Tajin seasoning is a popular Mexican spice blend made with a combination of salt, chili peppers, and dehydrated lime. It adds just the right touch of zing. Try this homemade recipe.

Homemade Tajin Spice is the Best
If you are a spicy food lover, you may come across a lot of spices you never knew about but once you do, they take up a permanent space in your spice rack. One such spice is Tajin, an oddly named spice blend but with an amazing taste! Here is everything you'd like to know about it.
What is Tajin Seasoning?
Tajin (pronounced "ta heen") is a well-known Mexican seasoning made with a combination of chili powders, lime and sea salt with a few other ingredients. If you are familiar with the tortilla chip brands that include a hint of lime, this is quite similar - the right combination of salty, tangy, and spicy to satisfy your taste buds.
The most popular brand of this spicy seasoning is widely produced in Mexico by Tajín, a Mexican Company, though it's popularity continues to grow in the United States. This brand is made with mild chili peppers, lime and sea salt and is quite mild.
Let's talk about how to make tajín seasoning blend at home, shall we?
Tajin Ingredients
For making your own Tajin at home, you will need:
- Cayenne Powder. Use paprika powder or red chili powder for a milder version.
- Guajillo Powder.
- Crystalized Lime Powder. Use dried lime zest as an alternative. It is essentially dehydrated lime juice.
- Fine Salt.
- Sugar. Optional, for sweetness.
- Additionals. To make this more of a seasoning you can cook with, add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander. These are not traditional.
Homemade Tajin Recipe - How to Make Tajin
Mix together the following in a bowl - 1 tablespoon cayenne powder, 1 tablespoon guajillo powder, 2 tablespoons crystalized lime powder, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar (optional).
Mix well and use as desired.
Easy enough to make, isn't it? If you love tajín, you will definitely love this homemade version.
How To Use Tajin Spice?
Many people wonder, what should I put Tajin on? The spice blend is famous for its tangy and spicy flavor, so it is a perfect fit for sprinkling onto fresh fruits and vegetables, where it will enhance the sweet taste. You can also add it to homemade guacamole and the flavor boost will leave you amazed. It is great for Mexican cuisine.
Try this - take a cucumber, cut it into circles, lay them out on the plate, then sprinkle Tajin over the slices to make a perfect mouth-watering appetizer. Quick and easy!
You can also sprinkle the spice blend on pineapple, melon, and mango to enhance their sweetness and make your taste buds tingle with satisfaction. The best thing is that you can whip these appetizers together in a matter of a few minutes. Easy peasy!
Also, use it on popcorn or potato chips to make the perfect snack for movie night. Rim a glass with Tajin for a twist on your favorite margarita, mangonada, or for Bloody Marys. It is essential in making homemade chamoy sauce. Tajin and chamoy are perfect ingredients for each other.
You can usually get your hands on Tajin in most grocery stores as they are easily available.
Recipe Tips
- Can't find crystalized lime powder? Buy Crystalized Lime Powder at Amazon (affiliate link, my friends)
Where Can I Buy Tajin?
- Buy Tajin® Here at Amazon (affiliate link, my friends)
- Buy Tajín® Clásico (affiliate link, my friends) - Classic Seasoning, a very popular brand
- Buy Tajín® Habanero (affiliate link, my friends) - a spicy version!
- Buy Tajín® Hot Sauce (affiliate link, my friends) - similar flavors!
Substitutes For Tajin
If by any chance you are unable to find Tajin seasoning, you can make your own by following the below-mentioned guidelines. As you already know that Tajin is a mixture of salt, lime juice, and chili pepper, the substitute is very easy to make as well.
How Long Does Tajin Last?
Spices usually do not have an expiration date, however, the flavor weakens after some time. Try to keep your spices in air-tight and sealed containers to increase their life. It is best used within 3 months to guarantee the best flavor. Keep refrigerated if using fresh lime zest and use within a few days, or freeze it.
Learn More About These Other Interesting Spice Blends
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Garam Masala
- Chaat Masala
- Gochugaru
- Berbere
- Ras el Hanout
- Sazon Seasoning
- Adobo Seasoning
- Togarashi: Popular Japanese Spice Blend
- Carne Asada Seasoning
- Akabanga - Rwandan Chili Oil
- Chili Pastes from Around the World
- Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

