Spices & Seasonings for a Flavorful Pantry

Want to add more flavor to your meals in a pinch? Get serious about your spice cabinet. With the right spices on hand, it doesn’t matter how bland your protein and veggies might be (we’re looking at you, chicken breast and cabbage). Spices impart unique flavors and bring out the best in nutritious, delicious real foods. 

Let’s explore how to build a spice collection that transforms everyday ingredients into memorable meals.

A row of glass spice jars

Why Spices Are a Must

Think of spices as the accessories of the kitchen: Your basic chicken is the plain white tee, and all your seasonings are the bold necklaces, funky scarves, or sleek ties that make an outfit pop. They add flavor, complexity, and personality to food without requiring hours of prep or fancy French cooking techniques. 

They’re also totally Primal and work for eating plans like keto and paleo, which is another reason we love them! No matter your lifestyle or dietary preferences, having a variety of spices available means you’ll never get bored with the taste of your food.

Essential Seasonings for Pantry Perfection

Start with the must-have lineup that every pantry needs — your core spice squad. This list of spices and seasonings adds flavor without completely overpowering the dish.

Salt & Pepper

Yes, salt isn’t technically a spice, but this dynamic duo is the foundation of all great cooking. From Himalayan pink salt to the dark blue iodized salt container in mom’s kitchen, there are a ton of choices. 

We recommend high-quality sea salt for its bold flavor. Plus, it’s typically minimally processed and retains some of the essential minerals found in seawater. Freshly cracked peppercorns will also give you a stronger flavor than packaged ground pepper, so invest in a sturdy peppermill. 

Garlic

When you’re too busy to crush and chop fresh garlic (no judgment), garlic powder or jarred minced garlic in olive oil delivers that signature aromatic flavor in an instant. Bonus: It won’t make your hands smell like an Italian restaurant.

Don’t want to fuss with loose spices when you’re air frying? Reach for our seasoned air fryer spray oil with garlic, onion, and black pepper extracts.  

Paprika

This vibrant red spice also comes in sweet and spicy varieties, but the one we reach for most is smoked paprika. It’s the secret weapon behind fragrant dry rubs, soups, and roasted veggies. Add a dash to macaroni salad or potato salad for a smoky flavor boost.  

Cumin

Earthy, warm, and slightly nutty, cumin is the backbone of dishes like chili and tacos. Pro Tip: Combine it with garlic, onion, and chili powders to make your own homemade taco seasoning recipe.

Cinnamon

Not just for snickerdoodles and pumpkin spice lattes, cinnamon adds depth to savory dishes like Moroccan stews. It’s also a component of our delicious Chai Tea Latte Collagen. Keep a shaker handy for these apple cinnamon pancakes or add a dash to smoothies, shakes, or your morning oatmeal.

Turmeric

This golden spice isn’t just pretty; it’s also known for its phytonutrients. For a warm, earthy flavor, use it in curries, soups, or tea lattes.

Chili Flakes

Spice up your life — and your pantry — with a jar of chili flakes or chili powder. Just a pinch livens up pasta dishes, no-bean chili, and pizza without adding too much heat.

Basil & Oregano

For Mediterranean recipes, these dried herbs are essential. Think pizza, pasta, or breakfast frittatas. Pair with our pure avocado oil or organic EVOO for a quick and easy marinade. 

A Black father and son cooking with spices

Trends & Spice Blends

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start looking at more complex spices and combinations. They may not be as versatile, but they’re worth keeping around for special occasions and recipes that call for something extra. Our top picks:

  • Coriander: Bright and citrusy, it pairs well with cumin in curry and veggie dishes.
  • Ginger Powder: Add warmth to baked goods and carrot soup without needing a grater.
  • Chinese Five Spice: A bold blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and pepper that works wonders in a stir-fry.
  • Za’atar: This Middle Eastern spice mix is perfect for dusting roasted chickpeas or chicken.

How to Store Spices

If you’re used to tossing plastic spice jars into a kitchen cabinet black hole never to be seen (or used) for years, it’s probably time to find a better solution. Follow these tips to keep your seasonings fresh, flavorful, and ready for everyday use.

  • Cool, Dark & Dry: Store spices away from heat sources and sunlight. Skip the old-school spice rack and dedicate part of a cabinet near your stove for easy access.
  • Label It: We love a good pantry makeover, but if you move your spices into pretty glass containers for display, label them. You don’t want to mistake cayenne for cinnamon (trust us, your French toast will be scary).
  • Shelf Life: Most spices come with an expiration date on the bottle or box. If not, a good rule of thumb for most ground or powdered spices is 6-12 months. If it starts to lose scent or it smells off, it’s time to toss.

Real Food Deserves Real Flavor

A well-stocked spice pantry is more than just practical — it’s a game-changer! With the right seasonings, you can transform your family’s favorite meats, veggies, fruits, and more into crave-worthy recipes that’ll have everyone asking for another helping. Why invest in a good spice collection? Because life’s too short for boring meals, and real food deserves to shine.

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