7 Best Seasoning Salts (with buying guide and FAQs)
Seasoning salts (also called seasoned salts) combine salt with herbs, spices, garlic, onion, paprika, and other flavorings. They deliver savory depth, color, and convenience in one shake—ideal for meats, vegetables, eggs, fries, popcorn, and more. Unlike plain salt, they build layered flavor without measuring multiple spices. Popular options range from classic supermarket blends to organic, mineral-rich, and lower-sodium versions.
Here’s a curated list of seven standout seasoning salts based on popularity, reviews, chef and home-cook feedback, ingredient quality, versatility, and value. Rankings prioritize all-purpose performance while covering different needs (classic, lower-sodium, natural, organic, bulk).
1. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (Best Overall / Classic Staple)
The original commercial seasoned salt, created in 1938 for Lawry’s The Prime Rib restaurant. It remains the top-selling and most recognizable option.
Key traits: Fine texture; blend of salt, sugar, paprika, turmeric, onion, garlic, and anti-caking agents. No added MSG. Distinctive savory-sweet profile with mild color from turmeric and paprika.
Best for: Everyday use on chicken, beef, burgers, fries, eggs, potatoes, and popcorn.
Why it stands out: Consistent flavor that enhances without overpowering; widely available and affordable in multiple sizes (including bulk). High ratings (around 4.8 stars with tens of thousands of reviews).
Notes: Contains sugar and moderate sodium (roughly 380 mg per ¼ tsp serving in standard versions). A 25% less sodium version is available for those watching intake.
2. Lawry’s 25% Less Sodium Seasoned Salt (Best Lower-Sodium Option)
Same signature flavor profile as the original but with reduced sodium.
Key traits: Retains the classic blend while cutting salt content. Still no added MSG and kosher-certified in many versions.
Best for: Health-conscious cooks, large-batch cooking, or anyone who wants Lawry’s taste with better sodium control.
Why it stands out: Rare balance of familiar zesty flavor and lower sodium; excellent bulk options for families or frequent use. Frequently ranks near the top in buyer feedback for utility.
3. Johnny’s Seasoning Salt (Best Regional Favorite / Coarse Texture)
A Pacific Northwest staple since the mid-20th century, known for a more rustic profile.
Key traits: Sea salt base with paprika, garlic, pepper (often visible coarse black pepper), and other spices. Typically no added MSG; gluten-free options available. Coarser texture than Lawry’s.
Best for: Steaks, burgers, seafood, roasted vegetables, and anything that benefits from visible spice flecks and a peppery bite.
Why it stands out: Loyal following for its balanced, slightly more robust and less “sweet” character compared to Lawry’s. Good mid-to-bulk sizes.
4. Redmond Real Salt Seasoning (Best Natural / Mineral-Rich)
Made with Redmond’s unrefined ancient sea salt from Utah, which retains natural trace minerals.
Key traits: Unrefined salt base plus herbs and spices; gluten-free, no fillers or artificial additives in many versions. Cleaner, slightly more complex mineral taste.
Best for: Everyday seasoning when you prefer less-processed ingredients; meats, veggies, eggs, and general cooking.
Why it stands out: Appeals to those seeking mineral content and a “cleaner” label. Chefs and home cooks often praise the pure salt quality and versatility. Higher price point than supermarket classics but strong reviews for flavor and quality.
5. A. Vogel Herbamare Seasoned Sea Salt (Best Organic / Herbal)
USDA Organic sea salt infused with a dozen herbs and vegetables (celery, leek, onion, chives, parsley, lovage, garlic, basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, kelp, and more).
Key traits: About 33% less sodium than regular table salt in many formulations; non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, no artificial flavors or preservatives. Fine texture with savory, herbaceous, lightly umami notes from kelp.
Best for: Vegetables, eggs, popcorn, lighter proteins, soups, and anyone wanting herbal complexity with lower sodium.
Why it stands out: Transforms simple foods (especially scrambled eggs and roasted veggies) with fresh-herb character. Longtime favorite in health-food circles; strong reviews for everyday versatility and cleaner ingredients.
6. McCormick Himalayan Pink Salt with Black Pepper and Garlic (Best Modern All-Purpose / SPG-Style)
A contemporary take featuring Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, and garlic.
Key traits: Pink salt base for mild mineral notes, plus robust pepper and garlic. All-purpose seasoning with good adhesion and balanced savory flavor. High sales volume and ratings.
