The Keto-Approved Seasoning That Will Spice Up Any Meal

The ketogenic diet is a popular weight loss method that is in the same ballpark as the Atkins and the paleo diets and involves reducing one's carb intake and increasing fat consumption, according to Harvard Health Publishing. The aim is to make one's system burn ketone bodies instead of carbohydrate-based glucose, which is the basis for ketosis. In order to reach such a state, carbs should be restricted to 20-50 grams per day, and that means reducing consumption of not just foods and drinks but certain seasonings, too.

In fact, there are a surprising amount of spices that contain a certain number of carbs. Cardamom, dried coriander, taco seasoning, turmeric, and white pepper all contain 4-5 net carbs per 10 grams, as noted by Sure Keto. Ground ginger and pumpkin pie spice have over 5 net carbs per 10 grams, and green chili peppers clock in at 8 net carbs per 100 grams. This may not seem like much, but when ketosis requires less than 50 grams of carbs per day, all of these ingredients start to quickly add up.

Luckily, there's a spice blend that's both flavorful and keto-approved for any low-carb meal.

What do pollo guisado and pernil asado have in common? They're both commonly spiced with adobo seasoning, per Pepper Scale. This versatile seasoning works as a dry rub and as a wet blend, named adobo seco and adobo mojado, respectively. Many home cooks use adobo seasoning in stews and braised dishes, as well as sprinkled over grilled or roasted meats. And in Puerto Rico, you'll likely find adobo seasoning as the primary flavor component of Thanksgiving turkey.

Adobo seasoning typically consists of onion powder, oregano, salt, granulated garlic, and either turmeric or citrus zest, as noted by Simply Recipes. The blend varies depending on the region you're in, though, as Mexican adobo contains crushed chilis and vinegar while Cuban wet adobo incorporates cumin and sour orange juice. Adobo seasoning's flavor is layered with zesty, tangy, and salty notes, which makes it perfect for low-carb snacks like deviled eggs and ground pork lettuce wraps. But what about its carb content?

Absolutely Keto states that adobo seasoning contains 0 grams of carbs, and that goes for net carbs too. It also doesn't contain any fat but scores high on the sodium scale, as a ¼ teaspoon of the popular adobo seasoning brand Goya has 350 milligrams of sodium.

So next time you're looking to spice up your keto-friendly meal, give adobo seasoning a try. It's packed with flavor, contains no carbs, and is found in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes.