FAQs: Zatarain's

Where are your date codes and how do I read them?

The date code is usually on the top of the box or printed along the bottom of our pouches. Zatarain’s started using “Best if used by” dates in January, 2004. The date codes typically read “15 May 2007” or “May 15 2007”. If there is only a manufacturing code on the box, it is outdated.

What is the difference between Cajun and Creole?

Cajun is the robust country-style cooking of the descendants of the French Acadians (now known as Cajuns). Cajun cooking uses a dark roux as the base of many dishes. It relies on the culinary “trinity” –equal parts of chopped green bell peppers, onions and celery. Many Cajun dishes are spicier than Creole dishes. The most famous dish of Cajun origin is Jambalaya (a rice dish that contains the trinity, tomatoes and various meats, poultry and/or seafood).

Creole is a full-flavored cuisine of refined European settlers of New Orleans -- the best of the French, Spanish and African cuisines. Creole cooking also relies on the culinary “trinity”– chopped green bell peppers, onions and celery. Creole dishes typically use more butter, cream and tomatoes than Cajun dishes. A famous dish of Creole origin is Etouffee (a spicy and delicious stew traditionally made with crawfish or shrimp, vegetables and a dark roux). The word Etouffee means "Smothered."

What is the history of Zatarain’s?

Zatarain’s was founded by Emile A. Zatarain, Sr. In 1889, he obtained the company’s first product trademark and started to market root beer. Shortly after, he began to produce mustards, pickled vegetables, and extracts. As the business grew, so did the demand for a broader range of products. Through our expertise in blending spices, the company established a reputation for making the most authentic New Orleans–Style food. Today, Zatarain’s manufactures over 200 varieties of products from Rice Dinner Mixes, Ready-to-Serve Complete Meals, Spices & Seasonings, to Fish Fries, Seafood Boil and other products based on authentic New Orleans Style foods and seafood preparations.

Who do I contact with a product complaint?

Please call our Consumer Affairs Department at 1-877-837-3796. Please have the product packaging available, and if possible, when and where it was purchased.

Can I get Zatarain’s products if I live in Canada?

To find products in Canada, please call 1-800-265-2600.

Why is the sodium content so high in your products?

Many of our authentic, New Orleans-style products contain a fair amount of salt. However, we are constantly making improvements to our products and are sensitive to the needs of consumers who are monitoring their sodium intake. In response, we are introducing lower sodium versions of several of our most popular products, thanks to your feedback. New items include: Reduced Sodium Dirty Rice, Reduced Sodium Jambalaya and Reduced Sodium Red Beans & Rice.

What are the “spiciest” and “mildest” Zatarain’s products?

All Zatarain’s products offer authentic New Orleans-style flavor, which is a bold, robust cuisine. Whether something is considered “spicy” or “mild” varies based on individual tastes. The “spiciness” of any of our rice mixes is also dependent on the protein added to the dish. For example, adding chicken to our Jambalaya will not be as spicy as adding andouille sausage.

How do I know if there are allergens in Zatarain's products?

We are aware of special allergies and intolerances to certain ingredients such as:

As a responsible food company, Zatarain's follows the U.S. Food Drug & Cosmetic Act regulations to ensure consumer safety concerning food allergens. We declare these ingredients on our label in the ingredient statement. Federal regulations require us to list sulfites if they are over 10 parts per million, so we use that as our label declaration limit.

Because we are constantly improving our products, we do not offer a list of our products that do not currently contain glutens. We encourage you to read the ingredient statement on your package at the time of purchase to ensure accurate, up to date information.