Homemade Italian Seasoning

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This simple Italian seasoning substitute has the flavor of store-bought seasoning, but it doesn’t have any sugar, salt, or additives. The recipe calls for just a few pantry staples, and it is so easy to make! Make this homemade seasoning blend to use in any Italian inspired recipes!

Close up of homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a small glass bowl with a spoon.

2025 Update: This recipe is still a favorite and has been updated to include additional helpful information for our readers. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Italian Seasoning Substitute Recipe

If you have never taken the time to read the ingredients label on a jar of store-bought spices or seasoning mix, I encourage you to do it sometime.

It can be shocking to learn how many spice blends include sugar, high amounts of sodium, and unwanted chemicals and preservatives. Not to mention, premade spice blends are not budget-friendly at all.

Once I realized this, I started making more spice blends at home. I have recipes for Ranch Seasoning Mix, Homemade Greek Seasoning, and BBQ Seasoning. It only makes sense to make this simple Italian seasoning substitute, too!

Great Reasons to Make This Recipe

  1. Easy to adapt. You have complete control over how much (or little) of each Italian spice to include, so it tastes just the way you want it to.
  2. Perfect substitute for Italian recipes that call for a long list of dried spices.
  3. Less expensive than store-bought seasoning, and it lasts longer, too.

👉 What does it taste like? Italian seasoning has herby, earthy, savory, and rich flavors, with just a touch of heat. This recipe also has no salt and no sugar, so it works great if you’re following a Keto, Low carb, Whole30, or low-sodium lifestyle.

Once you unlock the magic of making spice blends at home, you’ll love that it ups the flavor factor, while saving you money and allowing you full control over the ingredients.

Dried spices in a glass bowl. Parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Italian seasoning is traditionally a blend of several herbs and spices, leaning heavily on basil, oregano (or marjoram), rosemary, and red pepper flakes. This blend takes it a step further and adds in parsley, garlic, and onion to elevate your favorite Italian dishes.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Italian seasoning substitute:

  • dried basil
  • oregano or marjoram: These two herbs are very similar in flavor, but marjoram is slightly milder than oregano. You can use them interchangeably in most recipes (like my marjoram chicken patties!).
  • dried parsley
  • dried rosemary
  • garlic powder: Dried garlic powder typically sits right next to garlic salt and granulated garlic in the spice aisle. Be sure to get garlic powder.
  • onion powder
  • red pepper flakes: Optional, but I like the kick of spicy flavor that chili flakes add to the seasoning. You can adjust the amount or omit it to avoid any spicy heat.

This Italian seasoning blend has no sugar or salt, so if you use it in dishes that should be sweetened or salted, you'll have to add that separately.

Close up of a spoonful of Italian spices.

How to Make the Italian Seasoning Substitute

To make the spice blend, simply grab your measuring spoons and measure out all the herbs and spices. Add them to a small dish and mix it up to combine them. Now guess what? You're done. I told you it was easy, didn't I?

Storing Homemade Seasonings

To store: Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store it at room temperature. I like to keep my spices in small mason jars, labeled with the date I made it and readily accessible in my pantry.

How long is it good for? It will likely last for a year, but for best flavor, use it within 6 months. Of course, if the expiration date for any of the individual spices comes before that, use that as your "use by" date.

Recipes that Use Italian Seasoning

This is a great multi-purpose spice mix. Substitute this blend 1:1 in any recipes that call for Italian seasoning. Some of my favorite uses for it:

I also add it to dishes that aren't Italian, like Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats, Air Fryer Zucchini & Onions and Pepperoni & Cheese Crisps. It's also perfect for using on any mild flavored protein like chicken or fish.

You can even mix it with oil and vinegar to make a fabulous Italian vinaigrette!

Whole30 Shrimp Fra Diavolo - Finished Dish

Other Homemade Spice Mixes

Soon you'll be making all of your own homemade seasonings! Some of my favorites are:

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Close up of spoonful of Italian seasoning.

Simple Italian Seasoning Substitute

This simple Italian seasoning substitute has the flavor of store-bought seasoning, but without sugar, salt, or additives. It's easy to make!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (about 1/2 cup seasoning)
Author: Laura Miner

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano or dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • teaspoons garlic powder
  • teaspoons onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, for additional spiciness
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional

Video

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Use a spoon to stir until well combined.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Notes

To store seasonings: Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature. For best flavor, use within 6 months.
This recipe yields 6 ounces of seasoning mix (just over ½ cup).

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5teaspoons | Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
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Hey friend, I’m Madison!

I’m the mama behind Cook at Home Mom. Through simple, family-friendly recipes and practical meal prep tips, I show busy moms how to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable, even with packed schedules. So glad you are here!

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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