If you’re a Trader Joe’s fan, you’ve probably grabbed their Everything but the Leftovers seasoning at least once. It’s that sIf you’re a Trader Joe’s fan, you’ve probably grabbed their Everything but the Leftovers seasoning at least once. It’s that savory, slightly golden blend that makes roasted vegetables taste like Thanksgiving and turns plain popcorn into something you can’t stop eating.
The problem? It’s not always in stock, and when you find yourself without it at 6 PM on a Wednesday, you’re out of luck.
This homemade version solves that problem. It takes about 5 minutes to mix up, uses yeast extract powder just like the original (not MSG), and tastes remarkably close to what you’d get from the bottle.
Why Not Just Buy the Original?
Fair question. The Trader Joe’s version is convenient and tastes great, so why bother making your own?
First, availability. If you’ve shopped at Trader Joe’s regularly, you know their seasonal and specialty items disappear without warning. Everything but the Leftovers shows up, sells out, and then you’re left checking back every week hoping it’s restocked.
Second, ingredient transparency. Look at the Trader Joe’s label and you’ll see “natural flavors” listed. What’s actually in those? “Natural flavors” is an even vaguer term that covers hundreds of possible ingredients. The FDA allows companies to use that catch-all phrase for proprietary blends, which means you’re trusting Trader Joe’s without really knowing what you’re getting.
When you make your own, you know exactly what’s going into the blend. Yeast extract powder, shiitake mushroom powder, specific herbs and spices. No mystery ingredients, no proprietary processing. Just straightforward seasonings you can identify.
Third, cost. Making this at home costs about $3-4 for roughly 3/4 cup of seasoning. The Trader Joe’s version is $2.99 for 2.3 ounces. You’re getting three times as much for basically the same price, and once you have the ingredients on hand, subsequent batches are even cheaper.
Fourth, control. Want less salt? Use less. Prefer more sage? Add it. Can’t do MSG? Swap it out. The homemade version lets you adjust the blend to match your taste and dietary needs instead of taking whatever the commercial version offers.
So yeah, if the Trader Joe’s version is in stock and you’re happy not knowing what “natural flavors” means, go ahead and grab it. But having this recipe in your back pocket means you’re never stuck without it.
Ingredient Breakdown
While (most) of the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Everything but the Leftovers seasoning mix aren’t particularly exotic, each adds a special something to the mix.
Yeast extract powder (1 tablespoon): The umami powerhouse. Available online from specialty spice retailers, Amazon (look for “yeast extract powder“), or bulk spice suppliers. A great ingredient to learn to use and sneak into your recipes for that “something extra” that will keep everyone wondering what you do to make such amazing food.
Shiitake mushroom powder (2 tablespoons): Replaces “natural flavors” with meaty depth. In all likelihood, they are using a powdered poultry base to give it additional flavor, but most of those come with added things like processed soy, which no one needs. Shiitake is the better choice here because it adds savory, umami-rich flavor.
Dehydrated onion and sea salt: The savory base.
Celery seed and turmeric: Add depth and that distinctive golden color.
Sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley: The herb blend that gives it that Thanksgiving dinner vibe.
Black pepper: Mild heat and complexity.
Citric acid (optional): Subtle tang that brightens everything up. This is available very reasonably online and comes in handy for a variety of things in the kitchen.
How to Use It
This seasoning works anywhere you’d use the Trader Joe’s version:
- Toss it with roasted vegetables (especially Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes)
- Sprinkle it on popcorn for movie night
- Season chicken thighs or pork chops before roasting
- Mix it into mashed potatoes
- Use it as a dry brine for turkey or chicken (apply 12-24 hours before cooking)
- Stir it into scrambled eggs or omelets
- Season roasted chickpeas for snacking
Start with about 1 teaspoon per pound of food and adjust from there. The blend is fairly salty, so go easy at first.
Storage
Keep the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It’ll stay good for about 6 months, though the herbs will start to lose their potency after that.
If you want to make a bigger batch, just scale up the recipe. The proportions stay the same regardless of quantity.
Cost Comparison
Making this at home costs roughly $3-4 for a batch that yields about 3/4 cup of seasoning, depending on where you source your ingredients. The Trader Joe’s version runs $2.99 for a 2.3 oz container, so you’re getting about three times as much for a similar price.
Plus, you’re never stuck waiting for it to come back in stock.
Everything but the Leftovers Seasoning Copycat
Equipment
- Small jar or spice container
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons dehydrated onion or onion powder
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon yeast extract powder
- 2 tablespoon shiitake mushroom powder ground fine
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed fine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid optional, for tang
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container or spice jar.
- Store in a cool, dark place. The blend will keep for up to 6 months.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about being precious or spending all day making something you could just buy. It’s about having a solid backup when Trader Joe’s is out of stock, or when you’re cooking at 9 PM and realize you’re out.
Mix up a batch, keep it in your spice cabinet, and use it on everything. It’s one of those seasonings that makes weeknight vegetables taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
