Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks: Spike Seasoning
Spike Seasoning is a product I’ve enjoyed for years, and this amazing blend of herbs and spices adds an extra bit of flavor to so many dishes!
PIN this info about Spike to find it later!
Out of all the products I’ve spotlighted for Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks I’m guessing the one I use most often is Spike Seasoning. This amazing blend of spices is something I discovered many (many!) years ago and now I use it in almost every dish I make that has savory flavors. And every year when the calendar switches over to the new year my blog gets a lot of readers who are new to the site, so I am reminding everyone about this favorite seasoning blend that I use so often!
Truly my love for Spike has never wavered through all the years I’ve been using it. And Spike has been sold for more than 50 years, so I think it’s safe to say I’m not the only one who enjoys the flavor boost it adds to recipes!
What is Spike Seasoning?
Spike is a blend of dried herbs and spices that was originally created by Gayelord Hauser and is made by Modern Products. I used to buy it in my regular grocery store, but now I can’t find it there and I buy Spike Seasoning at Amazon.com. (affiliate link) In stores that carry it, it will often be found in the nutrition or health foods section.
What Ingredients are in Spike Seasoning?
Here’s a list of the 39 ingredients that are in Spike: Salt and sea salt, de-fatted nutri-soy granules, granular toasted onion, nutritional yeast, granular garlic, celery root granules, ground dill, horseradish granules, mustard powder, lemon peel, orange powder, parsley flakes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, white pepper, rose hips powder, summer savory, mushroom powder, safflower, parsley powder, white onion powder, spinach powder, tomato powder, sweet Hungarian paprika, ground celery seed, cayenne pepper, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground ginger, ground coriander, ground fenugreek, ground cloves, cinnamon powder, plus a delightful herbal bouquet of the best Greek oregano, French tarragon, French sweet basil, French marjoram, French rosemary and Spanish Thyme.
Does Spike Seasoning contain salt?
Spike comes with or without salt. I buy the original version that has salt, but if you’re watching your sodium intake I would chose the Salt-Free Spike. (affiliate link)
Is Spike Gluten-Free?
According to their website, Spike is gluten-free. Through the years I have heard from a couple of people with other food allergies who were sensitive to it, so if you are sensitive to certain things I would check the list of ingredients.
What types of recipes are good with Spike Seasoning?
I love the flavor Spike adds to egg dishes, salads, stews and soups, marinades, roasted vegetables, and casseroles. I think it adds a little extra something to any savory dish where you want a complex blend of flavors.
More about Spike Seasoning:
Lydia from The Perfect Pantry also wrote an informative post about Spike Seasoning.
See Kalyn’s Recipes that use Spike Seasoning:
I’ve used this favorite seasoning blend for so many years now that I could never list all my recipes using it. But if you enter Spike Seasoning into the search bar on the blog you can see the variety of dishes where I use it to add a bit of extra flavor.
More about Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks
I purchased this product myself and this company has no idea whatsoever that I’m writing about it. All items featured as Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks are things I happily buy over and over, and so that readers will know that my opinions are completely unbiased, I don’t accept review products from the many companies who offer to send them to me. You can see the complete list of products I’ve chosen to feature at Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks.
76 Comments on “Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks: Spike Seasoning”
My husband loves food with his salt! Now on a low sodium diet so we found Spike and he uses it for everything. Much much less sodium then regular salt. (and we cound sodium grams each day) Glad we found it!
Yes, I love it and the way it adds flavor. It sounds like you might be using the Spike product called Vege-Sal. There is also a salt-free Spike Seasoning.
I’m looking for a good spike season for low sodium diet?
Just look for the Salt Free Spike Seasoning. I would check Amazon.com if you don’t find it in the store.
Wouldn’t eat corn on the cob without Spike!! I first learned about Spike in the cookbook “In the Kitchen With Rosie” ( Oprah’s personal chef when Oprah lost all that weight.) Great on all roasted veggies. Haven’t been able to find it in Tucson since moving here so I order it on line. It’s the best!!!!
Fun to hear from a fellow Spike fan! It’s funny because I had that cookbook but I’m pretty sure I had discovered Spike long before then! I am pretty much getting it from Amazon all the time now too, seems to be hard to find in Utah these days.
Love Spike and have since the 70’s. We have it with cauliflower and carrots with breadcrumbs with loads of butter and garlic and Spike. So yummy. We also shake loads of it on chicken thighs and toss them in the oven.
Thank you for creating it.
