➤ story by EMILIA LOPEZ
Like many Misfits Market customers, I first discovered L’Isolina’s “Spaghetti Dust” in my monthly subscription box. And as soon as I tried it, I was hooked. It’s just one of those food products—in the same category as chili oil and hot honey—that, once you realize how versatile it is and how much flavor it can add to the simplest of dishes, it immediately becomes a pantry staple.
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What’s so special about spaghetti dust?
If you’ve never had it before, Spaghetti Dust falls under the umbrella of Italian seasoning, but does more heavy lifting. It has roasted garlic (not just your run-of-the-mill garlic powder), Calabrian chili, Sicilian sea salt, and parsley that’s freeze-dried rather than dehydrated, retaining its color and flavor. The result is sharper, brighter, and more textured than your average Italian seasoning.
That quality comes at a price. A one-ounce jar of Spaghetti Dust typically runs between $8 and $14, depending on the retailer. It’s easy to justify the price since it’s really that good—until you realize there are much more affordable options out there.
The Catch: it’s not new
Here’s the part that reframes everything: L’Isolina’s “Spaghetti Dust” isn’t a new idea. It’s essentially spaghettata seasoning, repackaged with a swanky new name.
The name comes from spaghettata di mezzanotte, or “midnight spaghetti”—a quick, no-recipe pasta built from pantry staples including olive oil, garlic, parsley, chili flakes, and salt. If you aren’t Italian, chances are you aren’t familiar with this homestyle dish or the seasoning associated with it. Personally, Spaghetti Dust was my first introduction to this seasoning blend, however it’s been around much longer than the brand L’Isolina, which was founded in 2020.
TUTTOCALABRIA Spaghettata Seasoning 8.8oz (from $20)
Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio Garicky Spicy Seasoning (from $10)
Collitali Spaghetti Mix 8.8oz (from $21)
Where to buy Spaghetti Dust dupes
Once you know what you’re looking for, dupes are easy to find, and cost a lot less. Look for anything labeled “spaghettata seasoning” or “spaghetti seasoning.” Flip the jar and check the ingredient list: parsley, garlic, chili flakes, salt. If those are there, you’re in the same territory.
Some versions add basil or oregano, which shifts the flavor slightly more toward a classic Italian herb blend. But functionally, they do the same job, and you won’t feel like you need to use them sparingly.
I’ve had the most luck finding it in the gourmet section of HomeSense and Marshalls, though I tend to buy mine on Amazon because for under $20, I can get spaghettata seasoning in bulk rather than a tiny little 1-ounce bottle that disappears in a week and costs $14.
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