Like chili recipes or dry rubs for barbecue, taco seasoning blends can be a closely guarded family secret. Of course, one doesn’t always have time to perfect their personal recipes on their own, and for moments like that, it’s great to have a packet of Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix on hand. Made from a blend of savory, spicy, and richly aromatic seasonings including cumin, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, brown sugar, and smoked paprika, this Seasoning Mix will add bold, fiery flavor to all kinds of taco meats, be it ground beef, ground poultry, or even your favorite plant-based alternative.

But that’s hardly where its usefulness starts and stops: we find its balance of full-flavored spices also makes it a great base for mixing into chili, tamale pie, stuffed peppers, breading for chicken tenders — you name it. In fact, it can also be used to simply sprinkle over already-prepared foods to give them a little extra kick: try adding a pinch of this Mix the next time you want to take your burger, mac and cheese, ramen, or skillet-seared salmon to excitingly spicy new places.