A ranch packet typically contains about 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the brand.
Typical ranch packet sizes
Here are some common ranch packet sizes:
| Ranch Packet Size | Teaspoons of Seasoning |
|---|---|
| 0.7 oz | ~1 tsp |
| 1 oz | ~1.5 tsp |
| 1.5 oz | ~2 tsp |
As you can see, a typical ranch packet contains about 1-2 teaspoons of dry seasoning mix. The most common size is around 1 ounce, which has about 1.5 teaspoons of seasoning.
Ingredients in ranch packets
A ranch packet contains a blend of dry herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Here are some of the most common:
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried buttermilk
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
The exact blend can vary by brand, but parsley, dill, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper tend to be consistent mainstays. Many ranch packets also contain dried buttermilk powder to help mimic the tangy flavor of traditional ranch dressing.
Uses for ranch packets
A ranch packet can be used to add flavor in a variety of ways:
- Make homemade ranch dressing: Whisk 1 ranch packet with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk.
- Season veggies: Toss vegetables with a little oil and 1/2 ranch packet.
- Spice up chicken: Coat chicken breasts with a ranch packet before baking.
- Flavor dips: Mix a ranch packet into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick dip.
- Top baked potatoes: Sprinkle a ranch packet on hot baked potatoes with butter.
- Season popcorn: Drizzle popcorn with olive oil and sprinkle on 1/2 ranch packet.
Ranch packet equivalents
If you don’t have a ranch packet, you can replicate the flavor using common pantry ingredients:
| 1 Ranch Packet | Substitute |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp dried parsley | 1 tbsp fresh parsley |
| 1 tsp dried dill | 1 tsp fresh dill |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | 1 clove garlic, minced |
| 1 tsp onion powder | 1 tbsp fresh onion, minced |
| 1/2 tsp salt | 1/2 tsp salt |
| 1/4 tsp black pepper | 1/4 tsp black pepper |
| 1 tbsp dried buttermilk | 1 tbsp fresh buttermilk |
Mix together the substitute ingredients to replicate the ranch packet seasoning. You can adjust amounts to taste.
Making your own ranch packets
You can also make your own homemade ranch seasoning packets:
Homemade Ranch Packet Recipe
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried buttermilk powder
Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container. Use 1 packet per 1 cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to make homemade ranch dressing or dip.
Buying ranch packets
Ranch packets are sold at most major grocery stores in the spice aisle or salad dressing section. Common brands include Hidden Valley, Kraft, and Good Seasons.
Some stores also sell larger containers of ranch seasoning that contain the equivalent of multiple packets to save money on costs. You can portion out the mix into 1 tbsp servings to make your own ranch packets at home.
Conclusion
Most ranch packets contain around 1-2 teaspoons of dry seasoning mix. The typical packet size is about 1 ounce. Ranch packets are an easy way to add zesty flavor to salads, dips, meats, vegetables, and more. You can also make your own ranch seasoning using common dried herbs and spices.