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    Home » Budget Strategies

    12 Spice Mixes to Make for Home or to Give as Gifts

    Published: Dec 14, 2021 · Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Jessica Fisher

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    collage of spice mixes with a text overlay.

    Making your own spice mixes for home or to give as gifts is a great way to save money. When you do, you’re also tooling up to add great flavor to your cooking with little work or expense.

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix jazzes up taco night while a jar of Jamie’s Spice Mix makes for easy pizzas. Forget what you’ve heard before about secret sauce, the secret is in the spice mix!

    small jars of spice mixes on a black table near a lit christmas tree with green balls. this …

    When you open my spice cupboard, you’ll find rows of little bottles of herbs and spices and bulk containers of herbs and spices, but you’ll also find mason jars of homemade spice mixes. These homemade blends are the first things I reach for when making dinner.

    Why? Not only do I save money by avoiding commercial blends, but I also control what ingredients go in them. No weird fillers or anti-caking agents, thanks.

    It’s become such a habit with me to use these spice mixes, that I rarely have to get out measuring spoons these days. I just sprinkle what I need onto meats, dressings, sauces, you name it.

    From tacos to chili to salad dressings, dinner comes together so quickly when there’s a spice mix for that!

    Why Do This

    You’ll save money and avoid waste. Commercial spice blends can be pretty steep. When you mix your own, you save money and can mix just enough so you’re not stuck with a lot of jars you need to use up.

    You add flavor. As homemade sauces can bring excellent flavor to simple dishes, so can homemade spice mixes! Choose one today and mix up a batch to run through its paces this week. I promise it will make your meals easier!

    Spice blends make great gifts! Mixing up a few standard blends is quick, easy on the wallet, and makes a great gift for friends.

    What You’ll Need

    To make spice mixes to use at home or spice gifts to give to friends and family, you’ll need a variety of dried herbs and spices.

    dried herbs and spices in small dishes on black table top.
    • Be sure to scroll down for recipes for some great spice mixes to make.
    • To save money, buy your herbs and spices in bulk, either loose from canisters at the health food store or in larger tubs from warehouse stores or restaurant supply shops.
    • Collect empty spice jars to repurpose or purchase new ones to fill. I love these spice jars shaped like Ball mason jars.
    • You may also want to buy labels and baker’s twine or ribbon to decorate the jars.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here’s the basic process to make spice mixes at home or spice gifts to give:

    • spices in a small dish with a tiny spoon for stirring.
    • spice mix placed in a small glass jar with a steel lid and blue bakers twine wrapped around the top.
    1. Combine the herbs and spices for your recipe in a bowl and stir well to combine.
    2. Transfer the spice mixes to the empty jars. Secure the lid, adhere and label, and decorate with twine if desired.

    Store the spice mixes in a cool dry place until ready to gift. Be sure to make a set for yourself to keep and use in the kitchen.

    Recommended Recipes

    Italian Seasoning Mix
    This Italian Seasoning Mix is super versatile. Quick to mix up, it's a perfect seasoning for fish, chicken, and vegetables.
    Check out this recipe
    closeup of homemade Italian seasoning in an open spice jar.
    Homemade Seasoned Salt
    Add a little spice to your life with homemade seasoned salt. You’ll save money by buying spices in bulk and save time by having a multi-purpose seasoning at the ready.
    Check out this recipe
    Jamie’s Spice Mix
    Mix up your own spice blends to add flavor and save money. This recipe for Jamie’s Spice Mix will add zest to any meal.
    Check out this recipe
    Jamie's spice mix in a small bowl.
    Cajun Spice Blend
    Save money on spice blends by making your own. This Cajun-inspired mix features onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, and cayenne.
    Check out this recipe
    small white dish of cajun spice blend on black table with a small spoon.
    Basic Spice Blend
    This basic spice blend is a great all-purpose mix to add punch and flavor to soups, stews, roasts, and grilled meats.
    Check out this recipe
    spices arranged in dish
    Homemade Herbes de Provence Recipe
    Homemade herbes de provence spice blend
    Check out this recipe
    hand sprinkling herbes de provence on plate of bruschetta.
    Homemade Chipotle Seasoning Mix for Tacos
    This Chipotle Seasoning brings just the right amount of heat and flavor. You can stir up a batch of this smoky homemade taco seasoning in about five minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    overhead view of jar of chipotle seasoning.
    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
    Save money, yet enjoy great flavor with a homemade taco seasoning mix. It’s great for taco fillings, casseroles, marinades, and soups.
    Check out this recipe
    mixed taco seasoning in small white ramekin.
    Chili Seasoning
    Now that you have this easy homemade chili seasoning recipe, you’ll never need to buy a chili seasoning packet again. DIY spices are healthier, delicious, and simple.
    Check out this recipe
    spices for chili seasoning in bowl
    Homemade Greek Spice Blend
    Save money on fancy spice blends by making your own. Try this Greek-inspired spice blend for easy meals packed with flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    green bowl with greek spice blend and small spoon.
    Warm and Spicy Fish Rub
    Enjoy the ease and out-of-this-world taste of home cooked fish when you use this simple warm and spicy fish rub for seasoning.
    Check out this recipe
    spicy fish rub in glass bowl
    Homemade Onion Soup Mix
    Make your own homemade onion soup mix to keep on hand to flavor dips and main dish recipes.
    Check out this recipe
    A close up of a chip in onion dip
    line of three mason jars with spice mixes and blue labels.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    jar of taco spice mix with blue bakers twine around the neck.
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    5 from 2 votes

    How to Make Spice Mixes to Give as Gifts

    Making your own spice mixes for home or to give as gifts is a great way to save money. When you do, you're also tooling up to add great flavor to your cooking with little work or expense.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Seasonings
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Servings: 1 jar
    Calories: 17kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $1
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    Equipment

    • small mixing bowl
    • spoon
    • mason jar with lid
    • label
    • baker's twine

    Ingredients

    • ingredients for your favorite spice mixes

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
    • Transfer the mixture to a small spice jar and seal the lid.
    • Decorate with twine and a label if desired. Store in a cool dry place.

    Notes

    Nutritional values are approximate.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 701mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me Today!Mention @goodcheapeatsblog or tag #goodcheapeats!

    This post was originally published on May 2, 2016. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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    Comments

    1. Jude

      December 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      Great to have such a variety of flavours – thanks, Jessica!

      Reply
    2. sarah

      May 03, 2016 at 5:20 am

      Fabulous post! We’ve used the Jamie’s Spice Mix and like it a lot on chicken and pork (haven’t tried it on anything else yet). Thanks for the great ideas and motivation to mix some of these up.

      Reply

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