Taco and chili seasoning packets look the same and have a lot of the same ingredients. Are they interchangeable?
The Short Answer
Yes, taco seasoning and chili seasoning are essentially the same, with minor differences.
The Long Answer
Good Mexican food is all about the seasoning. That delectable combination of flavor and spice comes from the perfect blend of ingredients. When it comes to tacos and chili, two of the most common Mexican dishes among American households, it’s easy to see the similarities. In fact, these recipes are almost identical.
Both use a winning combination of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, crushed red pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Some chili recipes I’ve seen also call for cayenne pepper, which is the only difference from typical taco seasoning. Chili recipes are often larger in volume than tacos, so they require more of the ingredients, but by and large, they’re the exact same thing.
That being said, these seasonings are typically something that a person purchases pre-made in a packet. If you’re sitting at home staring at your packet of taco seasoning and wondering if it can be used for the chili recipe you’re preparing tonight, then save yourself a trip to the grocery store. That taco seasoning will work out just fine. Vice versa is true as well. Go ahead and use chili seasoning on your taco beef. The flavors are slightly different but will not be noticeable in the finished dishes.
Similarly, if you are unsure of what seasonings to put into your chili, you can use some homemade taco seasoning, or the herbs and spices found in homemade taco seasoning, and your chili will be delicious. This chicken taco seasoning actually has more chili powder than the standard version, so it is also great o use in chili.
If you’ve got a packet of taco (or chili) seasoning and need culinary inspiration, check out our recipes for Taco Lettuce Wraps and Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos. Or get creative with something like this Taco Stuffed Squash recipe. Don’t limit yourself to Tuesdays, these are great any day of the week!
I went to Dollar General and asked if they had chili sauce. They did not, but had taco sauce, so I was so glad I didn’t have to drive 15 – 16 miles to a larger grocery to get chili sauce as I have taco sauce. Thank you!
Thank you ☺️ this was very useful, I was happy I had everything I needed before I go to work but was disappointed on the fact that I had 20 packets of taco mix but no chilli. Perfect no need to pass by the grocery after work.
You’re welcome, Helen!
Thank you for this information, I thought I could use either but wasn’t sure. You saved my dinner
You’re welcome, Phyllis. Happy to help!
Would just a bit more cumin to the chili seasoning make it more for taco?or cayenne?
Yes, usually taco seasoning will have more cumin so you can absolutely adjust it that way, Val. If you like a little more heat, extra cayenne will work. I recommend tasting as you go and adding in small amounts!
I respectfully disagree. The difference of taste between typical taco and chilli mixes are very distinct. My kids not only taste the difference, but know when I’m making tacos just by the smell. Its even very apparent on “taco pizza.” The very distinct flavor of most taco mixes comes from a heavier blend of cumin. I agree the two mixes can be interchanged if desired, but I can’t imagine that the authentic “taco” flavor would ever be compared to, or mistaken as an authentic chilli blend. I love both flavors, but I clearly taste the difference between the two.
Thank you for your input, MJ!
Lol at this bit from your article above: “If you’re sitting at home staring at your packet of taco seasoning and wondering if it can be used for the chili recipe you’re preparing tonight, then save yourself a trip to the grocery store. That taco seasoning will work out just fine.” This is *exactly* how I got to your page….by googling “taco seasoning vs. chili seasoning”. hahaha I have ground beef, beans, canned tomatoes….but no chili seasoning. I do have SIX packs of taco seasoning for some unknown reason. And, I do not want to go to the store during a pandemic for just one item. So glad to know that we’re having taco chili tonight! 🙂
Glad you got the info you needed, Lorraine!
Agreed. Exactly what I was searching for. Saved my chilli night!
Yay! Glad to hear it, Kim.
Kevin–THANKS!
This is EXACTLY the information I was hoping for when I did my google search, but I was prepared for some OVERY lengthy blog with seemingly endless pictures. Short answer–perfect. Lead me to read the longer explanation which enlightened the previous short answer without it being needless tome. Bless you!
So happy you found this helpful, David!