Elevate Your Big Green Egg: Unlocking Gourmet Flavors with Trader Joe’s Seasonings

From ancient covered ceramic cookers to today’s state-of-the-art Big Green Egg, the art of infusing food with rich, aromatic flavors has captivated cooks for millennia. Long before modern barbecue, our ancestors experimented with diverse spice blends, laying the groundwork for the culinary traditions we cherish today. This timeless pursuit of deliciousness finds its contemporary expression in the versatile Big Green Egg, a kamado-style grill revered for its ability to grill, smoke, roast, and bake with unparalleled precision. But even the best equipment benefits from the right ingredients. Fortunately, you no longer need to embark on a perilous Silk Road journey, battling mythical creatures and braving historical hardships, to discover the perfect spice combinations. Today, a treasure trove of innovative and globally inspired seasonings awaits you at your nearest Trader Joe’s.

Imagine effortlessly transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences, all with the convenience of a quick trip to your local TJ’s. Simply head to the back, where a wall of wonder awaits—a vibrant display of creatively named jars, each promising a new adventure for your palate. Fill your cart not just with delicious foods perfectly suited for your Big Green Egg, but also with an exciting array of Trader Joe’s seasoning blends. These unique concoctions are designed to simplify gourmet cooking, allowing you to focus on the joy of grilling and the satisfaction of exceptional flavor.

Embrace New Flavors: Beyond the BBQ Basics

We understand that the subject of seasonings can be a sensitive one for many grilling purists. After dedicating countless hours and much passion to mastering a perfect Aaron Franklin-style brisket, it’s natural to feel that nothing but a classic salt-and-pepper rub or a time-honored blend will suffice. And let’s be honest, the grilling community has its share of larger-than-life personalities—the YouTube pitmasters with their impressive knives, formidable beards, and booming voices can be quite intimidating. It’s easy to be swayed into buying a particular brand, perhaps “Boogie Bob’s Snakey Shakey,” because a charismatic online personality (who may or may not have won a local BBQ contest judged by close friends) endorsed it.

However, we’re here to gently suggest that you might be missing out on a world of exciting flavor possibilities if you don’t explore the synergy between your Big Green Egg and Trader Joe’s unique seasonings. Think of it as liberating your culinary creativity! Just like discovering the 100th ingenious tip for optimizing your kamado cooker, embracing these new blends can unlock a level of fun and experimentation you didn’t know you needed. So, put aside that “Snakey Shakey” blend you secretly find underwhelming and prepare to embark on a flavorful journey.

Of course, certain Trader Joe’s staples will always be essential in your pantry, such as their high-quality sea salt, rainbow peppercorn mill shakers, and the versatile Everyday Seasoning. But the beauty of Trader Joe’s is their continuous innovation, constantly adding new and exciting blends to their shelves. Our collection continues to grow, and after extensive testing on the Big Green Egg, we’re thrilled to present 20 exceptional Trader Joe’s seasonings that will undoubtedly make your ceramic cooker an even more formidable culinary tool.

1. BIG GREEN GODDESS (Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Seasoning)

While we eagerly await Trader Joe’s to adopt our suggested name, “Big Green Goddess,” for this incredible seasoning, its current title, Green Goddess Seasoning, perfectly captures its essence. This blend is an absolute marvel for your Big Green Egg. Seriously, you can sprinkle Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Seasoning on virtually any Big Green Egg recipe. Its refreshing and herbaceous profile, featuring notes of onion, garlic, and chives, makes it an undeniable winner for all kinds of vegetables—especially roasted potatoes, asparagus, or even grilled corn. For meat lovers, it elevates everything from chicken breasts and pork tenderloin to a beautiful grilled steak, adding a vibrant, garden-fresh complexity. We are not exaggerating; this seasoning truly lives up to its name!

2. 21 SEASONING SALUTE

One of the first things many of us cook on a new Large Big Green Egg is a thick-cut ribeye, aiming for that perfect sear and a tender, juicy interior. It’s a cherished tradition. Today, that tradition is enhanced by a “secret” ingredient: Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute. This robust, salt-free blend masterfully combines onion, black pepper, celery seed, cayenne pepper, parsley, basil, marjoram, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, savory, rosemary, cumin, mustard, coriander, garlic, carrot, orange peel, tomato, lemon juice, and lemon oil. It’s an explosion of flavor that adds depth and character to steaks, chicken, or even roasted vegetables on your Big Green Egg. A light dusting before grilling will transform your dish, but be careful not to overdo it – a little goes a long way!

