Seasoning is the backbone of cooking. A pinch of the right blend can transform a bland dish into a culinary masterpiece, while the wrong mix can leave your taste buds disappointed. For those who love versatility in the kitchen, all-purpose seasonings are a game-changer. These blends are designed to work across a wide range of dishes—think meats, vegetables, soups, and even snacks—making them a staple in pantries worldwide. But with so many options on the market, what are the best all-purpose seasonings? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of multi-use spice blends, explore their key characteristics, and spotlight some of the top contenders that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
What Makes an All-Purpose Seasoning Great?
Before we get into specific blends, let’s define what sets an all-purpose seasoning apart. At its core, an all-purpose seasoning is a balanced mix of spices, herbs, salt, and sometimes other flavor enhancers (like sugar or MSG) that complements a variety of foods without overpowering them. The best ones strike a harmony between bold and subtle, offering depth without pigeonholing you into a specific cuisine.
Key traits of a great all-purpose seasoning include:
- Versatility: It should work on everything from grilled chicken to roasted potatoes to scrambled eggs.
- Balance: No single flavor—like saltiness, heat, or sweetness—should dominate excessively.
- Ease of Use: A good blend eliminates the need to juggle multiple spice jars, saving time and effort.
- Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality spices make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Accessibility: It should appeal to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best all-purpose seasonings available today, from household names to artisanal gems.
Top All-Purpose Seasonings to Try
1. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Overview: If there’s a king of all-purpose seasonings, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt might just wear the crown. Introduced in 1938, this iconic blend has been a staple in American kitchens for nearly a century.
Ingredients: Salt, sugar, spices (including paprika and turmeric), onion, garlic, and cornstarch.
Why It’s Great: Lawry’s delivers a savory, slightly sweet profile with a hint of warmth from paprika and turmeric. Its fine texture ensures even distribution, and the salt-forward base enhances natural flavors without overwhelming them. It’s a classic for a reason—sprinkle it on fries, popcorn, grilled meats, or even scrambled eggs, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to.
Best Uses: Fried foods, roasted vegetables, burgers, and poultry. Pros: Affordable, widely available, and beginner-friendly. Cons: High sodium content may not suit low-salt diets.
Fun Fact: Lawry’s was originally created to season prime rib at the Lawry’s Prime Rib restaurant in Beverly Hills, but its versatility quickly made it a pantry essential.
2. Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Overview: What started as a niche topping for bagels has become a cult-favorite all-purpose seasoning, thanks to its savory crunch and universal appeal.
Ingredients: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt.
Why It’s Great: This blend brings texture and flavor in spades. The nutty sesame seeds, aromatic garlic and onion, and a touch of salt create a seasoning that’s as much about mouthfeel as it is taste. It’s not just for bagels—sprinkle it on avocado toast, roasted salmon, or even a creamy dip for an instant flavor boost.
Best Uses: Salads, fish, eggs, and baked goods. Pros: No added sugars or artificial flavors; gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Cons: Lacks the depth of heat or herbs found in other blends, limiting its use in some dishes.
Tip: Mix it into softened butter for a quick flavored spread that elevates everything from bread to grilled corn.
3. Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
Overview: Hailing from Louisiana, Tony Chachere’s is a Cajun-inspired blend that’s beloved for its bold, zesty kick.
Ingredients: Salt, red pepper, black pepper, chili powder, garlic, and “other spices” (a proprietary mix).
Why It’s Great: This seasoning brings the soul of Creole cooking to your table with a spicy, garlicky punch that’s tempered by salt. It’s assertive yet versatile, shining on seafood, gumbo, and fried chicken, but also surprising in its ability to perk up roasted veggies or a simple bowl of rice.
Best Uses: Shrimp, jambalaya, pork chops, and fries. Pros: Adds a distinctive Southern flair; widely available. Cons: Spicy heat may not suit all palates; high sodium content.
Cultural Note: Tony Chachere, a Louisiana native, published his seasoning recipe in a cookbook decades ago, turning a family secret into a household name.
4. McCormick Perfect Pinch Signature Seasoning
Overview: McCormick, a titan in the spice world, offers this salt-free blend as a healthier yet flavorful all-purpose option.
Ingredients: Garlic, onion, black pepper, parsley, oregano, basil, and other spices.
Why It’s Great: Perfect Pinch is a masterclass in balance. The absence of salt lets the herbs and spices shine, making it ideal for those watching their sodium intake. It’s subtle enough for delicate fish yet robust enough for hearty stews, offering a Mediterranean-inspired profile that’s universally appealing.
Best Uses: Roasted chicken, pasta, steamed veggies, and dips. Pros: Salt-free; customizable with additional salt if desired. Cons: Lacks the punch of saltier blends, which some might miss.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a drizzle of olive oil to amplify its aromatic herbs.
