Take a walk down the seasoning aisle and you'll find hundreds of options claiming to be natural, premium, authentic, gourmet, or better for you.
But how do you know which seasoning blends are actually made with simple, transparent ingredients?
The answer starts with knowing what to look for on the label.
At The French Longhorn, we believe shoppers deserve clear information about what's in their seasonings. The more you understand ingredient labels, the easier it becomes to choose products that match your preferences and cooking style.
Here's a practical guide to shopping for cleaner seasonings.
Start by Flipping the Bottle Over
The front of the package is designed to grab your attention.
The ingredient label tells the real story.
Before purchasing a seasoning blend, take a moment to read the ingredients and ask yourself:
- Do I recognize these ingredients?
- Are they clearly listed?
- Do they contribute flavor?
- Do I understand why they're included?
A transparent ingredient list is often one of the best indicators of a clean-label product.
If you're new to reading labels, start with How to Read a Seasoning Ingredient Label: A Consumer's Guide.
Look for Clearly Identified Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a seasoning blend is to see how specific the label is.
For example, a transparent seasoning may list:
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Onion
- Black Pepper
- Thyme
- Oregano
A less detailed label may use broader terms such as:
- Spices
- Seasonings
- Natural flavors
The more clearly ingredients are identified, the easier it becomes to understand what you're buying.
Learn more in Why We List Every Ingredient Instead of Just "Spices" and What Are Natural Flavors?
Understand What's Creating the Flavor
When reviewing a seasoning blend, focus on the ingredients that actually contribute taste.
Examples include:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Paprika
- Peppers
- Herbs
- Citrus powders
- Other spices
Ask yourself:
Are most of the ingredients flavor ingredients?
The answer can tell you a lot about how the blend was developed.
For more information, read What Should Be in a Seasoning Blend?
Check for Anti-Caking Agents
Many commercial seasonings contain anti-caking agents that help prevent clumping and keep powders flowing freely.
Common examples include:
- Silicon dioxide
- Calcium silicate
- Tricalcium phosphate
These ingredients are commonly used in the food industry to improve flowability and reduce moisture-related clumping.
Some consumers prefer seasonings without anti-caking agents and accept that natural ingredients may occasionally form small clumps instead.
The important thing is knowing whether they're present and making an informed decision.