More and more people are choosing to make their own salt-free spice mixes. Not only because they want to cook more consciously, but above all because they discover how much flavor herbs and spices have on their own. Whereas many ready-made spice mixes from the supermarket largely consist of salt, a homemade spice mix focuses on pure flavor. Paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic, pepper and dozens of other herbs come together to form a rich base you can vary endlessly.
Whether you want to make a Mexican spice mix, gyros seasoning or an Italian blend, a salt-free spice mix gives you the freedom to decide what goes into your dish. In this guide you will read how to get started, which herbs pair well together and where to find inspiration for popular spice mixes.
Why choose a salt-free spice mix?
Many people think a spice mix is mainly intended to make a dish salty. In reality it is the herbs and spices that provide aroma, depth and character. Salt enhances those flavors, but it does not need to be the main component of a spice mix.
By making a salt-free spice mix yourself, you will taste the warm notes of cumin much better, the sweet character of paprika powder, the freshness of oregano or the aromatic flavor of coriander. In addition, you decide during cooking whether to add a pinch of salt, instead of having it already included in the spice mix.
Are you looking for more inspiration to cook flavorful food with less salt or sugar? Then also take a look at our blog category Sugar-Free and Low-Sodium Solutions. There you will find practical tips and recipes that add plenty of flavor without relying on large amounts of salt or sugar.
The basics of a good spice mix
A balanced spice mix starts with a good foundation. Virtually every world cuisine works with a combination of warm, spicy, fresh and piquant flavors. Paprika powder, for example, provides a soft, full base and a nice color. Cumin adds warmth and depth, while oregano or thyme bring a fresh herbiness. Garlic and onion give a savory undertone and with black pepper or chili you can easily determine how much kick a spice mix has.
It is precisely by combining different flavors that a spice mix becomes much more than the sum of its parts. The fun part is that there are no fixed rules. Start with small amounts, taste while cooking and adjust the ratio until you have found your ideal blend.
Making your own spice mix is easier than you think
Many people think you need dozens of herbs to make a good spice mix. In practice you can create surprisingly many different flavor profiles with a handful of basic spices. By mixing spices in small amounts and matching them well to the dish you use them for, you will naturally develop your own favorite combinations.
Prefer making a small amount rather than a large jar right away. This way the aromas remain optimal and you can easily adjust something next time. Always store a homemade spice mix in a well-sealed glass jar in a cool, dry and dark place. This preserves the flavor for months.
Popular spice mixes you can make yourself without salt
The beauty of mixing your own spices is that virtually every spice mix can also be made without added salt. On our website you will find extensive step-by-step recipes for various popular spice mixes.
Want a spicy blend for tacos, burritos or chili con carne? Then check out our recipe for making your own Mexican spice mix or get started right away with making your own taco seasoning.
Prefer Mediterranean flavors? Our blogs about making your own gyros seasoning, making your own shoarma seasoning and making your own Italian herbs are a good starting point.
Barbecue lovers can also find plenty of inspiration. In our recipes for BBQ spice mix, dry rubs and other flavorings you can read exactly which herbs and spices combine to create a full, spicy flavor without needing a lot of salt.
Looking for worldly flavors? You will also find detailed recipes for, among others, Za'atar, Garam Masala, Vadouvan and other classic spice blends.
All these recipes have one thing in common: the emphasis is on the flavor of herbs and spices, not on added salt.
Mix yourself or choose a ready-made spice mix?
Mixing your own spice mixes is fun and gives you a lot of freedom. You decide which flavors you want to emphasize and can adjust each spice mix to your personal preference. Yet not everyone has the time or the ingredients on hand to create a spice blend every time.
That is why we also develop our own spice mixes without added salt. Our flavor experts carefully combine selected herbs and spices into balanced blends that are ready to use. This way you benefit from the convenience of a ready-made spice mix while the pure flavor of the herbs remains central.
More inspiration for spice mixes
Have you caught the bug? Then you don't have to reinvent the wheel. In our extensive blog category Making spice mixes you will find dozens of recipes for spice mixes from different cuisines. From classic Mediterranean blends to spicy Mexican mixes and aromatic spices from the Middle East: we explain step by step how to make them yourself and how to use them.
Whether you like to experiment in the kitchen or are looking for a quick flavor booster for weekday meals, there is always a spice mix that suits your favorite dish.
Conclusion
Making your own salt-free spice mix is easier than many people think. With a few good basic spices you can create surprisingly much flavor and discover how versatile herbs and spices really are. By mixing yourself you retain full control over the ingredients and decide whether and how much salt to add in the end.
Want more inspiration? Then check out our blogs about specific spice mixes or discover our spice mixes without added salt, which you can use right away.
Frequently asked questions about making your own salt-free spice mixes
1. Why should I make a spice mix without salt?
By making a spice mix without salt yourself, you fully control which ingredients you use. You taste the herbs and spices better and can always add salt to taste while cooking. This way you maintain maximum control over the flavor of your dish.
2. Which spices are indispensable for a homemade spice mix?
That depends on the cuisine and the dish, but with paprika powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, garlic, onion, black pepper and chili powder you can make many different spice mixes. By adjusting the ratios you can easily create your own flavor.
3. How long does a homemade spice mix keep?
When you store a spice mix in a well-sealed jar in a cool, dry and dark place, it usually stays flavorful for 6 to 12 months. After that the spices are often still usable but gradually lose their aroma. Therefore, it's better to make smaller amounts regularly.
4. Which spice mixes can I make myself without salt?
Virtually any spice mix can be made without added salt. Think of Mexican spice mix, taco seasoning, gyros seasoning, shoarma seasoning, Italian herbs, BBQ spice mix, Cajun, Za'atar or Garam Masala. On our website you will find detailed step-by-step recipes for many of these spice mixes.
5. Can I also buy a ready-made spice mix without added salt?
Certainly. Mixing yourself is fun if you like to experiment, but sometimes you just want to get started quickly. That is why we also have an extensive range of spice mixes without added salt. These blends are carefully composed by our flavor experts and are ready to use, so you can easily add plenty of flavor to your favorite dishes.
