The Ultimate Keto-Friendly Taco Seasoning

Shop-bought Taco seasonings can be full of hidden sugars that are not keto-friendly and could easily knock you out of ketosis. Since going keto, my tastes have changed, if I eat anything with sugar now (inadvertently or intentionally), food never tastes how I remember it. I’m always disappointed by how non-keto food tastes now. They all taste very artificial to me. This keto version alternative has all of the flavors without any of the sugar and can be used with so many different meals.

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What Spices Can I Use On Keto?

Spices are a really great way of adding a lot of flavor to food without breaking your carb limit and impacting your macros and risk knocking yourself out of ketosis.

If you are new to keto, check out our keto beginners guide.

Lower-carb spices include; basil, coriander, tarragon, thyme, mint, cinnamon, and ginger. Oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic, mustard, and cayenne spices are slightly higher in carbs.

As long as none of these is used in excess, they will all keep you in ketosis and keep you on your keto journey. 

I am lazy and buy all of my spices online. There used to be an amazing local store that was a treasure trove of spices and all things exotic.

I could spend hours in there and I would come out with ingredients not knowing what I would use them for and make recipes to fit the spices and ingredients.

Unfortunately, this store has closed now. I find supermarkets limited in what they stock, and a lot pricier than buying online.

That’s why I do buy mine online. They do all work out cheaper than the supermarket bought.

However, if you have a local store that sells these, please shop there, and If your kitchens are already well-stocked – good on you!

How to make this Simple Taco Seasoning

It’s all about the seasoning! This taco seasoning can be a bit faffy to make. (I’m sure ‘faffy’ is a technical term!). Want to know my cheat?

I make it in batches and store it in jars for up to 3 months. 

The recipe below is for 4 servings. I will make a big batch (4 x the amount below) and store it as I love to use this on chicken thighs with salad for an evening meal.

Or I will season a chicken breast, cook it and have it the next day for work with a taco-style salad.

For me, this is a bed of chopped lettuce, some salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, topped with grated cheddar. It’s something to look forward to when I’m sat at my desk at work!

If you are having a Mexican night, why not make some keto churros in advance to serve as a dessert? And, if you are planning on adding some tequila or any alcohol to your keto dinner party, check out our ultimate guide to drinking alcohol on keto for our top tips.

Blending up your Taco Seasoning

If you have a NutriBullet, throw all of the ingredients in there and give them a quick blitz to ensure that the seasoning is really fine.

Or, if you don’t have, or want to splash out on, a NutriBullet, and don’t want the hassle of using a pestle and mortar to grind up your spices, you can pick up a small spice grinder.

Ensuring that your seasoning is all blended together will ensure that your flavors are evenly spread over your meat (or vegetarian alternative).

Storing your Homemade Keto Taco Seasoning

Depending on how big the batches that you are making, you may be able to store this in an old spice jar that has been thoroughly cleaned and dried before adding your spice to it.

If still damp, your spices will clump together and will mold before you get the opportunity to use them – which is a waste of your time and effort!

Store it in an airtight jar in a cool dry place. This should last for up to 3 months and is ready whenever you need it. I use these jars, but you can pick them up in most supermarkets. 

Trust me – once you’ve tried this once and experienced how good and versatile it is, you will need to make this in batches to keep up with demand!

Leave Your Meat to Marinate in Your Taco Seasoning

If you’re good at meal planning and prepping your food in advance you can leave your meat in the fridge overnight (or during the day).

That will give the flavors from the spices plenty of time to seep into your meat ensuring a rich and deep flavor throughout. Ideally, meat needs to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. Although, if you don’t have the time and are cooking in a rush this step is not essential.

Have you tried this homemade Taco seasoning? If you have, or you want to see a keto-friendly recipe featured on our site, get in contact and we will see what we can do for you.