I personally taste-tested a variety of Everglades seasoning substitutes to find the best one for every cooking occasion. Whether you’re on the hunt for the closest flavor match, in need of a last-minute pantry substitute, or want a swap that fits your diet, I’ve got the answers.
The best substitute for Everglades Seasoning is to make it from scratch. If you’re watching your sodium intake, Mrs. Dash Seasoning is a good ready-made option. And if you’re in a real pinch, you can’t go wrong with salt and pepper.
The experiment
I roasted batches of veggies to try out different Everglades seasoning substitutes.
Everglades Seasoning originated in Florida and it’s a flavorful blend of spices including sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and MSG. It’s got a salty, umami flavor with a bit of a kick and you can sprinkle it over anything — from potatoes and eggs to pasta and stews. You can also use it as a dry rub for your proteins.
Here are the substitutes I tested and my verdicts:
| Substitutes | Notes | Verdict |
| Homemade blend | Very close to the real deal | 9/10 |
| Mrs. Dash Seasoning | Low-sodium | 8/10 |
| Other Brands of All-Purpose Seasoning | Many options to choose from | 8/10 |
| Salt and Pepper | Simple option | 7/10 |
Everglades Seasoning Clone
Looking at the ingredients list on the Everglades Seasoning website wasn’t super helpful, but I managed to find an easy recipe from Reddit for a homemade Everglades seasoning. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and those that aren’t are readily available in most grocery stores.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp salt (or 1 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp MSG)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp celery powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp turmeric
- 1/8 tsp sugar
Method:
Mix all the spices together and run the mixture through a spice grinder to get a fine texture. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake well before use.
This clone seasoning isn’t quite perfect, but it tastes very similar to the real deal. And making your own blend allows you to play around with the ratios of spices. If you want more heat, simply add more cayenne pepper.
How to Substitute: Replace Everglades Seasoning in a 1:1 ratio with the homemade version.
Mrs. Dash Seasoning
On a low-sodium diet but still want to make your dishes taste fabulous? Swap out Everglades Seasoning for Mrs. Dash instead.
It draws its savory goodness from a blend of 14 herbs and spices, offering a complex flavor profile even without salt or MSG. And for those days when I’m missing that extra umami kick, I like mixing in a pinch of nutritional yeast. It’s naturally rich in umami but still sodium-free.
Pro tip: To amplify the flavors, consider combining Mrs. Dash with a splash of lemon or lime juice. The acidity will brighten the dish and complement the seasoning’s herbs beautifully!
How to Substitute: Replace Everglades Seasoning in a 1:1 ratio with Mrs. Dash Seasoning.
Other Brands of All-Purpose Seasoning
Everglades is an all-purpose seasoning, and there are plenty of other all-purpose seasoning brands you can try, like Lawry’s, Tony Chachere’s, and Spike to name a few.
Each brand will have a distinct flavor, so you’ll need to explore to find your preferred blend. I like Spike seasoning because it’s loaded with over 39 different ingredients, creating a savory, zesty flavor that’s just as versatile as Everglades.
YUM!
How to Substitute: Replace Everglades Seasoning in a 1:1 ratio with your choice of all-purpose seasoning.
Salt and pepper
This isn’t the most flavorsome substitute, but it’s a quick and easy solution if you’re in a pinch. It’s also a great option for anyone who prefers simplicity and accessibility over strong flavors.
And for a more exciting variation, consider swapping regular salt for special varieties like celery or garlic salt. My favorite is truffle salt, which brings a punch of earthy, umami notes to every bite. You can also switch up the black pepper and try something more subtle pink pepper.
If you have any other herbs and spices oh hand, you can throw in a pinch of those too.
How to Substitute: Replace 1 tbsp Everglades seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste.
Best Everglades Seasoning Substitutes
Ingredients
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, coarse grind if possible
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp celery powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ⅛ tsp creole red pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp turmeric
- ⅛ tsp sugar
Instructions
- Combine everything in a small bowl and mix well. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
