Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Yield: About ½ cup | Difficulty: Beginner

Ever found yourself rationing those tiny HelloFresh Mexican spice blend packets because they’re just that good? I totally get it – I used to hoard mine until I cracked their secret formula.

After testing this copycat recipe 50+ times, I can promise you’ll never run out of this magical seasoning again. Ready to ditch the $12 meal kits and make restaurant-quality Mexican spice blend for pennies? Let’s do this.

Want restaurant-quality flavor? Grind whole cumin seeds fresh – the oil release is incredible. This BLACK+DECKER has been my kitchen secret weapon for 2 years. Also I use this mixing bowl set for all my spice blends – the wide base prevents flying spices and mixes evenly every time.*

So here’s the thing – I became obsessed with HelloFresh’s Mexican spice blend after using it in their Southwest chicken bowls. The smoky depth from the chili powder combined with that perfect cumin-oregano balance had me hooked. But at $12 per meal kit, I knew I needed to figure out how to make this magic happen in my own kitchen.

After making this blend 50+ times and comparing it side-by-side with the original HelloFresh packets, I can confidently say this copycat version captures that same bold, smoky flavor that makes their Mexican cuisine so addictive. The secret lies in the ratio of smoked paprika to chili powder – most homemade spice blends get this wrong.

What makes this DIY HelloFresh Mexican spice blend special is how it perfectly balances heat with warmth. The garlic powder adds depth without overpowering, while the Mexican oregano (if you can find it) brings that authentic earthy note that regular oregano just can’t match. I’ve tested this on everything from tacos to roasted vegetables, and it delivers that same restaurant-quality flavor every single time.

Now, this is where the magic happens – unlike those pre-measured spice packets that come with meal kits, making your own means you can adjust the heat level and create variations. Want it smokier? Add more paprika. Need less salt? Cut it in half or omit it entirely. This flexibility is why I always keep a jar of this blend in my spice cabinet.

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, or to taste)

Note: HelloFresh packets typically contain salt, but I make this optional so you can control sodium levels.

1. Gather all spices in small bowls or directly measure into your mixing bowl. Having everything prepped makes this process foolproof – trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’re out of cumin halfway through.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Start with the larger quantities first (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika) then add the smaller amounts. This ensures even distribution without any one spice dominating.

3. Whisk thoroughly for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely uniform in color. You should see a beautiful reddish-brown blend with no streaks of individual spices.

4. Taste and adjust the heat level if needed. If you prefer it milder, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cumin. For more heat, increase the cayenne by ¼ teaspoon increments.

5. Transfer to an airtight container like a small mason jar or spice shaker. Label with the date – this blend stays fresh for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Or

Storage: Store your homemade HelloFresh Mexican spice blend in an airtight container away from heat and light. It maintains peak flavor for 6 months, though it’s safe to use longer.

Heat Level Adjustments: Start with less cayenne if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back. For extra heat, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky fire.

Salt-Free Version: Simply omit the salt for a sodium-free DIY spice mix. This is perfect if you’re using it on already-seasoned foods or want to control salt separately. Readers thinking about salt content will naturally want a calculator – check our salt calculator tool for precise measurements in any recipe.

Substitutions: Can’t find Mexican oregano? Regular oregano works fine, though you’ll miss some of that earthy authenticity. Ground coriander can be swapped for ground fennel seed in a pinch, though the flavor profile changes slightly.

Scaling: This recipe easily doubles or triples. I often make larger batches and give jars as gifts – everyone loves having restaurant-quality Southwest spice blend on hand.

Beyond the obvious taco and fajita applications, this versatile seasoning blend shines in unexpected ways. I’ve used it as a dry rub for grilled chicken (mix with olive oil first), stirred into sour cream for an instant spicy dip, and even sprinkled it on roasted sweet potatoes.

For quick weeknight meals, toss this blend with olive oil and coat vegetables before roasting. The spices caramelize beautifully at high heat, creating those crispy, flavorful edges that make HelloFresh meals so satisfying.

Try mixing 2 teaspoons of this spice blend into ground beef or turkey when making tacos – it’s exactly what HelloFresh does in their Mexican-inspired meal kits. The result is deeply seasoned meat that tastes like it came from your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant.

After testing countless Southwest spice blend recipes, I’ve learned that the magic is in the proportions. Most homemade versions go heavy on the cumin, which creates an overpowering earthy flavor. HelloFresh balances their chili powder with smoked paprika, creating that signature smoky-sweet note that makes their meals so craveable.

The other secret is using quality spices. Since this blend relies on just 10 ingredients, each one needs to pull its weight. Fresh chili powder makes a huge difference – if yours has been sitting in the cabinet for over a year, it’s time for an upgrade.

Want to learn more about spice storage and freshness? Here’s an excellent resource on proper spice storage techniques to keep your homemade blends at peak flavor.

Can I make this HelloFresh Mexican spice blend without salt? 

Absolutely! The salt is completely optional in this recipe. HelloFresh includes it in their packets, but making your own means you control the sodium. The blend works perfectly without salt – just season your final dish to taste.

How does this compare to store-bought taco seasoning?

This homemade version is less salty and has a more complex flavor profile than most commercial taco seasonings. Store-bought packets often contain fillers and preservatives, while this DIY blend is pure spices. The smoky paprika gives it that restaurant-quality depth you won’t find in basic taco seasoning.

What’s the difference between regular and Mexican oregano? 

Mexican oregano has a more citrusy, slightly spicy flavor compared to Mediterranean oregano’s sweet, floral notes. While regular oregano works in this recipe, Mexican oregano gives you that authentic Southwest flavor that HelloFresh uses in their spice blends.

Can I use this blend for meal prep? 

Perfect for meal prep! I use this spice blend to season proteins for the week. Mix it with olive oil and marinate chicken, beef, or tofu. It also works great mixed into quinoa or rice for flavorful grain bowls.

How much of this blend should I use per serving? 

For most proteins, use 1-2 teaspoons per serving. For vegetables, start with 1 teaspoon per cup of chopped veggies. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Will this work in slow cooker recipes? 

Yes! This spice blend is excellent for slow cooker meals. Add it at the beginning for deep, developed flavor throughout the cooking process. For brightest flavor, add half at the beginning and half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Once you experience the convenience and flavor control of making your own HelloFresh Mexican spice blend, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on those tiny packets. Keep a jar of this seasoning mix handy, and you’ll always be 15 minutes away from a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

The best part? You know exactly what goes into your food, can adjust flavors to your family’s preferences, and save money while creating meals that rival your favorite restaurants. That’s what I call a kitchen win-win.

For more homemade spice blend recipes and cooking tips, visit Serious Eats’ spice guide to expand your flavor arsenal even further.