That’s about how long I’ve used it too. I certainly didn’t create it though!
Looking for the best recipe for a “Bible Bread Sandwich”. Cabbbage slaw, with Spike Seasonings, white cheese, sunflower seeds, sprouts (or other vegetables on a wheat pita or wrap type bread. There are a couple online. I like the ones that have mashed avacado, and mayo as the base to start. i found two recipes, but there has to be others! I love the sandwiches. I bought them at Larsen Herb Shop in Orem, Utah. Original recipe lost. They are all good, but just have not got the right combination yet. I just make them to taste right now.
Sorry Cindy, but I have never heard of that before!
I always add it when I sauté cauliflower rice. It makes the cauliflower sing!!
I like the sound of that!
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I use Spike in rice. I add more butter to the rice and then add spike ( to taste). I usually serve the rice with beef kabobs and vegetables ( tomato, mushroom, onion quarters and green or other colored peppers) It’s awesome and puts the dish over the top.
That sounds delicious! I like it in so many things!
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Agree; I think it improves the flavor of so many things!
Kalyn, been using it for a long time, and love it. People just need to remember a little goes a long way. I love egg and olive salad sandwiches, and Spike really punches up the flavor!
My grandmother used to use Spike for everything. When I was a little girl, (and we're talking like 45 years ago, or so) she would make me Sourdough toast (lightly buttered) and spread some avocado on it and sprinkle Spike (the no salt version) on it. It was SO delicious! That was the only way I would eat avocados back then, except for guacamole 🙂 I hadn't had it in many, many years and just recently came across Spike in the store. I thought, for sure, that it didn't even exist any more! I made the delicious toast that my grandmother made me so long ago and I was flooded with memories and great feelings 🙂 I made some at work one day and everyone asked it. I let them taste it and EVERYONE absolutely LOVED it. Nobody has ever heard of Spike before except for one 25 year old girl who, shockingly, told me that HER grandmother used to make the very same thing for her when SHE was a little girl! Sourdough toast (lightly buttered), avocado and Spike! I highly recommend trying it. I like the Cracked Wheat Sourdough but any kind will do. It's nice to see another Spike lover, Kalyn 🙂 Everyone at my work are running out to buy some now too! hee hee
Fun hearing from another Spike fan. And the avocado toast sounds fantastic!
I've used this product and recommended it for at least 30 years and never heard of anyone having a problem with it. But obviously if it has an ingredient you're sensitive to you shouldn't use it.
Kristin, so glad you like it. I have been a fan of Spike for years and years now!
I made your cheesy cauliflower tots for dinner last night. The recipe calls for Spike, so I went out and bought some. I used it on my ham and egg muffins this morning. Incredible flavor!!! It's got to be the Spike seasoning! Thank you!
I do think it adds flavor to a lot of goods, glad you like it!
I admit that I bought Spike seasoning for one of your recipes, and then it got lost in my spice shelf.
After reading these comments, I will definitely consider using it more broadly than I have. Thanks for your blog!
People who don't want to buy this or use it, feel free to do whatever works for you. But no need to leave comments here convincing the rest of us why we should not like it. Those kinds of comments won't be published.
I definitely think it's an ingredient to be added as things cook; I never use it to sprinkle on cooked foods.
My kids love it on hash browns and scrambled eggs, sprinkled on at the table. I've never cooked with it, though I've been using it for over twenty years. I never even thought of using it at the stove! Now I have to try that! -jennifer
So interesting how we have used it completely differently. Now I have to try your way of sprinkling it on foods too!
Is Spike more for cooking with and not adding at the table??? We made some vegetable soup and sprinkled it on it. More like Italian seasoning to me which we don't care for, so wondering if cooking with it is better once it gets blended with other ingredients.
Just tried this tonight and I loved it! I had made the pilgrimage to Whole Foods after work looking for brown rice tortillas (I don't eat wheat at all, not a no-gluten thing, just no wheat). Struck out on that, but I happened by the spices and saw both Spike and the chipotle chile, neither of which is available in the small town I live in. I figured it was meant to be. I did leave out cilantro because I don't care for it, but otherwise made it exactly to your directions. It was delicious! I will definitely be making it again, and plan to share the recipe with some coworkers who also love chickpeas. Btw, saw about your arm on Facebook- yikes! Hope you heal up quickly.
Thanks Lori!
Y'all are all do cute! Love your blog! Love that you don't take crap but your still tastefull in your retaliation. Cute cute! And I can say y'all cuz I'm from the south!!
