 10lb bottle which should be more than enough to last you a while, too!
3. Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Salt Seasoning
Bring a luxurious flavor to ordinary home cooking! This truffle-infused seasoned salt is a fantastic way to up your game in the kitchen.
Truffle everything!
Use this salt as a seasoning for seafood, and salads, or use it as a simple marinade in combination with other spicy seasonings for the ultimate flavor boost.
This product is made from non-GMO ingredients, is kosher, without added MSG, and is vegan too. It is available in a 4-ounce bottle but we guarantee that you will need to stock up on more once you get to try this deliciously seasoned salt!
4. Borsari Original Seasoned Salt Blend
Looking for a high-quality seasoning that can deliver on flavor without sacrificing your diet or health? Then Borsari’s original salt blend will make for an excellent companion!
This salt blend is made from premium ingredients and contains a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, and selected spices.
It is extremely flavorful for a product that is free of added MSG. Use it guilt-free as a garnish or a seasoning for marinades.
If you are new to seasoned salts then we recommend that you start with a small bottle and then make your way up to a larger size, once you realize how great this blend is!
5. Morton Season – All Seasoned Salt
Like the label reads, this all-purpose seasoned salt contains a mix of garlic, black powder, paprika, onion, and a hint of red chili.
This combination of spices and herbs makes it not just great for marinades but you can also easily use it to make lots of different recipes from a range of cuisines!
We recommend this seasoned salt to anyone who is looking for a balanced mix of flavors along with an all-purpose seasoning that they can easily go to for any type of recipe.
6. Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
Bell peppers, garlic, onions, and celery – the making of an all-purpose seasoning that can flavor virtually any type of savory recipe!
What makes Tastefully Simple’s seasoned salt so great is its balanced ratio of spices and herbs.
Unlike other seasoned salts that taste more like hot spice blends, this brand focuses more on bringing out the natural flavors of any recipe, while also adding a bit of a boost!
This seasoning is perfect for sprinkling over fries or in making spicy gravies, stews, and even steaks!
7. Gourmet Celtic Sea Salt Organic Celery Salt
Looking for a bold flavor? Then this seasoned salt blend may just become your go-to secret ingredient!
Made from a mix of spices and herbs, this is the quintessential all-purpose seasoning that is extremely versatile and very delicious.
It can be added to both veggie and meaty dishes and you can also use it as a seasoning for marinades too.
Perhaps the main selling point of this product is its concentrated flavor. It can truly bring out the best in all the ingredients in your recipe and add an unmistakable dimension of flavor too.
8. Sylvias Soulful Seasoned Salt
This seasoned salt has been a fan favorite for many people because of its ability to add a mildly spicy and thoroughly delicious flavor.
This seasoning will pair well with Chinese cuisine as it adds a sweet-spicy flavor with balanced umami notes. Mmmm.
It’s made from high-quality ingredients and you can purchase a pack of three bottles, which can easily last you some time!
9. Lawry’s Coarse Ground Garlic Salt With Parsley
Get a kick out of a delicious combination of garlic and parsley!
These ingredients are key in many dishes and can also be used in conjunction with other herbs and spices to deliver restaurant-level flavor to any savory dish.
Made from high-quality, non-GMO ingredients, this seasoned salt is coarsely ground which means that you can use it as a typical flavor rub for steaks, chicken, or other marinade recipes too.
This simple seasoning is enough to fully flavor a roast. But we love that the brand offered enough room for customization to account for different taste preferences too!
10. McCormick Himalayan Pink Salt with Black Pepper and Garlic
Himalayan pink salt is known for its nutritional profile which is usually better than regular table salt. If you have been looking for a seasoning salt that is healthy and flavorful then you might want to check out this product.
It’s made from a mix of black pepper, garlic, lemon peel, and other natural flavorful ingredient, the perfect combination for all types of dishes.
It can be used to season French fries, steaks, stews, broths, and more. Its versatility and the coarsely ground pink salt are what make this one of the best offerings on our list.
It is an absolute essential and is available in a 6.5-ounce or a 1.5-pound shaker bottle with two differently-sized outlets.
11. Johnny’s Seasoning Salt
Johnny’s classic seasoning salt can go on just about anything!
From beef, chicken, fish, roasts, or more. It is an excellent seasoned salt that can work according to your requirements.
Despite being free of added MSG, this product is still extremely delicious and can add a powerful layer of flavor.
It’s made from high-quality ingredients and a classic mix of pepper, garlic, onions, and herbs.
If you love BBQs then you need to try out this essential and classic seasoning. It’s 100% kosher, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. It also makes for an excellent topping for popcorn too!
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