Dave’s Bayou Flava is different.

Started in 2021 by owner and New Iberia native Dave Lopez in his own kitchen, making magic in each bite. Dave’s Bayou Flava is a low-sodium Cajun seasoning that is low in spice, but high in flavor. The all purpose seasoning can be used as a bbq rub, used in soups, stews, gumbos, and a variety of creole dishes.

“I was looking to create something of my own because I wanted a different taste, different smell, and a different look,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s product really took off in March of last year. He started out giving samples to his friends and family, all of whom loved the unique taste of his low-sodium spices.

“I really wanted to stop using other brands that were loaded with sodium,” Lopez said.”Also I wanted to help my wife with her dietary restrictions.”

Lopez’s wife, Jeanne, is currently going through some health issues, and cutting back on sodium was one of the requirements that would help in her dietary restrictions.

“So we stopped using the other brands, introduced our own brand into our daily meals,” Lopez said.

With the request from his wife and the demand from the public, he started to market it and it has taken off ever since.

Dave’s Bayou Flava is made up of the essentials for your everyday spices. They start with the basics, including salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder. Then they add in herbs, and other spices, all while keeping it low in sodium.

Dave’s Bayou Flava can be found in five different stores, including Simoneauds, Bi-Lo, and Smiley Food Mart in New Iberia, Raintree Market in Baldwin , and Cashsaver in St. Martinville. You can also reach out to Dave’s Bayou Flava’s Facebook page, too.

“Its unique in its own way, normally when you taste a low sodium or a no sodium seasoning it’s bland and without any flavor,” Lopez said. “With Dave’s Bayou Flava that’s what you get, ‘flava.’ You taste the herbs, you taste the spices, you taste the other ingredients without it being bland. and we are local.”

Lopez said he has plans to have Dave’s Bayou Flava in as many stores as possible and introduce more flavors and sauces along the way.

Making the spices for others comes naturally for Lopez, who came from a long line of cooks, including his mom, aunts, uncles and even his grandmother, all who he credits as great cooks.

“I love to cook, so it was destined for me to make something to call my own,” Lopez said.

Born and raised here, Lopez said he knew there was a need for his product, a local and healthier alternative that doesn’t lose its flavor.

“Dave’s Bayou Flava is a local, a healthier choice, and a product that my elderly neighbors can enjoy,” Lopez said.