If you have ever tried HelloFresh meal kits, you must know that it is their seasoning packets that make simple-tasting meals seem like restaurant-quality. One of the most popular mixes is the
HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend—it is a smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy blend that transforms everyday dishes into flavorful creations.
But what if you want to enjoy this seasoning outside of HelloFresh kits? This HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend copycat recipe will show you how to make it at home, how to use it, and even how to substitute it when you don’t have the original ingredients
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:
- What is in the Southwest Spice Blend from Hello Fresh
- A Step-by-step HelloFresh Southwest spice blend copycat recipe
- How to make HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend at home
- Common HelloFresh spice blends you can DIY
- Where to buy Hello Fresh spices
- Substitutes for the Southwest spice blend
Extra insights into HelloFresh Tex-Mex paste and other seasonings
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to bring that Southwest flavor into your kitchen—without relying on HelloFresh kits.
Ingredients of HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend:
The Hello Fresh Southwest Spice Blend ingredients are surprisingly simple. But it doesn’t usually describe the exact proportions on their packets, but based on its labels and some copycat recipes shared online, the blend typically uses the listed ingredients:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Some versions also include optional spices for extra flavors:
- Mexican oregano
- Ground coriander
- Smoked paprika or ancho chilli powder
This blend hits a perfect balance between warmth, smokiness, and subtle heat, making it one of HelloFresh’s most versatile seasonings.
The Southwest Spice Blend ingredients:
As HelloFresh has its own version, Southwest spice blends are standard in Mexican cuisine and the American Southwest. Their bases are usually the same, but they may contain some extra layers of flavor.
A typical Southwest spice blend includes:
- Ground cumin (the backbone of the blend)
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chilli powders (ancho, chipotle, or standard chilli powder)
- Oregano (predominantly Mexican oregano)
Add some blends of cayenne for an extra kick of heat.
If you’re out of HelloFresh spices, you can use taco seasoning or make a quick substitute by mixing chilli powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
Primary Spice in Southwestern Cooking. It is often built around a few core spices, yet it is known for its bold and vibrant flavours:
- Garlic & onion powders
- Mexican oregano.
- Chilli powder
- Cumin
Together, these spices bring out the hearty flavours in grains, meats, beans and vegetables.
Shawarma Spice Blend Recipe
Another popular seasoning packet is the HelloFresh Shawarma Spice Blend, which leans on Middle Eastern flavours rather than Southwestern. So, let’s compare these blends, as many people love their other seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Allspice
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
- Garlic powder
Shawarma seasoning is more aromatic and less smoky, featuring a sweet-spice balance that differs from the Hello Fresh Southwest Spice Blend.
How to Make HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend at Home?
One of the best aspects of the HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend copycat recipe is its ease of replication. You only need grocery essentials, and once you mix them, you can store the seasoning for months.
Ingredients (Copycat Recipe):
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chilli powder
- 4 tablespoons garlic powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or ancho chilli powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Add all spices to a small bowl.
- Stir until it is mixed well.
- Add some extra chilli according to your taste
- Store it in a cool place.
Usage Tips
- Use one tablespoon per pound of meat when cooking chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork.
- Sprinkle on roasted vegetables for a smoky kick.
- Stir into soups, stews, or chilli for extra flavour.
- Add to rice, quinoa, or beans for a quick flavour upgrade.
This DIY version is customizable, cost-effective, and allows for flexible cooking.
Benefits of making Your Own HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend
- You can customize it as you see fit.
- You do not have to go out for shopping for garlic powder, cumin, or chilli powder, as you can get it directly from this spice blend.
- It works in tacos, fajitas, burritos, bowls, roasted veggies, soups, and even scrambled eggs. Add it wherever you want.
- It has a great shelf life.
What is HelloFresh Tex-Mex Paste?
It’s a base made from chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin, and sometimes tomato paste, used for seasoning. Think of it as a concentrated sauce that blends Southwest spices.
Where is it used?
- You can mix it into ground beef when making your tacos.
- You can use it as a vegetable for fajita fillings.
- Stir into rice or quinoa for instant flavour.
- Blend with sour cream for a tangy dip or drizzle.
How can you make your own HelloFresh Tex-Mex paste?
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Olive oil (enough to loosen into a paste)
Mix everything until smooth. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Where Can I Buy HelloFresh Spices?
If you want to know where you can buy this god-on-earth spice blend, then the answer is not with the meat itself. You may face some difficulties in finding them.
However, you have options:
- Buy HelloFresh meal kits directly from their authorized distributor.
- Please create your own blends at home, gather all the spices and vegetables, and make it on your own.
- Check online marketplaces; sometimes there are third-party sellers, but I would not recommend purchasing from them.
Making your own paste is the most economical way to obtain this rare spice blend, but only do it if you have some intermediate cooking experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the main spice in Southwestern cooking?
A: Cumin and chili powder are the core foundation of most recipes that we use in our kitchen.
Q: How to make HelloFresh Southwest Spice Blend?
A: Mix four parts garlic powder, two parts cumin, and two parts chili powder. Store in an airtight jar.
Conclusion
Whether you want to sprinkle it on your chicken or add it to your fajitas, this spice blend can be easily made at home using these five to six simple steps, and you can customize it to suit your own taste as well.
With this guide, you’ll never have to wonder, “Where can I buy Hello Fresh spices?”—because you’ll be able to make them right in your own kitchen.
Happy cooking! 🌶️