ingredients

Most flavorful cooking spices and seasoning powders

By Carolina Schneider, MS RD
Updated: April 2025

Cooking Spices 101

So let’s start with the basics, what even is a spice? A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance that’s primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. It’s a bit different from herbs which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants. Spices are thousands of years old and have been used as seasonings and preservation for food, as medicines, dyes, and perfumes for as far back as we know.

Which is better: Whole versus Ground spices?

There are two main types of spices to distinguish, whole and ground spices. Whole spices last longer, for up to three years, and require tools to grind the whole pieces when you need to use them. You can also toast whole spices to boost their flavor prior to grinding them up. Ground spices on the other hand are quick and convenient but don’t last as long. Think of a piece of cinnamon stick versus your classic ground cinnamon that’s probably sitting in your pantry.

There’s an infinite list of spices that can flavor your dishes in unique and delicious ways but we wanted to give you our list of the top twenty most popular spices that you should keep stocked in your kitchen. These are the most used and most versatile to fit your needs.

Top 20 spices you need in your kitchen.

Bay leaves. Perfect for soups, stews, and sauces.
Cardamom. A warming spice that’s super versatile.
Cayenne pepper. To add a bit of heat and smokiness to your meals.
Chili powder. Another way to add a bit of a kick.
Cinnamon. A go-to for all baked treats, or when you need a warming spice.
Cumin. It has a smoky, earthy taste and is great for boosting a flavor profile.
Crushed red pepper. To add some spiciness, amplify the flavor by tossing it in when you are first cooking with oil.
Curry Powder. To add a complex and delish flavor profile.
Garlic powder. A go-to for garlic without the hassle.
Ginger (ground). Similar to garlic, ginger without the fuss.
Italian seasoning. A great medley for a variety of dishes.
Nutmeg. A classic for both sweet and savory.
Onion powder. For a quick boost of onion flavor without all the chopping.
Oregano. Italian vibes all day.
Paprika. To add some warmth and smokiness to your dish.
Smoked Paprika. An even smokier and deeper version of the prior.
Sumac. A delish tangy and citrus-y spice.
Taco seasoning. I mean who doesn’t love Taco Tuesdays.
Turmeric. Adds both a beautiful color and an earthy spice.
Zaatar. A bit nutty and a bit crunchy, perfect for topping a dish.

Let's Get Cooking

There are hundreds and hundreds of ways you can incorporate spices into your dishes. Look past the basic salt and pepper and discover a world of flavorful deliciousness. Whether for marinades, sauces, spice rubs, soups, stews, and on and on, spices take your meals to a whole new level. Even something as simple as a fried egg can be super powered by a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika, and boom, flavor packed breakfast.

Whatever sort of spice you’re feeling, there’s a delish dish that will hit the spot. There’s so much room for fun in the kitchen when you’re playing with spices, so it’s time to express yourself through your spice selection. Take your classics to new heights and tastes with just a sprinkle or two of a new spice.