14 Best Taco Seasoning Mixes Ranked in 2025
The best taco seasonings represent the difference between plain meat and a delicious meal that’s as convenient to whip up as it is tasty. And the best taco seasonings don’t only have to be used for ground beef.
In fact, Britannica defines tacos as containing any meat, from beef to chicken, pork and even fish and shellfish, plus a whole host of fresh vegetables. This is perhaps why tacos are so well-loved — their sheer versatility, paired with an element of nostalgia, means you can satisfy completely different cravings with just one convenient dish.
While making your own custom taco seasoning blend is always optimal, sometimes, you just want to grab a ready-made taco spice mix from the pantry and get to enjoying your meal.
And while there’s a good chance you already have a jar of the pre-mixed stuff stashed away in your spice cupboard, the key question is whether it delivers the flavors of Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine that your taste buds crave. If not, or if you just want to try something new, this guide to the best taco seasoning brands is here to help.
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The 14 Best Taco Seasoning Brands Ranked
14. Tone’s Taco Seasoning Blend
If you’re seeking the best taco seasoning for a quick and easy, but no less delicious, meal, this might just be it. A mild, tomato-forward flavor also brings chile peppers, Mexican oregano, garlic, onion and cayenne to the fore.
It also thickens as you cook, making for a wonderful saucy mixture. What’s more, it requires just meat and water, taking taco Tuesdays to new heights of convenience.
However, some find the tomato flavor overly strong and the spices a little lacking. Plus, as this is such a one-use-only blend made to be paired with just meat, it may not work if you're looking to add taco seasoning to an existing recipe with lots of other ingredients, hence its last-place ranking on our list.
13. Dash Salt-Free Flavor Fuel
This is almost certainly the best taco seasoning for anyone looking to reduce their sodium intake. It is, after all, in the name!
But the lack of salt doesn’t mean there’s a lack of flavor. In fact, the flavor is deliciously vegetable-forward and incredibly strong on seasoning (minus the salt, of course). It’s far from bland, and there’s plenty of chile powder present to tantalize your flame-loving taste buds.
If you want to raise the heat on taco night while keeping your meal healthy, this is one of the best taco seasonings for you to add to all your favorite low-sodium and low-calorie Mexican food recipes. However, those not following a low-sodium diet may find this doesn't quite hit the spot.
12. McCormick 30% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix
Another of the best taco seasonings for those watching their sodium intake, the flavors of McCormick’s 30% less sodium mix remain reminiscent of your favorite Mexican street food. Expect a pleasant amount of heat (but not enough to make you sweat) with welcome notes of oregano and paprika.
Yet, like our previous entry, this may not have the right flavor for those who are happy to have a decent dose of saltiness with their tacos.
11. Taco Bell Original Taco Seasoning Mix
This is absolutely the best taco seasoning mix for those hoping to add a taste of their favorite Mexican restaurant chain to their home cooking. Notes of paprika, garlic and onion round out the flavor profile nicely.
While you might argue it’s lacking in the spice department, its mildness makes it one of the best taco seasonings for younger palates. Yet, this mix doesn't really help you fully replicate your favorite Taco Bell order at home, and if that isn't the goal, there are better options out there for your next taco night.
10. Siete Spicy Taco Seasoning
If you’re after a fiery kick with chile that doesn’t overpower the other delicious seasonings present, Siete provides one of the best taco seasonings on the market. It’s deliciously addictive, so you’ll need to ensure you cook enough to satisfy your gourmet guests.
Given the balanced flavor profile, this is one of the best taco seasonings for ground beef, allowing the meat’s natural flavor to pull through. However, it’d work just as well on whichever filling takes your tortilla-wrapped fancy.
The only drawback is that some find it a little too spicy, hence its milder sister product ranking a little higher on our list of the best taco seasoning mixes.
9. Siete Mild Taco Seasoning
As the name suggests, this offering from Siete is one of the best taco seasonings for those who are shy of full-blown spice. Don’t worry, though — what it lacks in heat, it more than makes up for in flavor.
You can expect a focus on tomato and garlic, with just a hint of chile. Whether you’re looking for lunch food ideas that won’t make you sweat in the office or hoping to feed a crowd, this might just be the blend for you.
8. Lawry’s Taco Spices and Seasonings Mix
What earns Lawry’s a spot on the list of best taco seasoning packets isn’t necessarily the tacos that you can make with it, although they’re sure to hit the spot. What we love is how versatile this blend is. It’s perhaps the best blend on this list for making taco-adjacent dishes, such as carnitas or tortilla soup.
Punchy flavors of cumin, chile powder, onion and paprika all come to the fore, as you’d expect from one of the best taco seasonings. And don’t worry; while it gives a bit of a kick, it’s unlikely to have you sweating at the table.
One drawback that leads to its mid-list spot is that it can be difficult to find. But if you find this taco seasoning mix, be sure to grab a packet or two!
7. Newman’s Own Mild Taco Seasoning
If you prefer to enjoy tacos without gasping for water after each bite, this mild option from Newman’s Own is probably one of the best taco seasonings for you.
As well as the classic taco flavor that you grew up to love, you can also expect earthy hints of turmeric and fragrant notes of rosemary, which really adds a point of difference with its subtle, almost pine-like flavor.