3. SALMON RUB

Big Green Egg enthusiasts know the sheer variety of ways to prepare an exquisite piece of salmon in their kamado cooker. Whether it’s quickly grilling farm-raised salmon fillets on a cedar plank for a smoky aroma, crafting delightful salmon skewers, or slow-smoking a whole wild sockeye fillet with the ConvEGGtor for indirect heating until it perfectly flakes—the possibilities are endless. While many fantastic salmon seasonings exist, Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub truly stands out. Its unique blend of flavors complements the richness of salmon beautifully. Once your salmon is cooked to perfection, consider pairing it with a homemade caper sauce made with mayo, sour cream, and lemon zest, serving it on crackers for an unforgettable appetizer. Given that Americans consume nearly half a million tons of salmon annually, driven by its taste, sustainability, and versatility, this rub offers a simple yet elegant way to elevate your salmon dishes on the Big Green Egg.

4. NORI KOMI FURIKAKE JAPANESE MULTI-PURPOSE SEASONING

This Japanese multi-purpose seasoning, Nori Komi Furikake, is a staple in Asia and Hawaii, a natural companion to ramen and noodle dishes. But with a dash of imagination, it becomes an incredibly versatile tool for countless Big Green Egg recipes. Consider pairing it with a Lodge 14-inch cast iron wok, which fits perfectly on a Large Big Green Egg (smaller cookers can use smaller woks). Build your fire for direct heat, get your wok sizzling with a little vegetable oil, and then sprinkle Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake generously over any stir-fry, steamed vegetables, or even grilled chicken. Close the lid periodically to infuse a delicate smoky flavor and help tenderize your food, creating an authentic and savory experience.

5. MUSHROOM & COMPANY UMAMI SEASONING BLEND

“Umami,” a Japanese term meaning “fifth taste,” adds a dimension beyond salty, sweet, sour, and bitter, translating to a “pleasant savory taste.” Naturally occurring in mushrooms, Trader Joe’s has expertly packaged this essence into a versatile seasoning blend that can elevate a wide array of Big Green Egg recipes. This blend is your secret weapon for anything that feels like it’s “missing something.” Try mixing it into your favorite marinade, whether homemade or store-bought, to deepen its flavor profile. Sprinkle it liberally over grilled burgers, roasted sweet potatoes, or even your morning eggs. For an alternative umami boost, Trader Joe’s Ground Fermented Black Garlic offers a subtly sweet, rich, and deeply savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with smoked meats and vegetables.

6. SEASONING IN A PICKLE

Just the name “Seasoning in a Pickle” alone is enough to pique curiosity and promise a unique flavor experience! This clever blend from Trader Joe’s brings all the tangy, briny, and subtly sweet notes of a dill pickle to your food in a convenient shakeable form. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to grilled chicken wings, pork chops, or even a classic Big Green Egg smoked brisket. Try sprinkling it over roasted potatoes or homemade potato salad for an unexpected pop. It’s also fantastic on popcorn or as a fun twist on French fries cooked in your BGE’s cast iron skillet. Get ready for a delightful, pickly punch!

7. AGLIO OLIO

For some, the thrill is in collecting rare items, but for many home cooks, the joy comes from a growing collection of exceptional Trader Joe’s seasoning jars. The discontinuation of favorites like Ajika Georgian can be a momentary heartbreak, but the introduction of new gems like Aglio Olio quickly reignites that passion. Inspired by the classic Italian dish Spaghetti Aglio e Olio—a simple yet profound combination of spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes—this seasoning captures that essential flavor profile. To use it on your Big Green Egg, simply rub chicken breasts with olive oil, generously apply the Aglio Olio seasoning, then grill until perfectly tender. Serve these flavorful chicken breasts on a bed of pasta or risotto for an easy, impressive meal. This blend also makes a fantastic addition to homemade pizza sauce or as a sprinkle on your BGE-baked pizza fresh off the pizza stone.

8. ORGANIC CRUSHED RED PEPPER

For those who appreciate a fiery kick in their cuisine, Trader Joe’s Organic Crushed Red Pepper is an absolute essential. This versatile seasoning jar should always be within arm’s reach for anyone who loves to add a bit of heat to almost every dish. Whether you’re grilling succulent shrimp, smoking a rack of ribs, or simply roasting vegetables on your Big Green Egg, a sprinkle of these flakes will awaken your palate. It’s fantastic on pizzas, in marinades, or dusted over grilled corn. Don’t be shy; embrace the heat and let this simple yet powerful seasoning elevate the flavor profile of countless Big Green Egg creations during any cook.

9. EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL SESAME SEASONING BLEND

If you were to choose just one Trader Joe’s seasoning, the Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend would undoubtedly be a top contender, transforming nearly any dish into a “toasty wonderland.” This iconic blend, perhaps one of the earliest introductions for many to the magic of Trader Joe’s, goes far beyond bagels. It combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes, dried garlic, and dried onion, creating an irresistible savory crunch. On your Big Green Egg, try sprinkling it over grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or even on a pat of melting butter on your perfectly seared steak. It’s also fantastic on sliced onion appetizers, avocado toast, or as a crunchy topping for deviled eggs. Its immense popularity has even inspired related products like Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Bite Sized Crackers and Everything But The Bagel Cheddar Cheese, showcasing its undeniable appeal.

10. EVERYTHING BUT THE ELOTE

“Elote,” Spanish for corn cob, refers to the beloved Mexican street food: grilled corn on the cob adorned with creamy mayo sauce, chili powder, cheese, and lime. Trader Joe’s has bottled this incredible flavor profile with their Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend. To recreate this south-of-the-border delight on your Big Green Egg, lightly oil fresh corn cobs and grill them over direct heat until tender and slightly charred. While they’re still hot, slather them with a mayo sauce (perhaps with a squeeze of lime juice), and then generously finish with this cheesy, smoky, and slightly spicy seasoning. It’s an explosion of flavor that will transport your taste buds! Don’t limit it to corn; this blend is also fantastic sprinkled over popcorn, roasted chicken, or even a spicy grilled quesadilla.

11. TURMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL (Trader Joe’s Turmeric)

While we might wish Trader Joe’s would adopt our more poetic name, “Turmerica the Beautiful,” for this ancient spice, its simple name “Turmeric” belies its profound power. This vibrant, earthy spice has been revered for its medicinal properties for millennia, and today, its culinary applications are just as widespread. Turmeric contains Curcumin, a compound celebrated for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat various diseases. On your Big Green Egg, incorporate it into rubs for pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. It adds a warm, golden hue and a subtle, distinctive flavor to marinades for fish or lentils. Regularly adding turmeric to your diet is a simple yet effective way to boost disease-fighting antioxidants and add a healthy, flavorful twist to your grilled creations.

12. SRIRACHA SPRINKLE SEASONING BLEND

For those who love the iconic heat and tang of sriracha but prefer a dry application, Trader Joe’s Sriracha Sprinkle Seasoning Blend is a game-changer. Instead of squirting sriracha sauce into your marinade for Sriracha Pork Chops on the Big Green Egg, you can simply sprinkle this convenient blend directly onto your chops as they cook, saving a step while delivering intense flavor. It’s also an excellent choice for tofu-loving vegetarians; grill tofu on a grill topper and dust it with this seasoning for a spicy, savory kick. Explore other delicious sriracha substitutes if you’re feeling adventurous, but for sheer convenience and flavor on the Big Green Egg, this sprinkle blend is hard to beat.

13. SPANISH SAFFRON

Trader Joe’s Spanish Saffron not only wins for the prettiest seasoning container but also for its ability to impart an unforgettable aroma and flavor. This vibrant spice, distinct from more expensive Persian varieties with its dark yellow color, was historically used for medicine and fabric dyeing. On your Big Green Egg, it’s incredible when infused into chicken, creating a unique and fragrant dish. Consider making a BGE chicken recipe where saffron is incorporated into the marinade or basting liquid. Serve this beautifully fragrant chicken on a bed of savory rice and beans, or alongside a creamy saffron risotto. The delicate, floral, and slightly honey-like notes of Spanish saffron will elevate your dish, making it both simple and exceptionally elegant.

14. TRADITIONAL TUNISIAN HARISSA

Harissa, a fiery and aromatic chili paste, is a cornerstone of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. While its traditional form is a paste, Trader Joe’s offers a convenient way to integrate its complex flavors into your Big Green Egg cooking. Our 25 Best Big Green Egg Recipes includes our famous Million Dollar Chicken (No. 14), and we firmly believe a hint of harissa-inspired flavor adds at least $50,000 worth of value to that recipe! One excellent way to introduce this spice is through a harissa-flavored sprinkle seasoning blend (or even their Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle, which surprisingly carries a similar spicy profile). This allows for easy spreading and an intense flavor kick from the hot chili pepper paste combined with fragrant herbs and spices. Use it as a dry rub for chicken, lamb, or even roasted vegetables on the Big Green Egg, infusing a warm, smoky heat.

15. CHILE LIME SEASONING BLEND

Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend is a zesty, tangy, and subtly spicy powder that’s incredibly addictive. While preparing one of your mouth-watering Big Green Egg dishes, grab some chilled watermelon chunks and sprinkle this blend generously over them – you won’t regret it! On the Big Green Egg, it serves as a fantastic finishing dust for grilled fish tacos, adding a bright, citrusy punch that complements the delicate flavors of white fish. It’s also wonderful on chicken, baked potatoes, grilled fries, or tots cooked in your BGE. For a truly unique twist, try sprinkling it into your Skillet Cornbread cooked on the Big Green Egg, adding a vibrant and unexpected zing to a classic comfort food.

