Food Food and Nutrition

We Tried Trader Joe’s New Umami Mushroom Seasoning and It’s Delicious

Tehrene Firman

January 4, 2019

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Photo: Stocksy/Mariela Naplatanova

Mushrooms boast an impressive number of health benefits, so it's no wonder they're popping up in everything from lattes to skincare products. And now they've been dried and bottled by Trader Joe's for the brand's Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend. A mix of porcini and white button mushroom powder, as well as salt, dried onion powder, ground mustard seed, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme, the new seasoning is a healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) without sacrificing flavor.

Known as the "fifth taste," "umami is basically glutamate, a nonessential amino acid found in an abundance of foods. Natural sources include seaweed, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and even tomatoes," founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition Angie Asche, RD, wrote on Instagram of the spice blend. "Because mushrooms are a natural source of glutamate, this umami mushroom powder will enhance the flavors of any savory dish."

The Umami Seasoning Blend is so good that it threatens to replace Everything but the Bagel as Trader Joe's cult-favorite du jour. Now, Everything but the Bagel goes with everything, so you don't want to give it up completely, but you might want to clear some space in your pantry. People are already so obsessed with the new blend that it's currently being offered on eBay at more than triple its in-store cost of $3.

So, which dishes might benefit from the addition of natural umami flavor? We tried it on a salad. (Yum.) We tried it on avocado toast. (Delicious.) We tried it on our fingertip. (More, please.) Asche recommends using the TJ's blend in soups, stir-fries, or roasted vegetables. It has all the flavor you'll need with 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 140 mg of sodium per 1/4 tsp serving. According to a Trader Joe's rep, it also works great sprinkled onto rice bowls, baked potatoes, avocado toast, mac 'n' cheese, and burgers—basically anything and everything that could use a savory, earthy punch.

Looking for more unique Trader Joe's finds? The company is sells vegan ranch dip. And yuzu has made its way into some delicious sparkling coconut water.