Make your own flavorful Homemade Tajin Seasoning with this easy recipe using chili powder, lime, and salt. Perfect for fruits, snacks, and Mexican dishes!”

Homemade Tajin Seasoning 

  If you grew up in a Mexican household like I did, you already know the obsession with Tajín Clásico Seasoning is real. This popular Mexican spice blend is practically a rite of passage. It’s tart, tangy, salty, and spicy all at once—and we put it on everything. From fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and watermelon, to popcorn, chicken breasts, and even the rim of a spicy Bloody Mary, this bold seasoning takes any bite to the next level. This is every Mexican’s favorite way to add some great flavor to your favorite fruits or side dishes. 

In fact, it’s such a staple in our house that there’s rarely a day it’s not sitting front and center on our counter. But like so many of our beloved condiments and spicy seasonings, a quick peek at the back of the store-bought version of Tajín may give you pause. You’ll spot additives like silicon dioxide, citric acid, and other preservatives among the delicious chile powders and dehydrated lime juice.

That’s when I decided to make my own homemade Tajin seasoning. And let me tell you—this homemade Tajín recipe has become a game-changer in our kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can create a homemade version that tastes like the original (dare I say better?), minus the unnecessary extras. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about having your own spice blends lined up in cute glass jars in your spice cupboard or pantry.

Why Make Homemade Tajín?

The store-bought Tajín is delicious, no doubt, but the ingredient list can be a little discouraging if you’re trying to cut back on additives. Making your own means you know exactly what’s going into your food. No anti-caking agents, no preservatives—just bold, vibrant flavor from your spice cabinet.

Another bonus? You can tweak it! Like it tangier? Add more lime powder or fresh lime zest. Prefer a punchier heat? Go heavier on the guajillo chile or try a swap with chipotle powder for smoky undertones. This simple recipe is customizable, affordable, and a great way to elevate your everyday meals.

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How to make Homemade Tajin

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Yields: 5 ½ Tablespoons

What is Tajín made of?

• 2 Tablespoons True Lime Crystals (or dried lime zest)

• 1 Tablespoon Salt (use regular table salt, not coarse)

• 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika

• 1 Tablespoon Guajillo Powder (or chipotle powder as a backup)

• ½ Tablespoon White Granulated Sugar

Items Needed:

• Whisk

• Small Mixing Bowl

• Measuring Spoons

• Spice Jar or airtight glass jar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl

Whisk thoroughly until the spice mix is fully combined and free of lumps.

Transfer to a clean, dry spice jar or airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 5 weeks.

Tips for the Best Flavor:

• Moisture Alert: If you have a food-grade moisture packet handy, toss one into your jar. True Lime crystals tend to harden if exposed to moisture.

• Lime Options: True Lime crystals offer a fine, evenly-mixing texture and are 100% lime. You can use dried lime zest instead for a bolder lime punch and more rustic look.

• Salt Matters: Stick with table salt or fine sea salt. Coarse salts (like pink salt) don’t mix as well and tend to separate in the jar.

• Don’t Leave It Out: Leaving the mix uncovered for even a couple hours can lead to clumping—trust me, I learned the hard way.

• Storage Note: I use these cute little spice jars and love how they look lined up on my counter. They’re the perfect size for a batch of this mix!

A Family Favorite – Every Bite, a Burst of Flavor

We literally put this on everything. During mango season, I can barely slice a fresh mango before someone’s already reaching for the tajin powder. It’s our go-to sprinkle on fruit cups, a surprise kick on chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer, and even a must-have on cocktail glasses for our homemade micheladas and margaritas.

Taco night? Sprinkle it on your guacamole or directly over the tacos for a little extra zing. Leftover grilled corn? This homemade chili lime seasoning recipe is the finishing touch. You can even add a pinch to your taco seasoning blend for a citrusy twist.

It’s become one of our favorite ways to level up basic snacks. Chips, popcorn, cucumbers with lime juice—anything that needs a burst of flavor, this seasoning delivers.

A Note on Chile Powders

We love using guajillo powder for its mild heat and depth of flavor. This red chile powder is made from mild chili peppers and is a staple in Mexican cuisine. If you can’t find guajillo, chipotle powder makes a great sub. It’s smokier and spicier but still totally delicious.

And because this is a homemade recipe, you’re free to experiment. Blend in a pinch of onion powder, a touch of cumin, or even extra dehydrated lime juice to make your version truly unique.

Skip the Grocery Store, Make It at Home

Scrolling through TikTok lately, it’s easy to see we’re not the only ones obsessed. The trend of making your own homemade seasoning recipes is booming—and for good reason! Making your own spice mixes is fun, cost-effective, and a small step toward cutting out processed ingredients from your meals.

So whether you’re looking to cut out preservatives, stretch your grocery budget, or just recreate a flavor you love, this homemade Tajín seasoning is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s bold, it’s tangy, and it’s about to become your spice cabinet MVP.

 

Homemade Tajín FAQ

Can I use fresh lime zest instead of True Lime crystals?

Yes! Fresh lime zest can be used, but keep in mind it adds moisture and may reduce the shelf life. For longer storage, we recommend dehydrated lime zest or True Lime crystals, which offer bold flavor and great shelf stability.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a mild to medium kick, depending on the chili powder you use. Guajillo is mild, but if you use chipotle or cayenne, expect a hotter result. You can always adjust the heat to your liking!

How long does homemade Tajín last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it can last 4–6 weeks. For best flavor and texture, avoid moisture and direct sunlight.

Is homemade Tajín gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your spice labels to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle gluten.

What can I put Tajín on?

The real question is: what can’t you put it on? Try it on:

• Mango, pineapple, watermelon

• Avocado or guacamole

• Popcorn or chips

• Grilled meats or seafood

• Veggies like cucumber and jicama

• Cocktail rims (like margaritas and micheladas)

• In Mangonadas

Can I make a salt-free version?

Absolutely! Just leave out the salt or reduce it if you’re watching your sodium. The flavor will still be zesty and spicy from the chiles and lime.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just maintain the same ratio of ingredients and store the extra in a larger glass jar or divide into smaller ones for gifting.

From San Diego to Sonora, Tajín is one of those Mexican seasoning blends that’s won hearts (and taste buds) across the globe. But the homemade version? It’s something special. It’s fresher, just as flavorful, and totally customizable.

So grab your whisk, pull out your favorite spice grinder (if using whole spices), and let’s make a seasoning mix that puts the store-bought version to shame. Once you make this at home, there’s no going back.

Buen provecho!