What Ingredients are in Seasoned Salt?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

Originally developed for the Lawry's The Prime Rib restaurant in 1938, seasoned salt was created to add a quick burst of complex flavor to meat. Today, this versatile blend's secret lies in its combination of salt with a range of aromatic spices, creating a pantry staple that elevates everything from fries to roasted vegetables. Understanding what ingredients are in seasoned salt is the first step to creating your own custom mix.

Quick Summary

This guide details the core components of classic seasoned salt, compares ingredients in popular commercial brands like Lawry's and Morton's Season-All, and explores customization options. It provides an overview of the spices, herbs, and other ingredients that make this versatile seasoning so popular and useful in the kitchen.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The base of most seasoned salt is a blend of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Brand Variations: Commercial brands like Lawry's and Morton's Season-All have unique ingredient lists; Lawry's is sweeter with sugar, while Morton's is spicier with chili pepper.
DIY Blending: You can easily make your own seasoned salt at home, allowing for total control over ingredients and flavor intensity.
Flavor Enhancers: Many blends include ingredients like celery seed, turmeric, and MSG for added complexity, color, or umami flavor.
Versatile Use: Seasoned salt is a pantry workhorse, perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, soups, and even popcorn.
Additives: Commercial versions often contain anti-caking agents like tricalcium phosphate to prevent clumping.

The Core Ingredients of Classic Seasoned Salt

At its most basic, seasoned salt is an all-purpose mixture built around a few fundamental ingredients. While ratios vary, the core blend typically includes the following:

Salt: The foundational ingredient, used to enhance all other flavors. Different types of salt, such as table, kosher, or sea salt, can be used, affecting the blend's texture and overall salinity.
Paprika: This ground red pepper adds a mild sweetness and vibrant red color. Depending on the variety used (sweet, smoked, or hot), it can also introduce smoky or spicy undertones.
Garlic Powder: Derived from dehydrated and ground garlic, this provides a savory, aromatic foundation that is less pungent than fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, this ingredient offers a mild, sweet onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onions.
Black Pepper: Ground black peppercorns add a sharp, earthy warmth and a subtle kick.

Additional Common Additions

For extra complexity, many seasoned salt blends also incorporate a variety of other elements:

Celery Seed: Lends an herbaceous, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with poultry and vegetables.
Sugar or Cornstarch: Some commercial blends, like Lawry's, include sugar for a touch of sweetness and flavor balance, while cornstarch or other anti-caking agents prevent clumping.
Turmeric: Often included for its earthy flavor and bright yellow hue, which contributes to the blend's signature color.
Cayenne Pepper: A small amount can be added for a noticeable but not overwhelming level of heat.
Herbs: Dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley can be included to add further depth.

Brand-Specific Variations: Lawry's vs. Morton's Season-All

While the basic formula is consistent, commercial brands use different recipes to create their unique flavor profiles. Here’s a look at two of the most popular brands and their ingredients.

Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Lawry's, a pioneer in the market, includes sugar for a slightly sweeter profile. Its ingredients are: Salt, Sugar, Spices (including Paprika, Celery Seed, and Turmeric), Onion, Corn Starch, Garlic, and Tricalcium Phosphate (as an anti-caking agent).

Morton's Season-All Seasoned Salt

Morton's version is often lauded for its savory, spice-forward flavor. A key difference is the inclusion of chili pepper and often celery seed, but without the added sugar found in Lawry's. Its ingredients are: Salt, Spices (including Chili Pepper, Black Pepper, and Celery Seed), Maltodextrin, Paprika, Onion, Garlic, and Silicon Dioxide (as an anti-caking agent).

Comparison of Popular Seasoned Salt Brands


Ingredient	Lawry's Seasoned Salt	Morton's Season-All	Notes
Salt	Yes	Yes	The base of both blends.
Sugar	Yes	No	Lawry's is slightly sweeter due to this inclusion.
Paprika	Yes	Yes	A core spice for color and flavor.
Garlic Powder	Yes	Yes	Provides savory, aromatic notes.
Onion Powder	Yes	Yes	Offers a balanced, savory allium flavor.
Black Pepper	Included in "Spices"	Yes	A crucial element for sharpness.
Celery Seed	Yes	Yes	Adds a distinct herbaceous, savory note.
Turmeric	Yes	Not listed	Contributes to Lawry's distinctive yellow color.
Chili Pepper	Not listed	Yes	Gives Morton's a spicier, more savory profile.
Anti-caking Agent	Tricalcium Phosphate	Silicon Dioxide	Keeps the blend free-flowing.

How to Make Your Own Seasoned Salt

Creating your own seasoned salt blend at home is simple and allows for complete customization. You can adjust the saltiness, heat, and herb profile to your exact preferences, avoiding additives like MSG or sugar if you prefer. A basic recipe might involve:

Ingredients

¼ cup kosher salt
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (optional)
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Whisk thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar or shaker for storage.

Creative Customizations

Beyond the classic blend, you can experiment with many other ingredients to create a unique flavor profile:

For a smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of standard paprika.
For an herbaceous mix: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
For a citrusy kick: Incorporate finely ground dried lemon zest.
For a bolder savory profile: Add celery salt in place of some of the standard salt.

Conclusion

Whether store-bought or homemade, seasoned salt provides a convenient and effective way to layer flavors. The basic combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper is a reliable starting point. Popular brands like Lawry's and Morton's Season-All build on this foundation with their own unique twists, adding sugar for sweetness or chili for heat. By understanding what ingredients are in seasoned salt, you can choose the right blend for your needs or create a custom version perfectly suited to your palate and cooking style. For further culinary inspiration on how to utilize this versatile blend, explore resources on global spice combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute seasoned salt for regular salt, but be mindful of the added flavors and sodium content. Because seasoned salt is less concentrated and contains other spices, you may need to use slightly more to achieve the same level of saltiness. It's best to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

The main difference lies in their signature flavor profiles. Lawry's includes sugar, giving it a balanced sweet and savory taste. Morton's Season-All, in contrast, is more savory and spicier, including chili pepper but no added sugar.

Most seasoned salt is naturally gluten-free as it consists of salt, herbs, and spices, none of which contain gluten. However, for those with severe sensitivities, it's always best to check the product label, as cross-contamination or additives could be a concern.

Many brands of seasoned salt are vegan, as they are typically made from a blend of spices and salt. The popular chicken salt, for instance, often does not contain chicken. However, it's important to check the ingredients list for flavorings or anti-caking agents that may not be plant-based, and some blends may use animal products.

Homemade seasoned salt, stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, can maintain its quality for about 6 months to a year. After that, the spices will start to lose their potency, though it will still be safe to use.

Seasoned salt is incredibly versatile. It's excellent on meats like burgers, chicken, and steaks, and is a fantastic finishing touch for eggs, soups, and rice. It also makes a great seasoning for vegetables and snacks like popcorn and French fries.

Cornstarch or other anti-caking agents are sometimes added to seasoned salt to prevent clumping. This helps the blend stay free-flowing, especially if it is exposed to humidity.