HelloFresh Turkish Spice Blend Recipe: Exact Ratios (2:2:1:0.25:0.25)

I was staring at an empty chicken breast and a spice cabinet full of things that were almost right. So I went digging — Reddit threads, cooking blogs, forums where other people had the same question. Turns out, the Turkish spice blend is a fan favorite, and the community has cracked the code. Here’s the exact copycat recipe, no subscription required.

The exact copycat ratio

Here’s the recipe you came for. No vague “pinch of this” — these are measurable parts.

Turkish Spice Blend Ratio

• 2 parts ground cumin
• 2 parts garlic powder
• 1 part ground coriander
• 0.25 part ground allspice
• 0.25 part chili flakes

How to measure it

“Parts” just means whatever spoon you’re using. For a small batch that matches one HelloFresh packet, use 1 teaspoon as your part:

• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp chili flakes

That gives you about 2 tablespoons total — exactly what you’d get in those little foil packets. Double it if you’re feeding a crowd.

Where this ratio comes from

I didn’t invent this. It’s the result of cross-referencing posts on Reddit and a few cooking forums where multiple people independently landed on the same proportions. No single official HelloFresh recipe exists for this blend — the company doesn’t publish it. But the community’s consensus is strong, and after using it on chicken all week, I’m convinced it’s right.

Bottom line: The community consensus on this ratio is strong — multiple sources independently landed on the same proportions.

What each spice does

Cumin and garlic powder are the backbone — two parts each means this blend means business. Cumin brings that warm, earthy smell that makes your kitchen smell like something’s cooking. Garlic powder adds savory depth without the hassle of peeling and mincing.

Coriander (one part) is the quiet hero. It’s bright and citrusy, which keeps the blend from feeling heavy. Its citrusy notes specifically balance the earthy cumin and savory garlic, preventing the blend from tasting one-dimensional. Enough to lift it.

Allspice is the surprise. It’s only a quarter part, but that warm, clove-like note is what makes you go “what is that?” It’s the difference between a generic spice mix and something memorable.

Chili flakes are the same small amount — a tiny kick that’s noticeable but not enough to make the kids complain. Enough to keep it interesting.

Substitutions and customizations

The basic blend works as-is, but you can tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are the most common adjustments.

Adjusting the heat

The baseline is mild. If you want more heat, double the chili flakes to 0.5 part. For more intensity, add cayenne pepper — start with 0.125 part (like ⅛ tsp). A heads-up: chili flakes can concentrate in long-cooked dishes, so go easy if you’re making a stew.

Smoky version

Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika per batch. It gives the blend a grilled, bacon-y vibe that works well on vegetables or lamb.

If you’re missing something

• No allspice? Use a pinch each of cinnamon and ground clove instead.
• No garlic powder? You can use fresh minced garlic, but use less — garlic powder is more concentrated. And it won’t store as a powder, so plan to use it right away.
• No chili flakes? A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes will do.

How to use this blend

This is a dry rub, not a marinade. Sprinkle it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then cook.

• Chicken, lamb, beef, fish — use 1 tablespoon of blend per pound of protein. For ground meat (like kofta or meatballs), 1 tablespoon per 8–12 ounces.
• Roasted vegetables — toss eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini with oil and a generous sprinkle of the blend.
• Rice pilaf — stir a teaspoon into the cooking water for fragrant, golden rice.
• Chickpeas — toss with oil and roast until crispy.

The high cumin and garlic content makes this a fit for Mediterranean-style dishes. Chicken skewers, lamb kofta, roasted eggplant — it all works.

Turkish vs. Tunisian blend — what’s the difference?

If you’ve also tried HelloFresh’s Tunisian spice blend, you might wonder how they compare, especially since a complete guide to HelloFresh spice blends explains what they are and how to use them. They’re both warm and savory, but they’re different animals.

Turkish blend is simpler: cumin and garlic dominate, with a hint of allspice and chili. It’s direct, bold, and works on anything, much like Joe’s Daily HelloFresh Spice blends.

Tunisian blend is more complex. It uses equal parts caraway, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and garlic powder — six spices at 4 parts each, plus smaller amounts of cayenne, cinnamon, and black pepper. That means it has turmeric for golden color, cinnamon for a touch of sweetness, and caraway for that anise-like note you can’t quite place; if you’re comparing flavor profiles, this complexity contrasts with the simpler approach of a Southwest spice blend HelloFresh typically uses.

In short: Turkish is your weeknight workhorse. Tunisian is the one you pull out when you want to feel like you’re eating at a restaurant. Both are worth having in your cabinet.

All the other HelloFresh spice blends you can make at home

Here’s the complete collection of community-sourced recipes — bookmark this page because the list keeps growing.

All American Spice Blend

This all-purpose American-style blend works on burgers, fries, or anything that needs a savory punch. Ratio: 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.

Berbere Spice Blend

An Ethiopian-inspired blend — warm, spicy, totally worth making. Ratio: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp coriander, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cardamom, 1 tsp fenugreek, ½ tsp allspice. (Fenugreek is a little bitter and maple-y; worth tracking down.)

Bold and Savory Steak Spice Blend

For steak night. Ratio: 2 tbsp cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp red chili flake, 1 tbsp crushed coriander seed, 1 tbsp dill seed, 1 tbsp mustard seed, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tbsp kosher salt.

