11 Trader Joe's Seasonings You Need To Start Using

For many, Trader Joe's is more than a typical grocery store. The chain, which models itself after smaller markets, boasts a wide variety of curated food and beverage items and specializes in its private label of products, many of which have fostered a cult following over the years. Trader Joe's is, to many, the cool grocery store, if there is such a thing. As if things couldn't get any better, shoppers are bound to find several bargains while browsing at Trader Joe's, making it a fairly affordable place to do one's grocery shopping.

Among the many Trader Joe's products customers love are the store's spices and seasonings. Trader Joe's goes beyond your everyday paprika and oregano, offering many unique blends that take the guesswork out of determining which flavors go well together. Rather than mixing 10 different spices together, Trader Joe's gives its shoppers one-and-done options that are as tasty as they are diverse. If you're looking to try something new from Trader Joe's, or if you're visiting the chain for the first time and wondering what to stock up on, keep reading. We're here to let you know which Trader Joe's seasonings you need to start using.

Another Trader Joe's spice blend that includes a variety of flavors in one bottle is 21 Seasoning Salute. This spice has, you guessed it, 21 unique herbs mixed together, including onion, celery seed, cayenne pepper, parsley, and more. Trader Joe's advertises it as a great additive for your favorite vinaigrette. You can also use the spice as a dry rub for your favorite meat.

21 Seasoning Salute is a very versatile mixture. Your imagination can really run wild with this spice — why not add it to dips, pizza toppings, sandwiches, or vegetables? This has made it popular among Trader Joe's customers. Redditors love seasoning their meat with 21 Seasoning Salute, with one commenter noting that it works on everything from seafood to steak. Take note, however: Of all of the seasonings that are included in this one tiny jar, salt is not one of them. If you want some sodium added, be sure to bring it separately to your meal — 21 Seasoning Salute alone won't do the job.

Every summer, we love to fire up the grill and cook some tasty ribs and chicken. Perfecting that signature barbecue flavor is often tough, but can be as easy as picking up a sauce from your local grocery store. If you prefer a dry spice rub, however, look no further than the BBQ 101 spice blend from Trader Joe's. Combining all the best aspects of smokey, sweet, and salty flavors, fans have been head over heels for this unique spice since it debuted.

One Redditor mentioned that while the obvious use for this spice is as a dry rub, it also works when added to a bowl of chili. Another commenter suggested adding the spice to a bowl of pasta for added smokey flavor. Take heed, however: Some commenters felt they had to add salt on their own for a more balanced result when using this blend. Give it a try and see for yourself how you like to use it.

Elote, sometimes known as Mexican street corn, offers a tasty blend of flavors, which has earned it international popularity. Trader Joe's took all of the best aspects of the snack and put it in a jar, creating the Everything but the Elote seasoning blend. The spice includes all the typical fixings you find on your standard elote, including chili pepper, parmesan cheese, and chipotle powder.

One Redditor shared a list of several ways they use the Everything but the Elote spice, including as a topping for shrimp as well as avocado. Yahoo! Finance went above and beyond by offering 50 different ideas on how to use this particular blend, including obvious choices like corn on the cob to more inventive ideas like trail mix and butter. Do not underestimate the number of ways this seasoning can be used; while it seems like it would only work in a limited amount of meals, you may surprise yourself with the amount of times you pull it out of your pantry.

As the name implies, the Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning from Trader Joe's has many different uses and applications in your kitchen, making it a popular choice among shoppers. Obvious uses include topping a bowl of rice, but the sky is truly the limit when it comes to ways you can enjoy this seasoning.

According to What's Good at Trader Joe's, the flavor of the Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning is mild enough that it can be used in many different meals. But it's also unique enough that it's still worth purchasing and adding to your lineup of spices. One Redditor mentioned that this particular seasoning blend is vegan, unlike other furikake mixtures on the market, making it a great way to season your meals without fear of animal byproducts winding up in your food. It also helps that it's a truly tasty seasoning blend, pairing well with vegetables, fish, rice, and just about anything else you happen to be cooking in the kitchen on any given evening.

Umami fans, this is your moment to shine. Trader Joe's took umami and put it in a bottle for all of us to enjoy. Its Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend takes porcini and white button mushrooms, adds thyme, mustard seed, onion, and other herbs, and makes it shakeable. You'll soon be adding it to all your favorite meals for an extra boost of savory flavor.

If you're unfamiliar with umami and don't know what to add it to, the good news is that this blend works with just about everything. One Redditor noted that they add it to snacks like popcorn and vegetables. Real Simple provides other ideas on how to use this unique seasoning blend, including mixing it into hamburger patties for a bold flavor, or stirring it into a breadcrumb coating for chicken. It also doesn't have to be part of a meal's base ingredients; you can simply shake some of the seasoning on top of salads or avocado toast for a burst of flavor before serving.