FoodNutrition

Mexican Tajín Seasoning Packs Major Anti-Inflammatory Benefits (and We Have Yet To Find a Dish We Don’t Want To Shower It On)

Discover the vibrant taste of Tajín, a highly flavorful, popular Mexican seasoning blend made with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

alt
Photo: Stocksy/Jeff Wasserman
Updated Jul 27, 2023

Written by 

Maki Yazawa

IYKYK: Everything tastes 100 times better with just a little sprinkle of Tajín. This Mexican seasoning—made from a perfectly-balanced blend of dried red chilis, salt, and dehydrated lime juice—adds the perfect amount of saltiness, zestiness, and spiciness to anything from fresh fruit and corn to tacos, ice pops, tortilla chips, and margaritas.

By the way, in addition to its ability to instantly transform a bland dish into something that’ll tantalize every single one of your taste buds, Tajín also packs major anti-inflammatory benefits. If you’re ready to learn more about the rich history of Tajín, its many health benefits, and how to use it in every dish you serve, read on.

What is Tajín, and where did it come from?

The story goes that Tajín was born on December 23, 1985 in Guadalajara, a western city in Mexico. The product had a humble start, with the owners selling the bottles one by one to local stores before expanding their business. After finding great success in the Mexican market, Tajín made its way to the United States in the early ’90s. At the start of the 2000s, the product underwent some minor makeover adjustments and began exploring its worldwide potential in continents like Europe, Asia, and Africa. Today, the product can be found in more than 30 countries globally, and proudly represents some of the bold and delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine. According to the Tajín website, the product is now produced in Zapopan, Mexico, a neighboring city of Guadalajara.

Is Tajín spicy?

As mentioned, it’s made from a simple blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt. BTW, don’t be fooled by the chili pepper base and the bright red hue that might make you think Tajín is ghost-pepper-level spicy—rest assured, it’s not. This Tajín seasoning spice is made with mild chili peppers that pack all the flavors with a modest amount of heat, perfect for flavoring just about anything.

What does Tajín taste like?

The ingredient list for the classic version of Tajín is simple: It consists of mainly sea salt, mild (emphasis on the mild) chili peppers, and lime. Although the recipe may sound rather basic, the combination of these flavors is like no other. Like the foundation of many of the best recipes, this popular condiment has it all: Namely, salt, acid, and heat.

Upon the first bite, you’ll get the umami richness of the sea salt mixed with the smokiness of the chilis. (There’s no denying that Tajín is rather salty, which should be taken into account when adding it to a recipe.) But what makes this staple even more enticing for the taste buds is the lime which adds the perfect level of acidity to balance out the richness of the chilis and the salinity of the sea salt. The combination of these three ingredients helps enhance just about anything it touches.

What makes Tajín anti-inflammatory?

One of the primary ingredients in this seasoning is chili pepper, which also happens to be one of the best anti-inflammatory spices out there; It’s right up there with turmeric, black pepper, cloves, oregano, and rosemary. Chilis, which get their heat from an anti-inflammatory compound called capsaicin, can help with vascular and metabolic health, work to combat symptoms of free-radical damage in the body, and some findings suggest that they may have anti-carcinogenic properties as well. And according to the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions report that analyzed diet and mortality data from four large international studies, consumption of chili pepper may reduce one’s relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26 percent.

advertisement

Oh, and did we mention it’s one of those spices that make you poop? Can we love Tajín even more? I think not.

How to use Tajín

Although everyone has a different *favorite* way to use this condiment (mine is showered over fresh mango slices), know that Tajín can be used to season both sweet and savory dishes alike. Ahead we share several ways to incorporate Tajín into your cooking. And believe us when we say it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with it.

1. Serve Tajín on fruit

For starters, it can make fruits like oranges, watermelon, mangoes, and pineapples taste even more vibrant and tangy. In Mexico, it’s common to find small, pop-up stands selling fruit cups filled with mango, watermelon, pineapple, and jícama, to name a few, garnished with loads of Tajín. And for even more spice and tanginess, folks will also drizzle Chamoy sauce, which is also a popular, bright-red Mexican condiment made of dried chilies, lime juice, and fruit—usually mangos, apricots, or plums. The sauce’s sweet, tangy, tart, and spicy taste pairs perfectly with the acidity and saltiness of the Tajín; together, they’re the ideal umami-rich pair. Okay, we’re officially drooling. 

2. Top fresh veggies with Tajín

We also recommend adding Tajín to vegetables like corn on the cob, potatoes, avocados, cucumbers, and carrots to entice the picky eater in the family. Have guests coming over? Up the ante by loading up a would-be-basic crudités platter featuring cuts of carrot, jícama, cucumber, and celery with Tajín that can quickly transform a bland veggie into a party-ready snack. To help balance the tang and spice of the seasoning, pair the veggies with a creamy dip to temper down the heat or a heaping bowl of mild guacamole.

advertisement

For a more traditional approach, you can also make esquites or elotes (grilled Mexican street corn) with a schmear of something creamy like mayo, sour cream, or crema, served with Mexican cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkling of Tajín. Does that sound good or what?