16. CUBAN STYLE CITRUSTY GARLIC

For a Thanksgiving feast with a twist, consider a Cuban-style approach, greatly enhanced by Trader Joe’s Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic seasoning. This distinctive spice blend, featuring bright citrus notes combined with robust garlic, will add an unforgettable flavor to your holiday turkey. When the big event rolls around, keep this TJ spice in mind to perfectly season your spatchcocked smoked turkey on the Big Green Egg. The blend creates a beautiful crust and infuses the meat with aromatic zest. To complete the theme, replace one of your traditional side dishes with savory yellow rice and black beans. After the meal, unwind Cuban-style with a fine Cohiba and a glass of Havana Club rum, perhaps with a splash of sugar and water.

17. RANCH SEASONING BLEND

For fans of ranch dressing, Trader Joe’s Ranch Seasoning Blend is a revelation, allowing you to infuse that beloved flavor directly into your food. Instead of dipping, you can now integrate the classic creamy, herb-laden taste right into your grilled creations. To make delicious ranch-flavored chicken on your Big Green Egg, simply drizzle chicken pieces with oil, then rub them generously with this seasoning. Cook them over moderate heat with the lid closed until tender and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. The result is flavorful, juicy chicken that’s fantastic on its own or, for true ranch enthusiasts, still perfectly complemented by an extra drizzle of ranch dressing! This seasoning also works wonders sprinkled over any pizza, whether you’re baking it from scratch on your BGE or simply enhancing a delivery pie.

18. GREEN & RED HATCH CHILI FLAKES

New Mexican cuisine owes much of its distinctive character to the vibrant red and green Hatch Chiles. Trader Joe’s Green & Red Hatch Chile Flakes bring a piece of the “Land of Enchantment” right to your Big Green Egg. If you’re looking to infuse your next brisket with a flavor profile that ventures slightly west of traditional Texas BBQ, these flakes are your secret ingredient. Incorporate them into your morning rub or marinade for beef, pork, or even chicken. The smoky, fruity, and gently spicy notes of these chiles will develop beautifully during the long, slow cook on your Big Green Egg, delivering a dreamy kick and complex depth to your favorite smoked meats by nightfall.

19. PIZZA SPRINKLE SEASONING BLEND

While you can certainly craft a delicious Napoli-style pizza on your Big Green Egg using indirect heating and a pizza stone, sometimes you just want that quintessential pizza flavor with less fuss. That’s where Trader Joe’s Pizza Sprinkle Seasoning Blend comes in! This convenient TJ seasoning blend offers a delightful tomato-ey and zesty flavor profile that makes it perfect for experimentation throughout the grilling season. Sprinkle it over grilled vegetables, chicken, or even pasta dishes to add a familiar and comforting Italian-inspired taste. It’s also fantastic on garlic bread or as a finishing touch on scrambled eggs, proving that delicious pizza flavor doesn’t always require a full culinary production – sometimes, a simple sprinkle is all you need!

20. ITALIAN STYLE SOFFRITTO SEASONING BLEND

The culinary world often refers to the “holy trinity” of Italian cooking, comprising the foundational aromatic ingredients of onion, celery, and carrots—the base for countless delicious dishes. Trader Joe’s has ingeniously captured this essence in their Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend, essentially providing the “holy trinity in a jar.” This convenient blend allows you to instantly infuse your Big Green Egg creations with a deep, savory Italian flavor without the need for chopping. Keep it handy on your Big Green Egg nest shelf, and you’re already halfway to a delicious Italian-inspired meal. Use it in marinades for chicken or pork, sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, or mix it into a simmering sauce to enhance flavor and add authentic depth.

And there you have it – a comprehensive tour through the Trader Joe’s seasoning section, hand-picked for their ability to elevate your Big Green Egg experience. While our focus here has been on the Big Green Egg, these versatile blends are equally fantastic on your Weber gas grill, Blackstone griddle, Traeger pellet grill, or Pit Boss smoker. We encourage you to experiment and discover how these seasonings can transform any outdoor cooking adventure.

Forget the intimidating “Boogie Bob’s Snakey Shakey” and his dramatic YouTube persona; genuine flavor comes from quality ingredients and creative combinations. Try out these Trader Joe’s seasonings, embrace the joy of culinary exploration, and let us know in the comments which TJ blends have become your new favorites for your Big Green Egg, and why!