DIY Spice Blends to Elevate Cheap Meals

A simple meal of rice, beans, or roasted veggies can taste entirely different depending on the spices you use. The secret to transforming basic, budget-friendly ingredients into something crave-worthy is often in your spice cabinet. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pre-packaged seasoning mixes. With just a few common spices, you can make your own blends at home — fresher, cheaper, and tailored to your taste.

This guide will show you how to create your own spice blends using low-cost pantry staples. These DIY mixes can level up everything from one-pot meals to sandwiches, soups, and snacks. If you're cooking on a budget, spice blends are your best flavor weapon.

Why Make Your Own Spice Mixes?

Pre-mixed seasonings might seem convenient, but they’re often more expensive per ounce than making your own. Plus, they may include fillers like sugar, salt, or anti-caking agents you don’t need.

Making your own:

• Saves money
• Reduces waste
• Lets you control flavor and saltiness
• Helps you use up spices you already have
• Keeps your meals interesting without adding cost

Most homemade blends store well for months in sealed containers, so you can prep a few jars ahead of time and have them ready to go.

Spice Storage Basics

Before mixing spices, make sure they’re fresh. Dried herbs and ground spices lose their potency over time, especially if exposed to light, heat, or moisture.

Tips:

• Store in airtight glass jars or small containers
• Keep them away from the stove or sunlight
• Label jars with the blend name and date

Most homemade spice blends will stay flavorful for 6 months or more if stored properly.

Basic Budget-Friendly Spices to Keep on Hand

If you’re just building your spice rack, start with versatile basics. These are often found at discount or ethnic grocery stores for much less than name-brand jars.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika (sweet and/or smoked)
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Basil
• Cinnamon
• Crushed red pepper flakes

With these 10–12 spices, you can make dozens of blends for different cuisines and cooking styles.

DIY Spice Blend 1: Taco Seasoning

Great for: ground beef or turkey, beans, roasted potatoes, rice bowls

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or batch of beans.

Try adding to lentils or chickpeas for a meatless taco filling.

DIY Spice Blend 2: Italian Seasoning

Great for: pasta sauces, roasted veggies, soups, breads

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (crushed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions: Combine and store in a jar. Sprinkle over tomato sauce, pizza, or mix into breadcrumbs for homemade croutons.

Also great for adding to marinades or scrambled eggs.

DIY Spice Blend 3: Curry-Inspired Blend

Great for: lentils, roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, rice dishes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions: Mix and store in a jar. Add to sautéed onions when starting a curry or use to flavor baked tofu or vegetables.

This blend gives warmth and depth to even the simplest rice dish.

DIY Spice Blend 4: Cajun Seasoning

Great for: skillet meals, grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, rice

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions: Combine and store. Use to coat potatoes, sprinkle on popcorn, or stir into cooked rice or beans.

This blend is especially good for adding a kick to otherwise bland meals.

DIY Spice Blend 5: Everyday Savory Blend

Great for: seasoning rice, soups, eggs, vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions: Keep this as your go-to all-purpose seasoning. Use a teaspoon here and there to brighten up any dish without needing to reach for multiple bottles.

Try sprinkling on roasted broccoli, scrambled eggs, or plain pasta.

Bonus Blend: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Mix

Great for: toast, oatmeal, apples, pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions: Mix together and store in a small shaker or jar. Add to peanut butter toast, warm milk, or sprinkle over fruit for a quick sweet snack.

This simple blend is great for kids and adds a comfort-food vibe to budget breakfasts.

How to Use Blends Without Overdoing It

Homemade spice blends tend to be more potent than store-bought ones because they’re fresher and lack fillers. When adding them to meals:

• Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Taste and adjust gradually
• Use blends to season oils, marinades, or sauces for more even distribution

Spices don’t need to be expensive or fancy to be flavorful. Even basic salt, garlic, and paprika can transform an entire dish if used thoughtfully.