3. Season your proteins with Tajín

Contrary to popular belief, Tajín isn’t solely meant for sprucing up a bowl of fruit. Instead, we’re strong advocates for getting highly creative with this seasoning and using it to flavor your favorite forms of protein. How to use Tajín seasoning on chicken, you may ask? Well, swap it out for your go-to condiments on the spice rack (your Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper could really use a break) and use it in the same way you would any other spice blend. The only thing to keep in mind is that Tajín has salt, which means you won’t need to add too much, if any at all, in addition to it. Aside from chicken, you can also add a dash of it to grilled burgers (why not?!), pan-seared fish, or even grilled shrimp. Yum, yum, and yum.

What food is Tajín good on?

Truly, the choice is yours. No matter the combination, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with Tajín.  Whether it’s a dash of it on grilled chicken, fish, sour cream, guacamole, or as a topping on soup, it always adds a little je ne sais quoi. Plus, if you’re in the mood for something a little hotter, you may be pleased to learn that the popular seasoning comes in other (spicier, ooh la la) flavors too. Say hellooo to Tajín Habanero Seasoning, made with habanero peppers that certainly pack the hot, hot, heat. Or their Tajín Clásico Seasoning Reduced Sodium, made with 37 percent less salt than their OG recipe, so you can take full control over the saltiness of your dish. (Not to mention the perfect excuse to add it to desserts.)

Tajín plus these gut-friendly black bean tostadas? Talk about a match made in heaven:

Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter

Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.

FoodNutrition

How To Tell if Your Peanut Butter Has Gone Bad (Because It Probably Has)

Answering the age-old question: Does peanut butter *actually* go bad?

alt
Photo: Stocksy/Mariela Naplatanova
Updated Feb 18, 2025

Written by 

Maki Yazawa

The nostalgia of a quality PB&J sandwich can quickly take you back to your childhood in the first bite. And honestly, nothing’s changed; I will never stop reserving a special spot in my pantry for peanut butter. Something about the slightly salty spread—paired with a sweet and tart jam or jelly—always hit the spot growing up. The best part: Peanut butter is good for you, shown to reduce cardiovascular and liver diseases with regular consumption. In fact, a registered dietitian previously crowned it the best nut butter of them all on Well+Good. (I mean, what else will you reach for when you need a post-workout pick-me-up, an ideal hiking sandwich spread, or a midnight snack?)

advertisement

That being said, while some can easily go through an entire peanut butter jar in a week (shoutout to parents with little ones), most consumers actually take a few to several months to reach the bottom of the container. All good, whatever your pace, save for the fact that this beloved spread spoils a lot faster than you assume.

So, how fast exactly does peanut butter go bad? Despite the fact that it appears to last virtually forever, peanut butter often expires within just a few months after opening or even sooner. Here, we’ve gathered a few pointers for determining whether your creamy-slash-crunchy nut butter has spoiled or is still usable with indicators like smell, taste, and appearance.

Does peanut butter go bad?

As peanut butter contains minimal water due to its high fat content (less than one percent), a sealed jar of the spread can sit in the pantry for anywhere from six months to two years before spoiling if it’s made with preservatives like sodium benzoate—a pickling agent that inhibits bacteria growth. However, an opened jar (which exposes the spread to microorganisms fueled by oxygen) can only last two to three months, depending on the type and how it’s stored. An unopened jar of natural peanut butter will last just six months maximum at room temperature, unopened; once opened, it will likely start to turn after just a month.

Why? Studies show that natural peanut butters made without oil, sugar, or stabilizers tend to have a shorter shelf life than those made with stabilizers and preservatives. Once an opened jar of nut butter begins to interact with environmental factors, its oxidative stability—the chemical reactions between fatty acids and oxygen that cause rancidity—begins to decrease.

How do you know your peanut butter is expired?

A jar of nut butter that's past its prime will begin to taste rancid, bitter, or overly pungent. According to a study on the quality of natural peanut butters during storage, natural PB kept at 50°F (10°C) began demonstrating loss in oxidative stability (or freshness) after just 12 weeks. Alternatively, when stored at higher temperatures of 77°F and 95°F (25°C and 35°C, aka closer to your kitchen’s room temperature), the stability shortened to only four weeks.