5. Penzeys Forward! Seasoning
Overview: Penzeys Spices, a darling of artisanal spice lovers, crafted Forward! as a salt-light, flavor-heavy all-purpose blend.
Ingredients: Black pepper, onion, paprika, garlic, turmeric, thyme, basil, and a touch of celery seed and rosemary.
Why It’s Great: Forward! lives up to its name by putting flavor first. It’s a warm, herbaceous mix with a peppery backbone, designed to enhance rather than mask ingredients. The low salt content makes it a standout for health-conscious cooks, and its complexity suits both simple and sophisticated dishes.
Best Uses: Grilled meats, root vegetables, soups, and marinades. Pros: High-quality spices; minimal salt; small-batch production. Cons: Pricier than mass-market options; not as widely available.
Brand Spotlight: Penzeys is known for its commitment to freshness and sustainability, sourcing spices directly from growers.
6. Old Bay Seasoning
Overview: A Maryland-born legend, Old Bay is synonymous with seafood but versatile enough to transcend its crab-shack roots.
Ingredients: Celery salt, black pepper, paprika, and a secret blend of spices (rumored to include cloves, allspice, and more).
Why It’s Great: Old Bay’s tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet profile is unmistakable. It’s a powerhouse on shrimp, crab, and fries, but it also works wonders on roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and even popcorn. The celery salt adds a unique twist that sets it apart from competitors.
Best Uses: Seafood, fried chicken, deviled eggs, and Bloody Marys. Pros: Iconic flavor; versatile beyond seafood. Cons: Strong celery note might not appeal to everyone.
Fun Fact: Old Bay was created in 1939 by a German immigrant, Gustav Brunn, and named after a steamship line in Chesapeake Bay.
7. Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning
Overview: Kinder’s, a West Coast favorite, offers The Blend as a simple yet effective all-purpose seasoning.
Ingredients: Salt, garlic, onion, black pepper, and “natural flavors.”
Why It’s Great: The Blend keeps it straightforward with a garlic-forward taste that’s rounded out by pepper and salt. It’s unpretentious and reliable, making it a solid choice for everyday cooking. Whether you’re seasoning steak, sautéing mushrooms, or tossing it into a soup, it delivers consistent results.
Best Uses: Steaks, burgers, stir-fries, and casseroles. Pros: Affordable; minimal fuss; widely available. Cons: Lacks the complexity of more adventurous blends.
Bonus: Kinder’s also offers flavored variations (like caramelized onion or wood-fired garlic) for those who want to branch out.
8. Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning
Overview: Why buy when you can DIY? A homemade blend lets you tailor flavors to your liking.
Recipe: Combine 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ½ tsp cayenne (optional).
Why It’s Great: Customization is the name of the game. Adjust the salt, heat, or herbs to suit your palate or dietary needs. Plus, making your own ensures freshness and lets you avoid additives like anti-caking agents found in some commercial blends.
Best Uses: Anything and everything—experiment to find your perfect match. Pros: Fully customizable; cost-effective with pantry staples. Cons: Requires time and effort upfront.
Tip: Store in an airtight container and use within six months for peak flavor.
How to Choose the Right All-Purpose Seasoning for You
With so many stellar options, picking the “best” all-purpose seasoning depends on your cooking style and preferences. Here are some considerations:
- Flavor Profile: Do you prefer bold and spicy (Tony Chachere’s), savory and tangy (Old Bay), or subtle and herbaceous (McCormick Perfect Pinch)?
- Dietary Needs: Watching sodium? Opt for salt-free blends like Penzeys Forward! or McCormick’s offering. Need gluten-free or vegan? Check labels—most on this list qualify.
- Cuisine Focus: If you lean toward specific flavors (e.g., Creole or Mediterranean), choose a blend that aligns with your go-to dishes.
- Budget: Mass-market options like Lawry’s or Kinder’s are wallet-friendly, while artisanal picks like Penzeys come at a premium.
Practical Tips for Using All-Purpose Seasonings
- Start Small: A little goes a long way—taste as you go to avoid overseasoning.
- Layer Flavors: Pair your all-purpose blend with fresh herbs, citrus, or a finishing salt for added depth.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to sprinkle it on unexpected dishes—Old Bay on sweet potato fries, anyone?
- Storage: Keep seasonings in a cool, dry place to preserve potency. Most blends last 1-2 years, though fresh-ground spices fade faster.
Conclusion: The Spice of Life
All-purpose seasonings are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, turning everyday meals into something special with minimal effort. Whether you’re reaching for the nostalgic comfort of Lawry’s, the trendy crunch of Everything But The Bagel, or the fiery kick of Tony Chachere’s, there’s a blend out there to suit every taste and occasion. For the adventurous, crafting your own mix offers endless possibilities. The best part? You don’t have to choose just one—stock a few favorites and let your culinary creativity run wild. After all, in the world of seasoning, variety truly is the spice of life.
