Low Sodium Homemade Taco Seasoning Base

Making your own seasoning is easier than you think. This low sodium taco seasoning recipe is the foundation for all your favorite taco recipes. Instead of relying on store-bought taco seasoning packets from the grocery store—which often contain a lot of sodium, corn starch, silicon dioxide, or another anti-caking agent—this own spice blend gives you bold flavor with little salt and full control over your sodium intake. It’s a great way to make taco meat that tastes just as good (if not better) than store-bought packets, less sodium. 

Base Ingredient List

(Perfect blend of spices – makes a big batch)

• ¼ cup regular chili powder

• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika

• 3 tablespoons ground cumin

• 2 tablespoons garlic granules (or garlic powder)

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon oregano

• 1 tablespoon ancho

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

This healthy taco seasoning creates bold Mexican-inspired flavor without relying on added salt or fillers.

Why This Base Seasoning Works

Most taco seasoning packets rely on salt for flavor, which means much sodium per serving—sometimes hundreds of mg sodium in just a few tablespoons. This homemade taco seasoning builds flavor through spices instead, creating a lower sodium option without sacrificing taste.

Chili powder, cumin, and paprika provide structure, while garlic, onion, and Mexican oregano add aroma and depth. Optional heat from cayenne or red pepper flakes satisfies the spicy food fan without overwhelming the protein.

Because you control the salt, this blend supports a low sodium diet, keeps nutrient value higher, and adapts easily to different proteins and taste preferences.

Protein-Specific Changes

Fish Taco Seasoning (From the Base)

Goal: lighter, brighter, great for fish tacos

Make these adjustments:

• Remove 1 tablespoon chili powder from the base

• Replace 1 tablelspoon of paprika with smoked paprika

• Replace the salt with low-sodium Tajin

• Add 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• Add 1 teaspoon white pepper

• Add 1 tabelspoon ancho chili powder
   

Why it works:

Fish needs less heaviness. Reducing chili powder lowers bitterness while coriander adds citrusy freshness to this diy taco seasoning. Adding lime juice as a finish is one of the best ways to add great flavor to fish tacos.

Chicken Taco Seasoning (From the Base)

Goal: warm, savory, slightly smoky

Make these adjustments:

• Add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• Add ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder

• Optional: add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

Why it works:

Chicken is mild, so smoky spices boost depth while keeping the seasoning balanced and versatile for taco shells, bowls, or wraps.

Extra Notes

• Great addition to burrito bowls and black bean tacos

• Skip fillers like corn starch entirely

• Easily customizable for taste preferences

• Make with or without salt