Aside from the yucky taste of rancid peanut butter, the spread will also emit a foul odor. If the spread gives off a bitter, metallic, or soap-like scent, it is time to part ways. Additionally, if the color darkens, the texture becomes dry, or there are signs of mold growth, the peanut butter has gone bad. However, don’t be alarmed by natural oil separation; it’s completely normal and a sign of good-quality natural nut butter. And, of course, always check the expiration date to use as a starting point of reference.

How to store peanut butter so it lasts longer

Although peanut butter is one of those foods that don’t need to be refrigerated (technically speaking), it can definitely benefit from some cooler temperatures. In fact, storing nut butters in a dry, cool environment can help them stay fresh for longer. So, should you refrigerate peanut butter after opening? You bet (that is, if it takes you a while to get through an entire jar).

Once opened—if you don’t expect to be using it up in the immediate future—simply place the jar in the fridge to reduce moisture exposure and bacterial growth, which will add months to its shelf life. If you see separation occurring between the solids and oils, flip the jar upside down when stashed away. This will help re-incorporate the ingredients once flipped back, right side up. (Or if you’re pressed for time, agitating the separated liquids with a spoon or spatula will always do the trick.) You can also soften cold peanut butter fast by simply leaving it out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips to extend the shelf life of your peanut butter

If your household doesn’t consume peanut butter regularly and you’re looking for a way to cut back on food waste, freezing the nut butter will buy you even more time to use it up—think years (!). But this is best for a long-term pantry stocking case; how can you freeze it without having to regularly defrost the entire jar to simply get a spoonful out? We’ve got two genius hack so you can always have ready-to-eat PB in mere minutes, no broken spoons in sight.

advertisement

1. Freeze it into single-portion cubes

Transfer the contents of your opened jar of PB to ice cube trays to freeze the spread in convenient single-portion chunks. Once solid, drop them into freezer bags for easy access. When ready to use, grab the desired portion out of the bag and simply defrost it for a few minutes. Before you know it, you’ll have pre-portioned cubes of peanut butter conveniently ready for baking a batch of gooey banana peanut butter brownies, decadent peanut butter banana bread, or even just for overnight oats. Swoon. Plus, the single portions are also ideal for a pre-bedtime banana and peanut butter snack that can help boost relaxation and aid in better sleep. We love.

2. Freeze it into no-spreading-necessary, ready-to-eat sheets

Better yet, according to a viral TikTok video, you can also enlist your freezer to make the most perfect vegan peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This trick helps you avoid those terrible bread tears (which can happen as you spread your glob of peanut butter) by freezing thin layers of the nut butter on parchment paper for ready-to-use portions. It also frees up more freezer space than storing a bag of cubes. In the video, Eitan Bernath explains that you should start by spreading a large amount of peanut butter on a sheet of parchment into a thin layer using a spatula. Then, cover the layer with another sheet of parchment paper and press firmly with your hands or using a rolling pin to smooth out the peanut butter into an even, uniform layer.

Next, freeze the parchment-lined peanut butter on a flat sheet tray for at least half an hour to an hour. You can perform the same steps and freeze thin sheets of jam, too (though depending on the consistency, it may not freeze as well as the peanut butter). Once the spreads have completely frozen, remove them from the tray, and cut them into individual-sized portions. If making a traditional PB&J sandwich, cut the layers to match the shape of your bread. Lastly, carefully remove the parchment paper before assembling your sandwich. The result? A delicious PB&J sandwich, minus the torn bread (and more importantly, no expired peanut butter in sight).

Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter

Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.

FoodCookingNutrition

Food Sequencing: What Is It, and Does It Work?

The science behind eating your foods in specific order.

a person sits at a table enjoying healthy fruit, vegetable and meat salad with balance nutrition
Photo: Getty
Published Feb 16, 2025

Written by 

Christina Manian, RD

When balanced eating habits come to mind, most of us immediately think of the foods filling our plate. Are they rich in a variety of beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals while also being lower in others like trans fat and added sugar? Calculating this while also getting a tasty meal on the table can already be a tall order in and of itself. Once you’ve gotten through that step and it’s time to dig in, most of us automatically reach for the most appetizing food on the plate first. 

advertisement

However, some healthcare professionals and health-focused influencers are encouraging us to take a different approach: Food sequencing or eating the foods on our plate in a specific order to maximize benefits. “The concept is based on how different types of foods affect your digestion, metabolism, and even blood sugar levels,” explains Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, South Carolina. 

If you’ve heard of this concept before or it has piqued your interest, but you haven’t known how to start, you’re in luck. Let’s explore what food sequencing actually entails, if it’s truly beneficial to overall health, and how to employ it in your everyday life–if you’re so inclined.

What is food sequencing?

Food sequencing is a technique that involves eating everything on your plate in a really specific order, which can boost or support many different facets of digestion, from blood sugar levels to the amount of nutrients your body can process. While it’s unclear who thought of the concept or when it was invented, some of the first research on food sequencing was published in 2011 by a group of Japanese researchers aimed at determining the glycemic effect of eating veggies before carbohydrates. Interest in the technique has only grown since that time, with a slew of studies now published on the topic.