Homemade Tajin Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons crystalized lime powder (use dried lime zest as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder (use paprika or red chili powder for a milder alternative)
- 1 tablespoon guajillo powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredient together in a small bowl.
- Use as desired to season your dish.
Notes
Nutrition Information

Questions? Feel free to contact me anytime. I'm happy to help. -- Mike H.
NOTE: This page was updated on 9/29/20 to include new information. It was originally published on 3/31/19.
Oxa says
What's the smallest amount of salt you can use and still have this taste OK?
Mike H. says
I use 2 tablespoons here, so you could start by using 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of salt instead. This would be a substantial reduction but could still allow the flavors to come through. Adjust to taste from there, adding more if needed.
PT says
Wonderful recipe. All my friends (including my Mexican friends) have told me they love the consistency and great flavors, that tastes better than any store bought. I love it most on Jicama salad. I don’t have easy access to Lime crystals, so I’ve opted for Lime zest, which I sun-dry. I didn’t find the crystals as strong flavored as the zest either, which this recipe needs. I cut the sugar back to 2 teaspoons which I used fine ground raw sugar. I also changed the peppers to 3 teaspoons of Ancho plus 3 teaspoons of Morita peppers, which I found have more heat & flavor compared to cayenne, chili powder or paprika. With all these changes, perhaps I have a new recipe that I should claim and name. LOL
Enjoy
Mike Hultquist says
Nice!! I love it! Thanks for sharing. Yes, you got your own brand there!
Kerry says
I love it as a chicken rice casserole seasoning.
Mike Hultquist says
Perfect use, Kerry!
Barbara says
Thank you for this recipe, it's better than store bought! I used New Mexico Red Chili Powder and added some smoked paprika. Really great, either way as written or with my changes.
Mike Hultquist says
Wonderful! I love your additions.
Kathy The FUN Baker says
Hi Mike,
I Love your Homemade Tajin Seasoning recipe! I made mine with 1/2 Tbsp. smoked paprika & 1/2 Tbsp. ground chipotle pepper since my stomach won't let me make it with a full Tbsp of pepper. I really enjoy chile peppers, but I'm 67 years old & I just can't eat foods as hot as I used to when I was younger. I tried this recipe out on cucumber sticks along side a Mexican taco dip (made with refried black beans, ground turkey, & queso quesadilla) with other crudités & flavored tortilla chips for a local Cinco de Mayo-themed Recipe Swap. It was delish!! Can't wait to try it on mango slices next!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes with us. Happy Cooking!!
Mike Hultquist says
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Kathy! Very happy you enjoyed it!
Dana says
Great recipe. I didn't have any coriander, so I dried cilantro in the oven. Worked out great. Also zesting a lime and drying in oven works out well.
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it, Dana!
Damien says
Is there a substitute for the lime.
I can't use lime unfortunately I'm allergic to em. Found out by eating tajin
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Damien, I would use lemon, unless you are allergic to that as well. Another citrus is ideal. Otherwise, probably just skip it.
Hanlie says
Hi
Thanks for the recipe.
We do not have dried lime on South Africa. Do you maybe know how I can do it myself?
Thanks
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Hanlie. You can dry lime peel in a dehydrator or in a very low temperature oven, or even in the sun when there is no moisture in the air. I hope this helps.
Jeanette says
Does this need to be stored in the fridge since it has fresh lime zest? Will it really last 3 months?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jeanette, use dehydrated (dried) lime zest and it will last 3 months. If using fresh lime zest, use within a few days and store in the refrigerator. I have updated the post to make that clearer. Thank you.
Cathy says
Thank you for this...I like Tajin, but find the purchased one way too salty
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Absolutely!
Peggy says
I sprinkle it on fish with a little garlic powder and it's delish.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Perfect!
Eeika says
Just found this. Used it on wings in the sir fryrr
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wonderful!