Buy a jar, and not only will you enjoy one of the best store-bought taco seasonings, but you’ll also be contributing to some good in the world. How? Newman’s Own contributes all profits to causes that help children in need around the world.
6. Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning
Who hasn’t heard of Old El Paso? Up there with the all-time best store-bought taco seasonings, this is the product of choice for those seeking a nostalgic taste of their favorite childhood tacos.
Whether you’re after the best taco seasoning for chicken, beef or a medley of vegetables, this one works. The flavor is smooth and strong, with just enough heat to warm you without the need for a glass of milk!
There’s a reason that Old El Paso has been found on grocery store shelves for decades: it’s simply one of the best taco seasoning packets available on shelves.
5. McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix
McCormick’s Original makes the list of best taco seasoning mixes thanks to its comforting, Southwestern flavor profile. There are strong hints of cumin, which is strange given its omission from the ingredients list.
But it also provides everything else you’d want for your Tuesday taco tradition, bringing out the flavor of your meat with warmth and spice that’s present, but not overly potent. If you like to dabble in the spiced flavors but don’t want to set your palate alight, this might be the best taco seasoning for you.
4. Spiceology Taco Seasoning
As you might have guessed from the name, this entry earns a spot on the list of the best taco seasonings thanks to its spice-forward composition. Think freshly-ground chile peppers, onion, paprika, garlic, red pepper and much more.
It pairs well with more than just tacos as well, although you’ll find that it’s incredibly versatile for your favorite Tuesday treat. As well as pairing well with chicken and beef tacos, it’s well suited to leveling up other dinner food ideas like homemade burger patties or spicy rice.
3. Riega Taco Seasoning
The best taco seasonings don’t necessarily need to load themselves with countless complex flavors. Riega certainly doesn’t think so; in fact, its taco seasoning mix is proof of the old adage that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
It features just six ingredients: chile peppers, cumin, onion, oregano, garlic and sea salt. Try it for yourself and you’ll see why we’ve included it in this guide.
2. Kinder’s The Taco Blend
Leaning on the complex flavor of ancho chiles and complementing them with the citrusy zing of lime juice, not to mention other key flavors like onion, garlic and paprika, The Taco Blend from Kinder’s is one of the all-around best taco seasonings.
Expect sweet smokiness thanks to the ancho chiles and a pleasant lift of lime. You don’t need to do anything with this one — just use it straight from the jar and thank us later for the recommendation!
1. Flavor Seed Rock Yo Taco
Arguably one of the all-around best taco seasonings on the market, Flavor Seed’s Rock Yo Taco features quality, organic ingredients, including the novel addition of organic cocoa powder.
Yes, you heard that right. The result? A complex flavor profile that is, quite simply, delicious.
This entry from Flavor Seed defines what it means to be one of the best taco seasonings. You’ll get notes of garlic, coriander and chile peppers — classic flavors that you’d expect from your favorite Mexican weeknight meal.
You can also be surprised by some chocolatey indulgence thanks to the aforementioned cocoa powder, while hints of oregano underline your meal with a wholesome earthiness that nods to this seasoning’s organic make-up.
This uniqueness makes it our top pick for the best taco seasoning. You really have to try it to see for yourself why it ranks so well!
What Is the Best Taco Seasoning Mix?
The best taco seasonings don’t just go well with tacos. Blends like Spiceology, for example, are perfect for adding a Mexican twist to various recipes, from stovetop chili to low-carb dinner food ideas like keto enchiladas.
Similarly, Lawry’s Taco Spices and Seasonings Mix, while amazing on tacos, is equally well suited to other dishes. If your goal is purely taco-based, then any of the best taco seasonings featured in this guide is sure to please.
Those who prefer a milder flavor will enjoy Old El Paso’s Original blend. Equally, if you prefer your tacos to deliver more of a kick, Siete’s Spicy Taco Seasoning is probably the best blend for your palate.
What Is the Best Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef?
Any of the items mentioned in this guide to the best taco seasonings will likely go well with ground beef. For fiery foodies who enjoy a bit of a kick, again, Siete’s Spicy Taco Seasoning is a great choice.
If you want something more complex and that doesn’t require an icy glass of water to take the edge off, Tone’s tomato-forward Taco Seasoning blend is sure to do the trick.
What Is the Best Taco Seasoning for Chicken?
Again, any of the best taco seasonings listed in this guide is sure to give your poultry a flavorful Mexican punch. Flavor Seed’s Rock Yo Taco is a standout selection. It features a complex blend of ingredients, including organic cocoa powder, that pairs surprisingly well with lean proteins.
For a simpler approach to savory satisfaction, Riega’s Taco Seasoning features just six ingredients, complementing the natural juicy flavor of your chicken without overpowering your palate.
Hopefully, this guide to taco seasonings has helped. Whether you’re looking to level up taco Tuesdays with mild-but-mind-blowing flavors that your kids will love or need something with more of a kick to please your palate, there’s a seasoning for every epicurean.
Some feature complex blends of classic and unique spices, while others dare to keep things simple with undeniably tasty results. What they all have in common is that they are absolutely delicious, so the only question that remains is which one will you try first?
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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