“The principle behind food sequencing is that the order in which you eat the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and fiber on your plate can influence your digestion, blood sugar levels, satiety, and nutrient absorption,” says Sam Schleiger, MS, RDN, CD, CLT, IFNCP, functional dietitian, women's health specialist, and owner of Simply Nourished Functional Nutrition. This is because of how each of these nutrients are metabolized and utilized in the body.

The generally recommended order for food sequencing is to start with fiber-rich, non-starchy vegetables (basically every option outside of potatoes, corn, legumes, and winter squash), then reach for protein-rich foods and healthy fats. Finish out the meal with any carbohydrate sources.

Does food sequencing actually benefit your health?

A common thread between fiber, protein, and healthy fats (the first foods to reach for, in that order) is that they slow digestion. This results in not only increased feelings of fullness and better energy levels after eating but also improved blood sugar regulation through delayed glucose absorption to prevent extreme sugar spikes and dips. “This is particularly beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes,” explains Schlieger. 

While many people may experience higher blood sugar levels (also known as hyperglycemia) after eating, food sequencing can help to significantly reduce these numbers according to research. Food sequencing may also help regulate insulin levels post-meal, as shown in a randomized control trial from 2023. Further, a review found this method to not only be an effective strategy for managing metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes through blood sugar and insulin control, but a great tool for preventing these diagnoses as well.

Food sequencing may also promote better nutrient absorption. “Fiber-rich and non-starchy vegetables, when consumed first, create a protective, gel-like layer in the gut which slows carbohydrate absorption but doesn’t interfere with nutrient uptake, allowing the body to better absorb vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients,” says Schleiger.

Starting with fiber first can encourage better digestive health, too, as complex carbohydrates are a major driver of healthy digestion and regularity. Plus, soluble fiber is a key food source for the healthy gut bacteria living in our microbiomes as a prebiotic.

Finally, food sequencing could also help support maintaining your weight—leading to fewer “yo-yo” fluctuations. “By prioritizing fiber and protein, which tend to have lower calorie densities and high satiety effects, food sequencing can help people manage portion sizes and cravings, indirectly supporting weight management goals,” Schleiger explains.

advertisement

Trying food sequencing

“While food sequencing isn’t a cure-all, it’s a simple and potentially beneficial habit to consider.,” says Manaker. “It’s not restrictive or overly complicated, which makes it approachable for most people.” Plus, it doesn’t require any major eating habit overhauls, food group eliminations, and overall is effectively low-risk.

Starting is pretty darn easy, too. Say you’re sitting down to a dinner of grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, and a colorful salad. Yum! You’d begin your meal with the salad (which many folks already do, especially when out to eat), then enjoy your salmon, and finish with the potatoes. Then, if dessert is on the menu, you’d eat that after the meal, as is the standard practice.

The only time this gets tricky is if your meal is a combination dish–think sandwiches, lasagnas, pastas, or tacos. In this case, you could add a salad to the mix and eat that first, pick around to have your first few bites be mostly veggie-focused, or even pull out a piece of protein from the dish to start with as a pseudo-workaround. Alternatively, you can just forgo the concept for that specific meal. “If it causes stress, it's best to skip it,” Manaker assures. Schleiger concurs, adding “even if practiced occasionally, sequencing is a useful tool for mindful eating that can have positive effects over time.”

What’s most important is listening to your body’s cues when trying this method. If you find that it doesn’t make you feel your best or results in unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, it may not be the best choice for you. Otherwise, food sequencing can be a great hack for boosting your metabolic and digestive health with minimal  additional effort.

Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter

Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.

All Stories

Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad For Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

by Jaime Osnato
on Feb 20
young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Health

8 Life Hacks You *Need* to Use to Build a Consistent (and Realistic) Morning Routine

Trust us, this works even if you're not a morning person.

by Rebecca Strong
on Feb 20
Cheerful woman enjoying morning coffee in bed while reading a book and using a mint green blanket
bySumo Citrus

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

by Maeve McCormick
on Feb 20
photo of growers transporting many sumo citrus for review
Food
Cooking
Recipes

5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Brunch When You Have Food Allergies

Plus, an exclusive recipe from Chef Ashley Lonsdale, the chef-in-residence at ButcherBox.

by Kelsey Kloss
on Feb 20
a chickpea pancake in a black cast iron pan on a wood cutting board surrounded by salad plates and smoked salmon
Fitness
Fitness Tips

“I’m an Exercise Physiologist—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.” 

There’s a difference between chronic stress and making your body work during workouts.

by Jennifer Heimlich
on Feb 20
woman sweating in the gym