I’m a die-hard fan of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets, but 1) they’re a little pricey, and 2) have you seen that unsettling ingredient list? I mean, the first ingredient is Maltodextrin. Come on, now.

I analyzed the ingredient list and came up with a much cleaner version that tastes SO much better. The side-by-side comparison is unreal – everyone who tests this has an immediate shock-to-the-face moment. It’s THAT good.

I’ve looked at other ranch seasoning recipes online, and none of them include the secret ingredient I uncovered… and it makes ALL the difference. Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• My seasoning blend has fewer calories and won’t spike your blood sugar like the Hidden Valley version will. Why? Mine contains no maltodextrin (it’s the first ingredient in the Hidden Valley version). Maltodextrin has the same caloric value as table sugar, has a high glycemic index, and causes spikes in blood sugar levels.
• Based on my best analysis, this ranch seasoning recipe contains a lot less sodium. The homemade version has 20g of sodium per serving against Hidden Valley’s 60g.
• Making it yourself means you can steer clear of all of the chemicals, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

• It tastes SO MUCH BETTER. Like wow. And I’m not just saying that because I created this recipe. Even my 6-year-old’s face lit up when she tried them side by side.
• In the long run, you will save money, though buying the ingredients upfront is more expensive. If you make 5 batches of this recipe, your cost breaks down to $17.31, whereas you’d have spent $36.60 on the Hidden Valley version. You’d end up saving $19.29.

Recipe Testing Notes: How We Got to a Winning Recipe

You know me. I love to share how I landed on the winning recipe. Fortunately, this was the fastest recipe-testing journey I’ve had to date.

Here’s the story.

Analyzing the Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Ingredient List

I analyzed the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet ingredient list and identified the main ingredients (minus the junk and chemicals):

• Buttermilk powder
• Salt
• MSG (this is important, don’t forget this)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Spices

When you cut out the maltodextrin, artificial flavor, guar gum, and other shenanigans, it’s actually a very approachable ingredient list.

While the label simply says “spices,” we all know the most important spice of all in Ranch dressing: dill! So I knew that had to be included.

I also planned on adding parsley and chives, but more on that in a second.

My First Attempt

As a first attempt at nailing this recipe, I just started pouring ingredients in a mason jar.

I used the order of the ingredients from the Hidden Valley label as a guide, so I knew I needed the highest quantity of buttermilk, garlic powder, and onion powder. I was a little leery of adding too much salt, so I saved that addition for last.

I ended up with a good mix of buttermilk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and salt. I left out the chives because of their larger shape.

When comparing my emerging seasoning mix to the Hidden Valley version, it looked nearly identical.

However, when smelling them side-by-side, the Hidden Valley version had a little something I couldn’t quite place. And it was a critical ingredient, because it added a boost of flavor that, to me, was essential.

I pored back over the ingredient list, and that’s when it clicked: the monosodium glutamate, otherwise known as MSG. It’s fairly high on the ingredient list, and I had originally passed over it. That must be the key.

Adding the Secret Ingredient

While MSG isn’t the devil ingredient many make it out to be, I’ve never purchased it and am not prepared to advocate for it. What could I use instead?

MSG adds umami, which is one of the five basic tastes (next to sour, bitter, salty, and sweet). Many refer to umami as “savory,” and it’s found in ingredients like tomato paste, parmesan cheese, soy sauce, fish sauce, and mushrooms (to name a few).

It just so happened that I purchased an umami seasoning jar from Publix a few weeks prior, so I gave it a shot.

Note: the ingredients in the umami seasoning I purchased are: sea salt, organic onion, organic mushroom, organic mustard, organic chili pepper, organic black pepper, organic rice concentrate, and organic thyme.

I added a little to my mix, stirred it, and smelled them side-by-side.

They were identical.

The umami was the missing component, and don’t we all love a secret ingredient?!

When I tasted my version against Hidden Valley, the improvement was so shocking I immediately called my husband to let out my sheer and utter excitement.

Not only did I recreate the famous Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, but mine was better.

Yeah, I poured myself a celebratory glass of wine after that one.

Ingredients in Homemade Ranch Seasoning

• Buttermilk powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Dried dill
• Dried parsley
• Umami seasoning

This simple blend includes none of the junk and all of the flavor! Do not – I repeat, do not – skip the umami seasoning! It’s the secret ingredient!

How to Use Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Our two favorite ways to use homemade ranch seasoning are on popcorn and on focaccia (with some shredded cheese thrown in!).

We also just tried it sprinkled on top of fried chicken, and WOW that is good.

Here are some other ways to use ranch seasoning:

• Turn it into salad dressing: mix 2 tbsp seasoning mix, 1/2 cup mayo (or Greek yogurt), 1/8 cup milk (if it’s too thick for your preference, add milk in 1 tbsp increments until it’s what you like!)

Salad Dressing Note: the back of the Hidden Valley seasoning container says that for salad dressing, mix 3 tbsp seasoning mix, 1 cup milk, 1 cup mayo (or Greek yogurt). I tested this and felt it was too thin, but after posting about it in my stories, many said they prefer a thin consistency to better coat lettuce in a salad. If that may be you, feel free to use that ingredient mix!

• Turn it into a dip: mix 3 tbsp ranch seasoning and 2 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Season chicken or veggies
• Mix directly into dough (bread dough, pizza dough, dinner roll dough…)
• Rim your Bloody Mary glass
• Mix into garlic mashed potatoes

How to Store Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Homemade ranch seasoning doesn’t have preservatives, so you’ll need to store it in the fridge (thanks to the buttermilk powder).

I like keeping this seasoning mix in an 8-ounce mason jar fitted with a spice shaker lid. You can buy these special mason jar lids (affiliate link) on Amazon. It’s also available directly on their website.

They’re also great for other homemade spice blends, like taco or birria seasoning.

Another pantry staple recipe: Easy Vanilla Extract Recipe

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this DIY ranch seasoning mix as much as I do! If you give it a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below.

I’d also love to hear your favorite ways to use this seasoning.

Happy baking!