06-07-2025
Review: Walmart Versus Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning
I've always been a devout enthusiast of seasonings — the tiny, unassuming, unsung heroes of the kitchen. How can something so small have the power to drastically change the flavor and feeling of a dish? A dash of curry in a chicken salad. The sprinkle of cinnamon in a mug of morning coffee. A pinch of turmeric in a sunny scramble.
A handful of years back, I grew wildly intrigued by Trader Joe's creative, playful — and sometimes downright wild — selection of spices. The lineup was vast, unexpected, and affordable. I turned to Everything Bagel Seasoning to jazz up my avocado toast, 21 Seasoning Salute for my fish and chicken, and Everything But The Elote on my corn.
And then came the Umami Blend! Bursting with deep layers of flavor, it was somehow good on everything from green bean casseroles to salad dressings and pasta sauces to omelets.
So, when I heard that Walmart launched its own Bettergoods Umami Seasoning, I knew it was time for some investigative research and a proper side-by-side comparison. And what better test vehicle than popcorn?
🍄🟫 The Umami Seasoning Shakedown
Walmart Bettergoods Mushroom Umami Seasoning
Ingredients: sea salt, onion, mustard seed, porcini mushroom, white button mushroom, crushed red pepper, black pepper, thyme, silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent)Cost: $2.96 (2.7 oz)
Trader Joe's Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: kosher salt, dried onions, ground mustard seed, porcini mushroom powder, white button mushroom powder, crushed red pepper, black pepper, dried thymeCost: $2.99 (2.1 oz)
Walmart's version leaned saltier with stronger onion notes. The spice itself clung better on popcorn than its Trader Joe's counterpart, and I found I could use less to get the flavor punch I wanted. It had a distinct flavor that was reminiscent of something I couldn't pinpoint, so I requested my husband try it to help identify it.
'Top Ramen!' he noted after a few bites. Bingo.
The Trader Joe's version, on the other hand, was more subtle and balanced. You need a little more for that "wow" factor, but the ground mustard seed within the mixture seemed more prevalent than in the Bettergoods version, which added an earthy complexity I loved.
Winner: Trader Joe's (but it depends on your mood and occasion!)
I feel this is very much a matter of personal opinion and circumstance. I could see myself reaching for the Walmart version if I wanted the wow-factor (maybe on popcorn or for party snacks), while I'd opt for the Trader Joe's version for everyday cooking. It's mellow and doesn't overpower, but rather complements the food.
Both of these seasonings, however, would shine on noodle bowls with scallions, mung beans, and broth, or tossed with roasted veggies or scrambled eggs. I'd also like to try both on buttered toast with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
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🌶️ Bonus: Sriracha Seasoning Shakedown
So, with my umami research done, I found myself compelled to compare more spices. From my most recent research, I was aware that Trader Joe's had unfortunately discontinued their own Sriracha Sprinkle (fingers crossed that it comes back someday).
But I did want to see if Walmart's Bettergoods line could fill the void. For fairness, I compared it to Trader Joe's still-available Crunchy Chili Onion Sprinkle Seasoning Blend, which is a totally different texture, but close enough in spirit to be worth tasting (and contains similar ingredients like sugar, paprika, onion, and chilis).
Walmart Bettergoods Sriracha Flavored Seasoning
Ingredients: sriracha chili sauce powder, sugar, maltodextrin, paprika, salt, tomato powder, vinegar solids, modified corn starch, onion powder, paprika extractives, silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent), citric acid, malic acid, natural flavorCost: $2.96 (2.3 oz)
Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion Sprinkle Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: sea salt, crispy fried onions, chili flakes, brown sugar, dried roasted garlic, dehydrated red bell pepper, silicon dioxide, dried Szechuan pepper, yeast extract, paprikaCost: $1.99 (2.64 oz)
Tomato-forward with a good amount of spice and flavor that held up in every bite of popcorn, the Walmart version was delightful! The Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion Seasoning is pretty, with its red pepper flake-style texture, but it didn't cling well (which wasn't too surprising). It would need the help of butter to stay put, though the spice level was nice — not too much, not too little — and I loved the crispy fried onion component.
Winner: Walmart
It's tough to say which would be better between the discontinued sriracha from Trader Joe's or this Bettergoods version. That being said, I was really impressed with Walmart's sriracha, and I'm excited to have found it. It packs the perfect punch and is versatile enough to use on a wide range of dishes.
Try both of these on fried eggs, chicken wings, or to give your burgers some spice. They'd both be great on avocado toast, but I'm especially eager to try it on bacon with a little drizzle of maple syrup before baking, then stack it on a BLTA.
🍅 Bonus Part Two: Ketchup Seasoning Spotlight
Okay, and finally…I just couldn't resist. Does anyone remember the Trader Joe's Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle Seasoning Blend? It had a bit of a cult following before disappearing, so when I spotted a ketchup seasoning in the Bettergoods lineup, I had to try it.
Walmart Bettergoods Ketchup Seasoning
Ingredients: tomato powder, salt, sugar, vinegar powder, onion, vegetable oil, silicone dioxideCost: $2.96 (3.2 oz)
Holy tomatoes! This one is ketchup through and through. It's perfectly tangy, slightly sweet, and unmistakably tomato-forward. I can't compare it side-by-side with Trader Joe's since it's off shelves, but for those of us still mourning the loss of the original, Walmart's makes a solid stand-in.
It's a natural fit for fries, eggs, and grilled cheese, but also great mixed into mayo for burgers or sandwiches. I'm planning to try it on roasted chickpeas and hashbrowns next.
At the end of the day, popcorn might not be the most scientific testing ground, but it was a low-commitment, high-reward way to explore the flavors of the seasonings. Walmart's Bettergoods line truly impressed me. I found it to be completely comparable, gourmet, fun, and filled with flavor.
Trader Joe's still wins on depth and subtle complexity with their umami blend, but Walmart takes the crown for sriracha— spicier, punchier, and more versatile. And while the original Trader Joe's ketchup seasoning will always hold a nostalgic place in my heart, Walmart's version is most certainly a worthy replacement.
Are you a well-seasoned spice enthusiast who's tried both lines? If so, what's your opinion? Drop your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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