My Top Ten Herbs & Spices

Since I’ve been Paleo my cooking has got more and more inventive, and I find I’m using a lot of different Herbs & Spices.

This does start out quite expensive if you don’t have any, but I really recommend going out and buying a basic selection to get started with.  Just by changing the herbs you can completely transform a meal.

When I went strict Paleo, I already had a lot of Herbs & Spices, but I went through all of my Paleo recipe books and bought all of the herbs and spices that came up in the ingredients list.  I’ve noticed I tend to use a few very frequently, and some are barely used, so thought I’d share my top ten herbs and spices, and what I use them for.

1. Onion Powder.  Although I use onions too, this is great to add to lots of dishes for extra onion flavour.
2. Garlic Powder.  I use this similarly to onion powder, to gives an almost sweet garlic taste.
3. Turmeric.  I’m trying to add this to more and more of my cooking, as it is has so many great attributes – including having anti inflammatory properties.  Turmeric gives a yellow colour and a slight bitter, mustard flavour.  I always add Turmeric to curries.
4. Cayenne Pepper.  This is a hot spicy chilli pepper, with hot being the word!  I only add a very small amount, but often add it to dishes like chilli, where I want a bit of heat.
5. Paprika.  This is from dried capsicum and quite a sweet flavour.  It gives food a red colour and I’ll use it in sauces and dips.
6. Oregano.  I seem to use a lot of this, almost anytime I cook with tomatoes, I add some oregano.  It has a slightly lemony flavour.
7. Thyme.  I often add this near the end of cooking to ensure the heat doesn’t damage it.  I add it to lots of different things such as stews, vegetable dishes and stocks.
8. Cinnamon.  This is my current favourite – I use it in almost everything.  Although it isn’t sweet, it’s great as a sweet substitute in tea and NoOatmeal.  I commonly use it in meat dishes as it gives such a great flavour.
9. Ginger.  This is another favourite which I have to regularly replenish.  I often add this to curries.
10. Salt.  This is another must have which brings out the flavour in dishes.  I naturally have quite low blood pressure, and as I don’t eat anything processed think it’s quite a good addition to my cooking.  I use Pink Himalayan salt as it is very pure with a great mineral content.  I also have Celtic Sea Salt, which also has a great mineral content.  I would go without rather than having table salt!

Are my most commonly used Herbs & Spices completely different to yours?  Which are your favourite Herbs & Spices and what do you use them for?

Exploring the Power of Herbs and Spices in Paleo Cooking

Herbs and spices are a cornerstone of flavour in any Paleo kitchen—and more than just adding a punch of taste, they offer a wide range of health benefits. From boosting digestion to reducing inflammation, herbs and spices are some of the most nutrient-dense items in your pantry. Once you’ve built a solid spice rack, the possibilities for enhancing meals without relying on processed sauces or additives are endless.

Why Herbs and Spices Matter on the Paleo Diet

When you eliminate processed foods, grains, sugar, and industrial seed oils, you rely more on whole foods—meat, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats—for nutrition and enjoyment. Herbs and spices allow you to diversify your meals, change the profile of your favourite dishes, and explore global cuisine while keeping everything 100% Paleo.

Beyond flavour, many herbs and spices offer antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. They help improve digestion, support detoxification, and even offer immune benefits—all with zero calories or carbs.

Honourable Mentions: Spices You Might Want to Add

In addition to your top ten, here are a few other pantry favourites that deserve a spot on your Paleo spice shelf:

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavour to rubs and roasted meats. Excellent in chorizo-inspired dishes or Paleo BBQ sauces.
• Cumin: A staple in Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking. Earthy and warming, it pairs beautifully with beef and lamb.
• Coriander: The seed of the cilantro plant, it adds a light, citrusy note to curries and marinades.
• Basil: Sweet and fragrant, basil is perfect in Italian-style dishes or for blending into Paleo pesto.
• Bay Leaves: Often used in slow-cooked meals like stews or soups, bay leaves lend a subtle depth of flavour when simmered for long periods.

How to Build a Paleo Spice Pantry Without Breaking the Bank

Herbs and spices can seem expensive at first, but there are ways to build your collection affordably:

• Buy in bulk from health food stores or spice markets.
• Store herbs and spices in airtight containers away from heat and light to preserve potency.
• Start with a small set of the most-used spices for your favourite cuisines, then expand as needed.

It’s also a good idea to label the date of purchase—over time, spices lose their aroma and effectiveness. Try to refresh them every 12–18 months if possible.

Health Benefits of Common Paleo Herbs & Spices

Let’s take a closer look at what some of your favourites offer from a health perspective:

• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects thanks to curcumin, turmeric is great for joint health and immune function. Best absorbed with a little black pepper and fat.
• Cinnamon: Helps balance blood sugar and has powerful antioxidant properties. Great in both savoury and sweet dishes.
• Garlic Powder: Supports heart health, acts as a natural antimicrobial, and may help reduce blood pressure.
• Ginger: A digestive aid and anti-nausea powerhouse, also effective in reducing muscle pain and soreness.
• Oregano: Contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, both of which are known to fight off harmful bacteria.

Using a variety of herbs and spices not only enhances taste but adds therapeutic properties to your meals. It’s an effortless way to increase the nutritional density of everything you eat.

Spice Combinations to Mix It Up

If you’ve got your ten core favourites, try combining them into easy blends to speed up your cooking and introduce new flavour profiles:

• Paleo Taco Seasoning: Cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chilli powder, salt.
• Indian-Inspired Curry Powder: Turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, ginger, cardamom.
• Italian Herb Blend: Oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder.
• Moroccan Spice Mix: Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, allspice, paprika.

Make a big batch of your favourite blend and store it in a small jar for quick access. It’s especially helpful for meal prep days or when cooking in bulk.

Fresh vs. Dried: Which Should You Use?

Fresh herbs can be fantastic, especially for garnishes or last-minute flavour boosts. Basil, parsley, and coriander are wonderful fresh. Dried herbs, on the other hand, are often more concentrated and ideal for slow-cooked dishes.

If a recipe calls for fresh herbs but you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount (e.g., 1 tsp dried in place of 1 tbsp fresh). Some herbs like rosemary and thyme retain their flavour very well when dried, while others like chives and parsley are best used fresh.

Keeping Paleo Interesting with Global Flavours

Spices are your ticket to world cuisine without leaving your Paleo template. Craving something different? Here are a few global suggestions you can easily replicate:

• Middle Eastern: Use za’atar, sumac, cumin, and coriander with lamb or roasted vegetables.
• Thai: Combine ginger, garlic, chilli, lime, and fresh coriander for a Paleo curry or salad dressing.
• Mexican: Use cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne with beef or pork.
• North African: Try a Ras el Hanout blend for a tagine-style stew or spiced chicken.

This approach keeps your food exciting while still relying on real ingredients and healthy fats.

Final Thoughts

Herbs and spices are the unsung heroes of Paleo cooking. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and incredibly powerful from a health perspective. Building a well-stocked spice rack not only enhances flavour but empowers you to enjoy a wide variety of meals while sticking to your goals.

Experiment with new herbs and spices, create your own blends, and try global recipes that push you beyond your comfort zone. You’ll be surprised at how much more fun—and delicious—your Paleo kitchen becomes.

What’s one spice you couldn’t live without? Share your must-haves in the comments and inspire others to explore their spice cupboards with fresh eyes!