Blackening Spice Blend

For that crispy, charred crust on fish or chicken. Ratio: 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp white pepper, 2 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp thyme, 1 tsp oregano.

Burger Spice Blend

Plain salt and pepper is a missed opportunity. Ratio: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp onion powder.

Cajun Spice Blend

Louisiana kick without the flight. Ratio: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp basil.

Enchilada Spice Blend

Red-sauce flavor without opening a can. Ratio: 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder.

Fall Spice Blend

Thanksgiving stuffing, roasted squash, cozy vibes. Ratio: 2 tbsp thyme, 2 tbsp sage, 1 tbsp onion powder.

Fry Seasoning

Makes roasted veggies taste like fair food. Ratio: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp black pepper. Nutrition: 20 cal, 0g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g protein, 0mg sodium per tbsp.

Herbes de Provence

Fancy name, simple herb mix. Ratio: 2 tbsp savory, 2 tbsp thyme, 2 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp basil, 1 tbsp tarragon, 1 tsp lavender.

Italian Seasoning Blend

You probably already have this in your cabinet, but here’s the scratch version. Ratio: 2 tbsp oregano, 2 tbsp basil, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp parsley.

Meatloaf Seasoning

Upgrade your grandma’s recipe. Ratio: 2 tbsp onion powder, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp salt.

Mediterranean Spice Blend

Bright and herby — perfect for chicken or fish. Ratio: 2 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp dried mint, 1 tbsp sumac, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper. (Sumac is that tangy, lemony spice, easy to find online.)

Mexican Spice Blend

For tacos, fajitas, anything that needs a fiesta. Ratio: 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder.

Moo Shu Spice Blend

Chinese takeout at home. Ratio: 2 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder.

Ranch Seasoning

For when you want that tangy, herby flavor on everything. Ratio: 2 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion flakes, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt.

Shawarma Spice Blend

Makes your kitchen smell like a Middle Eastern restaurant. Ratio: 2 tbsp turmeric, 2 tbsp coriander, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp black pepper.

Southwest Spice Blend

Smoky, slightly spicy, no work. Ratio: 2 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp sugar. Nutrition: 25 cal, 1g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g protein, 60mg sodium per tbsp. Use 1 tbsp per pound of meat.

Smoky BBQ Seasoning

Grill flavor without the grill. Ratio: 3 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp dry mustard, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt.

Smoky Cinnamon Paprika Spice Blend

Sounds weird, tastes amazing. Ratio: 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp onion powder, 2 tbsp mustard powder, 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cloves.

Sri Lankan Curry Powder Spice Blend

This one’s not fully cracked yet. The recipe is still being figured out, but a link to the company that creates blends for HelloFresh is the best starting point. Check back — the community is working on it.

Thai Seven Spice Blend

Sweet, salty, spicy. Ratio: 2 tbsp white sesame seeds, 2 tbsp chili flakes, 2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp shrimp extract powder. (Shrimp extract gives it that umami punch — look for it in Asian grocers.)

Tuscan Heat Spice Blend

Italian seasoning with a kick. Ratio: 2 tbsp basil, 2 tbsp rosemary, 2 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp fennel, 1 tbsp black pepper. Nutrition: 25 cal, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 3g fiber, 1g protein, 0mg sodium per tbsp.

Bonus: HelloFresh copycat sauces and bases

Beyond the spice blends, the community has also cracked several popular HelloFresh sauces and bases. These are easy to make and transform simple meals.

Cream Sauce Base

This shows up often in HelloFresh recipes — think creamy pastas and skillet meals. Makes 4 servings.

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1½ cups warm milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir until thickened. Season.

Roasted Red Pepper-Cashew Pesto

Creamy, tangy, dairy-free.

• 1 jar roasted red peppers (drained)
• ½ cup cashews
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pinch of chili flakes

Blend until smooth.

Sweet Soy Glaze

Sticky, sweet, salty — perfect for bowls.

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Simmer everything except cornstarch slurry for 2 minutes, then stir in slurry and cook until thickened.

Cream Sauce Spice Blend

A pre-mixed shortcut for cream sauces.

• 2 tbsp wheat flour
• 1 tbsp onion-garlic seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• Few drops nutmeg extract (or ¼ tsp ground nutmeg)

Stir into melted butter and proceed with milk as above.

Smoky Red Pepper Crema and Bulgogi Sauce

These two are fan favorites in the copycat community. Recipes are floating around forums — search for “smoky red pepper crema hellofresh copycat” and “bulgogi sauce hellofresh copycat” to find the versions that work best for you.

Storage and shelf life

This is the easiest part. Store your DIY spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place — your pantry, not the fridge. Label it with the date you made it.

• Standard shelf life: up to 6 months.
• If your spices were fresh when you mixed them: up to 1 year.

Whole spices last longer than ground, so if you grind your own cumin and coriander, the blend will stay fresher longer. But the store-bought ground stuff works fine for most of us.

Your DIY HelloFresh spice pantry

With these recipes, you now have everything you need to recreate 24+ HelloFresh spice blends and 5 sauce bases from your own spice rack. No subscription needed, no waiting for a delivery, no having to ration that last packet.

The community keeps discovering new blends — I plan to keep this list updated as more are cracked. Bookmark the page and check back next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner.

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