When weeknight dinner needs more flavor but I don’t have time to fuss, I reach for Trader Joe’s spice blends. These six picks make everyday meals easier to pull together and far less likely to taste rushed.
1. Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend – $1.99
On nights when eggs, roasted broccoli, or avocado toast feel a little bare, this blend supplies the missing savory finish. It works best as a last-minute sprinkle, so one jar can rescue several different meals without extra prep.
Taste: Garlic and onion lead, followed by nutty sesame and a pronounced salty edge. The seeds and salt flakes provide a satisfying crunch, especially over soft foods.
Make It Better: Mix it into cream cheese for a quick spread, or scatter it over salmon after cooking so the crunchy bits stay distinct.
Parting Thoughts: For $1.99, it earns its pantry space—just season lightly elsewhere if you are sensitive to salt.
2. TJ’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend – $2.99
A shake of this fine mushroom seasoning gives burgers, roasted sweet potatoes, soups, and sauces the depth that rushed dinners often lack. I use it when a dish tastes flat but does not need another complicated ingredient.
Taste: The flavor is deeply earthy and savory, with a meaty mushroom character and mild heat. Its fine, powdery texture disappears easily into soups and sauces rather than sitting on top.
Make It Better: Stir a little into soup, or combine it with breadcrumbs before topping macaroni for a more savory crust.
Parting Thoughts: Cooks who enjoy mushrooms will find plenty of uses for it, while mushroom-averse households can safely pass.
3. Aglio Olio Seasoning Blend – $2.49
I reach for this garlicky, spicy blend when plain spaghetti needs to become dinner with minimal measuring. It also brings quick Italian-style flavor to shrimp, chicken, bread, or roasted potatoes.
Taste: Garlic is the main event, backed by chile heat, savory notes, and parsley. Flaky minced garlic pieces give it more texture than a completely powdered seasoning.
Make It Better: Toss it with warm spaghetti and olive oil, letting the garlic bits soften slightly and distribute throughout the pasta.
Parting Thoughts: Garlic lovers should keep this close; anyone seeking a subtle background seasoning may find it too assertive.
4. Chile Lime Seasoning Blend – $2.29
Bright lime and chile can wake up a weeknight plate faster than another sauce, particularly when chicken, fish, tacos, or roasted vegetables need contrast. This Tajín-style blend also moves easily from dinner to fruit or popcorn.
Taste: Tangy lime hits first, followed by salt and a mild chile warmth rather than punishing heat. The fine-to-slightly-coarse powder clings readily to moist foods and adds a faint granular bite.
Make It Better: Sprinkle it over grilled shrimp or chicken just before serving, or add it to corn for an easy zesty side.
Parting Thoughts: Its lively acidity is the draw here, though salt-sensitive cooks will want a restrained hand.
5. 21 seasoning salute – $2.49
Anyone trying to simplify a crowded spice cabinet will appreciate this salt-free combination of 21 seasonings. It handles chicken, soup, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables while leaving you in control of the salt.
Taste: The blend is complex and herb-forward, with savory onion and garlic, warm spices, and bright citrus notes. Its fine texture disperses evenly, so no single herb dominates each bite.
Make It Better: Use it generously on chicken or vegetables before cooking, then add salt separately at the table to keep the seasoning balanced.
Parting Thoughts: Low-sodium cooks get the clearest win, but it is also a practical everyday blend for anyone tired of opening six jars.
6. Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning – $2.99
Rice bowls become a more complete-feeling weeknight meal once this seaweed-and-sesame seasoning lands on top. It is equally useful for salmon, fried eggs, ramen, or vegetables when you want Japanese-inspired flavor without making a sauce.
Taste: Savory ocean notes from the nori meet nutty sesame and a salty finish. Crisp flakes and seeds create little bursts of crunch over tender rice, eggs, or fish.
Make It Better: Spoon it over freshly steamed rice or salmon immediately before serving so the nori and seeds retain their texture.
Parting Thoughts: Keep this one for umami-rich bowls and seafood nights, unless seaweed flavors simply are not your thing.
