After 15 years as a spice merchant, I’ve had the chance to cook with just about everything on the shelf. Over time, you start to narrow things down to the spices you reach for again and again.
Now, full honesty—I keep around 150 spices at home. That’s probably not realistic for most kitchens, and I get that. So if I had to trim it way down and give you a true hot take, these would be my Top 5 spices and Top 5 blends to keep close at all times.
Before we jump in, one thing worth saying:
seasoning blends are one of the easiest ways to cook better food. They save time, reduce clutter, and layer flavors in a way that single spices sometimes can’t. Just make sure you’re using high-quality blends without fillers—you want spices doing the work, not salt or additives.
Alright, here we go.
Top 5 Seasoning Blends
Tuscan Herbs
Simple, versatile, and always reliable. This blend can boost just about any dish without adding salt. If a recipe calls for oregano, basil, or thyme, using a full herb blend almost always gives you a more rounded, satisfying flavor.
Mt. Hood Toasted Onion
This is one I reach for constantly. It’s great on meats, roasted potatoes, eggs, and vegetables. The toasted onion adds a deep, savory backbone that feels right at home in everyday cooking—kind of like a good campfire meal after a day in the mountains.
Mexican Street Corn Seasoning
Don’t let the name limit you. This is a one-stop shake for bringing bold, bright flavor to fish, chicken, eggs, and vegetables. It works just as well in marinades, guacamole, and salsas as it does on corn.
Spiced Vanilla Bean Sugar
This is one of those blends that makes simple things feel special. Stir it into your morning coffee, sprinkle it over French toast, or use it in baking. Even something as simple as a warm tortilla with butter turns into a treat.
Vietnamese Sweet Lemon Curry
Bright, lightly sweet, and incredibly approachable. With hints of lemongrass and citrus, this blend works beautifully in curries, stir-fries, or as a seasoning for vegetables and proteins. It’s a great entry point if you’re just getting into curry flavors.
Parmesan Pesto Seasoning
This one’s been a favorite since the early days of the shop. It has a way of turning simple ingredients into a full meal—toss it with vegetables, mix it into pasta, or sprinkle it over potatoes or eggs. Easy, quick, and always satisfying.
Top 5 Individual Spices
Cinnamon
An everyday staple. Whether it’s in coffee, oatmeal, baked goods, or breakfast pastries, a little cinnamon goes a long way in adding warmth and comfort.
Smoked Paprika
Paprika should bring more than color. A good smoked paprika adds depth and richness, giving roasted vegetables, meats, and sauces that subtle, wood-fired flavor.
Roasted Granulated Garlic
This is one of the easiest ways to build flavor. The roasted version gives you that mellow, slightly sweet, cooked garlic taste without the extra prep. It works in just about anything savory.
Cumin
Used across cultures for centuries, cumin brings an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that grounds a dish. From tacos to soups to roasted vegetables, it’s one of those spices that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting.
Black Pepper
The king of spices. There’s a reason pepper has been so valuable throughout history—its bright, sharp flavor enhances just about everything. Freshly ground, it adds that final touch that brings a dish together, especially alongside its longtime partner, salt.
At the end of the day, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. A handful of quality spices and blends can take you a long way—whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or something a little more involved.
If you’re looking to simplify your spice cabinet or just want to cook with a little more confidence, start here. These are the ones I keep within arm’s reach—and the ones I come back to again and again.
— Matt Perry