I have never remotely implied that Spike is a substitute for fresh herbs, so I am not going to publish comments arguing that point.
Thanks Emily! I'm afraid I haven't tried Mrs. Dash. Spike is sold by the health foods, usually not by the spices, and you can buy it from Amazon.com. I'm betting something like Mrs. Dash would be a good replacement though.
Kaylyn, I can't seem to find the Spike here locally. I saw an earlier comment about Mrs. Dash. I can find that in abundance, have you had a chance to to try it and compare? I know it's not quite as complex but then there are several varieties.
Also, I just wanted to say you have the most amazing SB blog ever! Time and again I keep coming back! I think I have read you more than my actual SB cookbooks!
Love from a loyal reader, Emily
SuAnn, I know what you mean about the years going fast! Yaay for Spike; hope you have fun with it. It's great on eggs or roasted veggies for a start!
You know I've been following you for at least a couple of years now! When you get older like me, they go fast! I kept reading about Spike and today was at Sprouts here in Phoenix actually looking for something else you mentioned when there it was, SPIKE! So an inexpensive addition that I will try!
If you haven't tried Spike that might be why you don't understand what a complex flavor it has. But if you don't like it, don't use it. Simple solution.
Hi – Just found your blog and mostly love it. I do NOT understand Spike, however. It's number 1 ingredient is SALT. In most chef's books – this means you're just paying for very expensive salt with a few hints of other things thrown in…maybe just try your favorite top 3 spices from it? Great ideas otherwise! Cheers
Cat, you can also order it online if you don't find it in your health food store.
Hi Kalyn,
I'm so glad I found your post! I've been looking for Spike for several years now since my last bottle ran out! 🙁 I can't seem to find it anymore in my regular grocery stores and the managers I've asked for it don't seem to have heard about it either. I'm going to check the health food stores out now since I never thought about looking for it there. Thanks! 🙂 Cat
Paula, I haven't used Mrs. Dash so I don't know if it's similar. Spike is a blend of many, many different spices. You can substitute any spice or dried herbs that you like the flavor of in eggs if you're using it for an egg casserole dish.
I couldn't take the time to wade through all of the comments, but is spike similar to Mrs. Dash? Seems like it might be, but I'm not sure I'd want Mrs. Dash tasting eggs.
Can't wait to try this recipe!
So glad to hear you were able to find it and liked it.
Kalyn- I've been following your blog for quite some time now. I think I found your blog when I was searching for Cafe Rio copycat recipes. Anyway I read this post a long time go and then stumbled across the seasoning at my local Meijer (store similar to Super Walmart) in Ohio. I was thrilled to find it, and you're right- it's amazing. I've never tasted anything quite like it. Thanks for the recommendation and keep 'em coming. I love your site.
Kjersti, I buy Spike at Smith's Marketplace or Whole foods in Utah. In regular grocery stores it's usually sold near the health foods (not by the other spices.)
Living here in Utah I am wondering other than online if there are any local stores that would carry Spike? I check my local Fresh Market but am wondering if I would have better luck at Harmons or a health food store.
Side note thank you for posting these recipes I have just started these diet and have already lost 5 lbs with many more to go.
Christine, glad you’re enjoying the blog. I’d definitely say celery is not a strong flavor in Spike. In fact I had to look at the ingredients to realize it had celery. It’s such a blend of flavors, I’d say nothing else tastes quite like it.
I’ve been loving your blog ever since I found it a couple of weeks ago! I’ve lost 9 lbs on the South Beach Diet and am enjoying your tasty recipes just as much as I enjoyed higher fat/ carb foods prevously.
I’ve been contemplating getting Spike since it’s in a lot of your recipes, but I really don’t like the flavor of celery at all. Before I buy it, could you tell me if the celery is prevalent?
Thanks!
Hi Cooling Fool,
Glad you’re enjoying the blog! Spike is often sold by health foods, not by the spices. I can find it at Smiths and some Albertsons if I look where the natural foods are. You can also get it at Whole Foods. I know for sure the Whole Foods in Sugarhouse and the one on 400 South both have it.
Hi Kaylyn,
I stumbled on your site a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it!
I also live in the SLC valley and I have had trouble finding Spike seasoning. I have visited several grocer’s – even the one’s that usually have everything – but no Spike seasoning.
Can you tell me if you have found it in any local grocery stores?
Thanks!
