If you love experimenting with different seasoning/spice blends, you should definitely come across the two mixtures that will be subject leaders in this article. In fact, they are so similar that we can hardly figure out their differences. Hence, this episode will unveil everything you need to know about chili seasoning vs taco seasoning.
The key difference between these two seasoning blends comes down to their content. Chili seasoning contains higher amounts of chili powder and paprika, while taco seasoning is rich in ground cumin. Consequently, chili seasoning tastes a bit more intense than taco seasoning.
So, if you have both of these blends with you or intend to buy them separately, this article will be all you have ever waited for. Keep reading!
Chili Seasoning vs Taco Seasoning –
| Chili Seasoning | Taco Seasoning | |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Chili powder Paprika Cayenne pepper Red chili flakes Onion powder Garlic powder Ground black pepper Ground cumin Dried oregano | Ground cumin Chili powder Garlic powder Onion powder Paprika Black pepper Red chili flakes Dried oregano |
| Other Ingredients | Ground cinnamon Cocoa powder Dried basil Salt Sugar Thickeners (corn starch, rice flour, wheat flour, etc.) | Sugar Salt Corn starch Wheat flour Citric acid Soybean oil |
| Base Flavor | Savory and spicy | Savory and spicy |
| Flavor Profile | Spicy, savory, warm, and more intense than taco seasoning. | Warm, savory, and spicy yet less intense than chili seasoning. |
| Heat level | Hotter than taco seasoning | Less hot than chili seasoning |
| Texture | A dry, coarse mixture | A dry, coarse mixture |
| Usages in cooking | – Used primarily in chili – Sprinkle into mac and cheese – To season meat, fish, and other seafood – To sprinkle into roasted vegetables – As a flavor enhancer in stews – To be integrated into ground meat mixtures | – Used mainly in taco fillings In soups and stews – To season fish, seafood, and meat – As an ingredient in signature salads – To spice up pasta, spaghetti, and lasagna – To mix into sauces and dips |
| Origin | American cuisine | Mexican cuisine |
| Availability | – Usually comes in containers and packets – Widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and online shopping sites. | – Usually comes in containers and packets – Widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and online shopping sites. |
| Storage | – Once opened or used, it should be stored in a tight-fitting glass container in a dry, cool place with no direct sunlight exposure. – It can be kept with the rest of your dry spices inside the spice cupboard or rack. | – Once opened or used, it should be stored in a tight-fitting glass container in a dry, cool place with no direct sunlight exposure. – It can be kept with the rest of your dry spices inside the spice cupboard or rack. |
| Category of food | Seasoning blend | Seasoning blend |
The Difference Between Chili Seasoning and Taco Seasoning Elaborated
Chili seasoning and taco seasoning are pretty much similar. But there should be an apparent reason why they are labeled under two different names.
So, as we presented in the table above, chili seasoning tends to be hotter and more intense thanks to the bulk of chili powder and other chili pepper powders used. Moreover, some chili seasoning recipes even include ground cinnamon and cocoa powder which we don’t typically savor in taco seasoning.
Taco seasoning, on the other hand, is mainly based on ground cumin. Ground cumin is not a hot spice, yet earthy and warm.
In addition, taco seasoning frequently calls for Mexican-inspired dishes. In contrast, chili seasoning is universal and goes just about with most hot and spicy dishes aside from its conventional use in chili.
Rounding Off With Chili seasoning vs Taco Seasoning
The seasoning blends we just finished discussing are kitchen essentials that will add a far-reaching amount of flavor to most of your dishes.
Although they seem to be similar in many aspects, they are still remarkably different in their contents. In essence, chili seasoning is hotter and more potent, while taco seasoning is flavorful and warmer yet less hot than chili seasoning.
