La Criolla - The Best Hispanic Spices and Seasonings

About Us

La Criolla, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1957, specializing in authentic spices, herbs, and food products. Based in Alsip, Illinois, the company offers custom spice blends, seasonings, and private-label, custom blending and co-packing solutions for retail and wholesale customers. With more than 65 years of experience, La Criolla upholds strict food safety and quality standards while bringing exceptional quality and flavor to homes and businesses everywhere.

Commitment to Quality

The company emphasizes high standards of quality and food safety. La Criolla maintains rigorous quality assurance programs, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and annual QA audits, to ensure the safety and quality of its products.

Community Engagement

La Criolla is deeply rooted in the community, with a mission to bring authentic Latin flavors to households and businesses alike. The company prides itself on preserving traditional recipes and flavors, aiming to evoke a sense of home and heritage in every product.

Mission & Brand Identity

The brand’s tagline, “El orgullo de tu cocina” (“The pride of your kitchen”), reflects our mission to connect emotionally with home cooks, especially in Latino households, while celebrating the joy of cooking across all culinary traditions.

We lean into authenticity using glass jars for spices to preserve flavor, emphasizing no artificial additives/preservatives/dyes.

Our History

In 1957 That same year, Avelino introduced Adobo La Criolla Seasoning, carefully crafted to deliver bold, authentic taste. Decades later, it remains one of our most cherished products—a symbol of the quality, pride, and standards he set from the very beginning.

Over the next forty years, La Criolla grew alongside the community it was built to serve. New blends were developed, more kitchens were reached, and trust was earned one customer at a time. From home cooks to professional chefs, families to restaurants, La Criolla became part of everyday meals and lasting memories across generations.

In 2016, the Chaparro family proudly took ownership of La Criolla, committed to preserving Avelino Maldonado’s legacy while guiding the company into its next chapter. With deep respect for its roots and a shared passion for authentic flavor, the Chaparro family continues to build on the foundation he created—honoring tradition, investing in quality, and serving the community with the same care and dedication.

In 2018, La Criolla moved into a new, expanded production facility to support growing demand and prepare for the future. This milestone reflected a renewed commitment to growth, innovation, and long-term investment in our people, products, and operations.

In 2022, La Criolla’s impact and legacy were formally recognized when the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois proclaimed October 12 as La Criolla Day in Chicago—a proud moment honoring more than six decades of service, entrepreneurship, and cultural contribution to the community.

Today, La Criolla remains a family-owned company driven by heritage, pride, and the belief that great food brings people together—just as it did in 1957.

Recipes

We’re proud of our foods, both because of what we leave out and because of what we include. Check out some of our recipes and see for youself.

FAQs

We know that you have to be careful about the foods you and your loved ones eat. That’s why we’ve tried to answer many of our most frequently asked questions.

Feedback

We are listening. Share your thoughts and feedback with us. Get in touch with La Criolla. We’d love to hear from you!