Spike is very different from Vege-Sal. Vege-Sal is a blend of salt and a few vegetables, mostly salt and used like salt, to season cooked foods or on raw food like tomatoes. Spike is a blend of many different herbs and flavorings, used to season foods while cooking.
Whats the difference btw Spike and Vege-Sal?
JoAnn, good idea!
Thanks for the post. I saw it for sale on Amazon (in a six-pack), but I’d never heard of it til now. I think I’ll check the local stores for a bottle before buying six at once 🙂
In Utah it’s sold near the health foods in some stores, not always by spices. I don’t shop at Wal-Mart so I don’t know if they have it here, but I do know you can order it online.
I couldn’t find this at Wal-mart today!! I wonder why 🙁
Funny about the hippy connection — Gaylord Hauser was anything but, just a health nut in the 30’s. Even with the salt version, it’s a good way to reduce sodium in food. I just found my back-up ‘stash’ (get it?) packed from the last move. I think it’s the tangerine (?) that’s the real secret. Also in a Japanese blend, togarishi, I think.
Jenfr, hadn’t thought of that, but makes sense to me.
Paz, I bet you’d like it.
Mimi, I haven’t tried the Salt Free kind so I’ll be curious how you like it. (Okay I admit I’m kind of a salt freak.) No brownies, for sure.
Well, I was intrigued so I bought some today. I was surprised to find it so easily (and the salt-free version, too).
I will try it and report back.
So, OK, maybe I won’t make brownies with it…
Thanks for the headsup! I’ll give it a try.
Paz
I just wanted to add that since reading about Spike on your blog I have picked up a jar and it is my “secret ingredient” in tuna sandwiches. My sons (8 and 10) have even commented that I make the BEST tuna sandwiches – they won’t eat them made by anyone else! 🙂
Carrie, you’re so welcome.
Divas on a diet, give it a try.
Mimi, it was started by the first commenter, my friend CookieCrumb who said “Spike is just too hippie.” It was very popular back in those days, although I think mostly in salads with sprouts, not Alice B. Toklas brownies or joints.
Dee, how fun. Thanks for sharing that!
I picked up a bottle of it today at the grocery. I can’t wait to try it. I’m too young to be considered a hippy! Instead I’m the “love child” of one. =)
I’ve never tried Spike, but ‘ll give it a try.
So what’s the hippy connection? Popular in the Haight? used to flavor joints? Alice B. Toklas like it?
I have never heard of Spike, but thanks for the top. Anything that will make my diet work, know what I mean? 🙂
Kayln,
Thanks SO much for the link love gal! I LOVE SPIKE seasoning! The Garlic and All Purpose are my favorites and I just think they are wonderful! I sprinkle them on everything from casseroles to scrambled eggs. I love your site so much!!! Thanks again!!
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who cares if this stuff has hippie roots!
Lina, I think it’s wonderful. Obviously not everyone agrees.
Meeso, glad to hear you liked it!
Lydia, I’ll bring you some to BlogHer this summer!
Ms. Glaze, how fun to hear about your adventures. I’m a *bit* older than you and was pretty much a full-fledged hippie for a while, but the funny thing is that my hippie days were well behind me before I ever heard of Spike!
I did follow the Grateful Dead around, and I even lived in a VW bus for awhile, but I’m afraid I’m a little too young to be a true hippy. Regardless, I really like Spike on certain things. Namely, hashbrowns and homefries. Peace, love, and happiness, Ms. Glaze
I’ve never seen Spike in any of the markets here in Rhode Island — so I’ve never tasted it. Clearly must remedy that situation… I’m off to Amazon to order some.
I was at the health food store the other day and saw this sitting on the shelf and remembered it being in so many of your recipes so I picked up a jar and I’m glad I did! This really does add a ton of flavor to food! I loved what it did to my moms Beef and Noodle recipe and I added some to a steak I had fried…I absolutely love it! Whatever the debate, I guess as long as I’m not eating a bottle of this stuff a day, I don’t care… It’s darn tasty… Thanks for letting me onto this mix, Kalyn!
wow I have to try this spice! It sounds wonderful!
Rebecca, Spike is a general-purpose seasoning, so any all purpose seasoning salt type blend that you like the flavor of would make a good substitute. (I do have to admit though that Spike is so unique that I’d order it online before I subbed something else for it.) Fresh herbs aren’t really the same kind of flavor, in my opinion.
Have you found other types of dry seasonings that would make for a good substitute? Or how about just using fresh herbs?