Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Substitutes, Ingredients, and Recipes

A packet of Lipton onion soup mix is a kitchen shortcut for quick dips and savory meatloaf. This guide breaks down its ingredients, offers reliable homemade substitutes, and answers common questions about this iconic seasoning blend.

Packet size: 2 oz (56 g) ·
Number of sachets per box: 2 ·
Typical uses: Soup, dip, meatloaf, roasted potatoes ·
Primary brand: Lipton Recipe Secrets

Six key facts about Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup & Dip Mix:

What is a substitute for Lipton onion soup mix?

Homemade substitute recipe

One of the most trusted copycat recipes comes from My Mommy Style (home cooking blog). According to their version, one packet of dry onion soup mix can be replaced with:

• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Family Dinners (recipe blog) offers a similar blend that adds paprika and adjusts the celery seed to 1/2 teaspoon. Both recipes produce roughly 1/4 cup of mix — the equivalent of one Lipton packet. For a gluten-free and dairy-free alternative, My DairyFree GlutenFree Life (allergy-friendly cooking blog) uses vegan beef bouillon powder and suggests 5 tablespoons of their blend equals one 1 1/4-ounce package.

Store-bought alternatives

Several grocers carry their own onion soup mix. Aldi offers a version under the Season’s Choice label, typically in the spice or soup aisle. Availability can vary by region and season. Other brands include Knorr and generic store brands, but the ingredient profiles differ — most contain similar basic components (onion flakes, bouillon, spices) but may use different proportions or additives.

The implication: Homemade substitutes give you full control over sodium and additives, while store-bought versions like Lipton offer consistent flavor and instant convenience.

Does Aldi carry onion soup mix?

Aldi’s store brand onion soup mix

Yes, Aldi carries onion soup mix under its Season’s Choice label. It is typically located in the spice aisle or near the soup mixes. The product is a dry mix designed for soup and dip, similar in purpose to Lipton’s. Shoppers report finding it in many U.S. locations, though stock may be seasonal.

How to find it in the store

Look in the spice aisle or the international foods section. If you don’t see it, ask a store associate — some regions may carry it only during fall and winter months.

The trade-off: Aldi’s version is often cheaper, but the exact ingredient list is not as widely published. If you need a guaranteed substitute, a homemade blend is more reliable.

What does Lipton onion soup mix have in it?

Ingredient list

According to the Lipton Kitchens (official brand website), the primary ingredients include dehydrated onion, beef bouillon (salt, sugar, cornstarch, hydrolyzed soy protein), caramel color, and spices. The mix contains MSG (monosodium glutamate) as a flavor enhancer. It also includes corn syrup solids, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and less than 2% of silicon dioxide (anticaking agent).

Nutritional profile

A serving size of 1/4 packet (about 5 g) contains approximately 25 calories. Sodium content is estimated at around 500-600 mg per serving, though the exact value can vary by product version. The mix is not low-sodium and may not be suitable for restricted diets without careful measurement.

What seasoning is in Lipton onion soup mix?

Spice blend breakdown

Seasonings in Lipton onion soup mix include onion powder, garlic powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, black pepper, and paprika. The blend is heavier on onion and garlic compared to competitor brands. No added herbs besides parsley. Allrecipes (trusted recipe community) notes that a dry onion soup mix recipe matches this profile exactly.

Comparison to other onion soup mixes

Knorr’s onion soup mix, for example, uses similar ingredients but often includes more garlic and less paprika. Store brands vary widely; some add yeast extract, others omit MSG.

The catch: Homemade blends let you control ingredients but may not perfectly replicate Lipton’s unique flavor.

What can I use if I do not have onion soup mix?

Quick pantry substitutions

If you need a liquid substitute for soup, combine 2 cups beef broth, 1/4 cup dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. For a dry substitute to use in dips or meatloaf, mix 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Tastes Better From Scratch (recipe blog) recommends adding celery seed and paprika for a more authentic match.

Using broth as a base

For recipes that call for the dry mix dissolved in water, simply replace with an equal volume of beef broth plus dried onion flakes. For dip, use sour cream with the dry substitute; cream cheese and onion powder can work in a pinch.

The table below compares store-bought and homemade onion soup mixes:

Six key specifications for a standard homemade onion soup mix (based on consensus from multiple copycat recipes):

Steps to make your own onion soup mix

1. Measure out all dry ingredients: dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper.
2. Combine in a small bowl and whisk until evenly distributed.
3. Transfer to an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Label with the date and “Lipton substitute.”
4. Use 1/4 cup (about 4 tablespoons) of the mix to replace one standard Lipton packet.

The implication: Taking 10 minutes to mix your own blend gives you control over sodium, MSG, and allergens — plus it costs less per serving.

“Dehydrated onion, beef bouillon (salt, sugar, cornstarch, hydrolyzed soy protein), caramel color, and spices.”

— Lipton Kitchens (official product label)

“This dry onion soup mix is a perfect substitute for that 1-ounce envelope of store-bought mix. It has all the same flavors but you control the sodium.”

— Allrecipes (user-rated recipe community)

“I’ve been making this copycat for years and it tastes just like the real thing. No more buying packets.”

— My Mommy Style (home cook review)

For home cooks looking to control sodium and MSG, the choice is clear: make your own mix for full control, or stick with the original Lipton for the exact flavor and instant convenience. Either way, you’ll never be without a savory base for soups, dips, and roasts.

Frequently asked questions