Yes, it’s true. Vegetarian and vegan food is often thought of as tasteless, bland, and generally “no-fun” by people who might not know any better. But we know differently! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to vegan and vegetarian seasonings to help you add some spice to your dishes…and your life!
You can listen to us discuss our favorite vegan and vegetarian seasonings here…
…or read on for a quick summary of what we discuss.
10 Of Our Favorite Vegan Spices
 

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Steak or Poultry Seasoning 

Don’t let the name fool you! Steak and poultry seasonings don’t contain meat. They’re called this because these blends contain herbs and spices often used to season meat.
You can make your own very easily or buy off-the-shelf products. While these seasoning blends are usually 100% vegan and gluten-free, always check the label just to be sure. You’ll also want to be sure to check the labels to ensure no MSG has been added.
There are plenty of recipes available online for both steak and poultry seasoning. Poultry seasoning contains herbs including sage, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and marjoram, and spices like nutmeg cloves. Steak seasoning ingredients can vary a lot more, but some common ones are pepper, red pepper, garlic, onion, and salt.
 
What can I use this with? 
Poultry and steak seasonings are really good to use in dishes that typically call for meat. 
For example, using poultry seasoning in vegan chicken noodle soup such as this one from Simple Vegan will give you the same great flavor as traditional chicken noodle soup minus the meat! 
 

Taco Seasoning 

Taco seasoning is one of my FAVORITE vegetarian seasonings. Here’s a shameless plug for our own homemade taco seasoning recipe. 
 
The ingredients in ours (which are pretty typical) are:

Chili powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Paprika
Ground Cumin
Sea Salt
Fresh-cracked black pepper

 
What can I use this with? 
We love adding this taco seasoning to crunchy tacos made with Gardein Beefless Grounds or to our vegetable enchiladas. This seasoning adds a Mexican flair to any dish! 
 

Liquid Smoke

Storytime! Back in the 19th century, a guy named Ernest Wright happened to notice a black liquid dripping from a stove. He figured out that this black liquid was the result of smoke coming in contact with cold air. 
After some experimentation, he was able to condense the hot smoke-flavored liquid and voila! Liquid smoke was born! 
 
What can I use this with? 
Liquid smoke is a great addition to any dish in which grilled or smoked meats usually take center stage. 
Check out this Texas Style Vegan BBQ recipe from Brand New Vegan that features MUSHROOMS in place of meat!
 

Black Salt
Black salt, also known as kala namak, is a type of rock salt that has a sulfuric taste and smell. 

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