Best for: Grilling, breakfast wraps, grain bowls, chicken, pork, and general seasoning where garlic-pepper notes shine.
Why it stands out: Combines the popularity of Himalayan salt with classic SPG (salt-pepper-garlic) appeal. Convenient large sizes and consistent performance make it a strong everyday alternative to traditional seasoned salts.
7. Kinder’s Organic The Blend (Salt, Pepper & Garlic) (Best Organic SPG / Premium Everyday)
USDA Organic salt-pepper-garlic blend, MSG-free.
Key traits: Clean, premium ingredients focused on the foundational SPG trio. Coarser or well-balanced grind depending on the version; no unnecessary additives.
Best for: Steak, chicken, burgers, grilling, and any dish that benefits from straightforward savory seasoning.
Why it stands out: Organic certification and focused flavor profile appeal to those who want quality without complexity. Strong ratings and growing popularity as a modern pantry staple. (Bulk or multi-packs offer good value.)
Honorable mentions: Badia Seasoned Salt (excellent bulk value for high-volume cooking), Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Seasoning (bold steakhouse-style), and Morton Season-All (budget classic alternative).
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Seasoning Salt
Consider these factors:
- Sodium level and health needs — Standard versions can be high in sodium. Look for “less sodium,” “25% less,” or herb-forward options like Herbamare if you’re monitoring intake. Check the nutrition label (serving sizes are usually ¼ tsp).
- Ingredients and additives — Prefer no added MSG if sensitive (most modern Lawry’s, Johnny’s, Redmond, Herbamare, and Kinder’s options avoid it). Watch for sugar content, anti-caking agents, and whether you want organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, or kosher certification.
- Flavor profile and intensity — Classic (Lawry’s-style: paprika-turmeric-onion-garlic with mild sweetness), herbal (Herbamare), peppery/coarse (Johnny’s), mineral-clean (Redmond), or focused SPG (Kinder’s or McCormick Himalayan).
- Texture — Fine for even dissolving and table use; coarser for visual appeal, adhesion on meats, or finishing.
- Size and value — Small shakers for trying; larger jars or bulk (1–2+ lbs) for frequent users. Cost per ounce varies widely—supermarket classics are cheapest; specialty/organic cost more.
- Intended use — All-purpose for everyday, grilling/steakhouse blends for proteins, lower-sodium/herbal for vegetables and lighter dishes.
- Dietary preferences — Organic, unrefined mineral salts, or allergen considerations.
Taste is subjective—start with a classic like Lawry’s and experiment with one specialty option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is seasoning salt vs. regular salt or spice blends?
Seasoning salt is primarily salt combined with complementary spices and aromatics. It seasons and flavors in one step, unlike plain salt or pure herb mixes that may lack salinity.
Does seasoning salt contain MSG?
Many popular brands (including current Lawry’s formulations) state “no MSG added.” Naturally occurring glutamates from onion/garlic may be present. Always check the label if you avoid MSG.
How should I use it?
Shake on meats before/after cooking, mix into ground meat, sprinkle on fries/potatoes/eggs/vegetables, or finish dishes. Because it already contains salt, reduce or omit additional salt in recipes. Start light and adjust—over-seasoning is easy.
Is it healthier than table salt?
Not necessarily—sodium is still the main component. Lower-sodium versions, herb-infused options (like Herbamare), or unrefined mineral salts (Redmond) can be preferable for some. They don’t eliminate the need for overall sodium awareness.
How long does it last and how should I store it?
Most last 1–3+ years if kept in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Use airtight containers; avoid humid environments that cause clumping.
Can I make my own?
Yes. A basic Lawry’s-style copycat often includes salt, sugar, paprika, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of cornstarch. Adjust ratios to taste and store in a shaker.
Which is best for steak or grilling?
Johnny’s, Kinder’s The Blend, Redmond, or steakhouse-style options (e.g., some Jane’s or specialized blends) perform especially well. Classic Lawry’s also works for burgers and everyday grilling.
Are there good options for special diets?
Yes—Herbamare (organic, lower sodium), Redmond (unrefined, gluten-free), Kinder’s (organic, MSG-free), and many no-MSG/kosher-certified versions.
Seasoning salts are an easy upgrade that make weeknight cooking more flavorful with almost no extra effort. Start with Lawry’s if you want the proven classic, or match one of the others to your priorities (lower sodium, organic, mineral-rich, or bold texture). Keep a couple on hand for different uses—you’ll reach for them constantly.