Let’s be honest—store-bought ranch packets are often loaded with mystery starches, hidden sugars, and that weird, clingy aftertaste. I used to grab them out of convenience until I read the label and realized they were quietly sabotaging my macros.
So I made my own. And this version? Creamy, herby, tangy—without the carb creep or gut bloat. It takes five minutes, uses pantry staples (plus one keto MVP), and works on everything from roasted chicken to cucumber slices.
Why This Recipe Actually Works (Low-Carb Edition)
Here’s the trick: heavy cream powder.
It gives you that buttermilk tang meets sour cream richness without actually needing wet ingredients. Most DIY ranch blends skip it—and that’s why they fall flat. This mix gets creamy when mixed into mayo, sour cream, or even Greek yogurt, and it sticks to proteins like a dream.
What I Used (And Why It Worked)
- Heavy Cream Powder (50g / ½ cup) – Adds the creamy base without carbs. Skip it, and the whole mix tastes dry and “off.” This is your keto-friendly thickener and fat flavor bomb.
- Dried Parsley (4 tsp) – Fresh herb flavor, zero carbs. Brightens everything.
- Dried Dill (2 tsp) – Classic ranch vibe. Don’t skimp if you want that familiar tang.
- Dried Chives (2 tsp) – Subtle onion flavor, keto-safe.
- Cream of Tartar (1 tsp) – Adds that slight tang you’d get from buttermilk. Totally optional, but helps.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Warm, savory, balanced flavor without chunks.
- Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Pairs with the garlic for classic ranch depth.
- Sea Salt (1 tsp) – Don’t leave it out. This ties the herbs together.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp) – A little heat, a lot of balance.
Keto Swaps That Actually Work
- Can’t find heavy cream powder? Substitute with full-fat dry milk powder only if you’re low-carb, not strict keto. Dry milk has more sugar, so it’s a macro risk.
- Want it spicier? Add ½ tsp cayenne or crushed red pepper.
- Herb switch-up: Basil or tarragon works if you’re out of dill or parsley—but the flavor profile will shift.
Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Mix tastes dusty or chalky | Skipped the cream powder or used too much salt | Stick to the ratio and use quality cream powder |
Texture feels too chunky | Herb pieces are too big | Pulse the mix in a spice grinder briefly |
Too bland | Not enough garlic, dill, or salt | Taste and tweak—this mix is flexible |
How I Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Measure everything into a medium bowl.
- Mix until evenly combined. Use a whisk or spoon—don’t overthink it.
- Optional: Pulse in a spice grinder or mini food processor if you want it ultra-fine.
- Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry spot. I label mine with the date—good for 6 months.

Smart Moves I Always Use
- I double the batch and keep half in the freezer to preserve freshness.
- For dressings, I mix 1 tbsp ranch mix + ½ cup mayo + ¼ cup sour cream + splash of ACV. Perfect every time.
- I keep a shaker bottle prepped for quick sprinkling on eggs, wings, roasted veggies—low-carb flavor hack!
Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week
- Shelf stable: No fridge needed. Store in a dark pantry for up to 6 months.
- Freezer safe: Yep! Just seal in a bag inside a jar to prevent moisture clumps.
- Tracking tip: I portion into 36 servings (about 1 tsp each)—makes macro tracking a breeze.
Can I Eat This on Keto? (Yes, Here’s Why)
- Net carbs per serving: Just 0.3g—thanks to the low-volume herbs and keto-safe base.
- No starches, fillers, or sugars like in hidden-store blends.
- Heavy cream powder is keto-friendly, not the same as powdered milk.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 12 kcal |
Total Fat | 1g |
Saturated Fat | 0.52g |
Cholesterol | 2mg |
Sodium | 118mg |
Potassium | 40mg |
Total Carbs | 0.4g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.1g |
Sugar | 0.1g |
Net Carbs | 0.3g |
Protein | 0.1g |
Check out More Recipes:
- Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Parmesan
- Low Carb Keto Cucumber Noodles
- Low Carb Keto Thousand Island Dressing

Low Carb Keto Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Description
Creamy, herby, and keto-approved—this homemade ranch seasoning mix beats the packets and keeps your carbs low without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir or whisk until well blended.
- Store in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry place.
- Shake before each use.
Notes
- I double the batch and keep half in the freezer to preserve freshness.
- For dressings, I mix 1 tbsp ranch mix + ½ cup mayo + ¼ cup sour cream + splash of ACV. Perfect every time.
- I keep a shaker bottle prepped for quick sprinkling on eggs, wings, roasted veggies—low-carb flavor hack!