Spices vs Seasonings: What’s the Difference?
Quick answer: A spice is usually a plant-derived ingredient such as a seed, bark, root, fruit or flower used for flavor. A seasoning is a broader term for anything added to improve flavor—including salt, spices, herbs, acids and seasoning blends.
Spices vs Seasonings: Quick Comparison
Spices and seasonings overlap, but they are not the same category. The easiest way to remember the difference is that spices are ingredients, while seasoning describes the act or mixture used to flavor food.
What is a spice?
A spice usually comes from a non-leafy part of a plant. Examples include cumin seed, cinnamon bark, turmeric rhizome and black pepper fruit.
What is a seasoning?
Seasoning is broader. Salt is a seasoning but not a spice. Lemon juice can be used as seasoning but is not a spice. A spice blend such as chili powder is also a seasoning.
Examples
| Ingredient | Spice? | Seasoning? |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin | Yes | Yes, when used to season food |
| Salt | No | Yes |
| Oregano | Herb | Yes |
| Chili powder | Blend of spices/seasonings | Yes |
| Lemon juice | No | Can be used as seasoning |
What about spice blends?
A spice blend combines multiple spices. A seasoning blend may include spices plus salt, herbs, sugar or other flavorings. That is why the words on package labels can differ.
Bottom line
All spices can be used as seasonings, but not all seasonings are spices. “Seasoning” is the larger category.