Because what you shake on your food should matter just as much as what goes into the pan.
Let’s be honest: not all seasonings are created equal. With shelves full of spice blends promising bold flavors, it’s easy to grab whatever looks good — but behind that pretty label could be a pile of fillers, preservatives, or ingredients you can’t even pronounce.
Before you toss another blend into your cart, here are five things every home cook (or snack lover) should know before buying seasoning:
Check the Ingredients — All of Them
Flip the jar over and read the label. Do you recognize everything listed? You should. A high-quality seasoning blend doesn’t need anti-caking agents, “natural flavors,” or weird chemical preservatives. Look for blends made with whole, real spices — things like garlic, paprika, thyme, or turmeric — not fillers you can't pronounce.
Skip the Sugar (Unless You Want It)
You’d be surprised how many blends sneak in added sugar — especially in rubs or anything labeled “barbecue” or “sweet.” Now, sugar isn’t always bad — but you should know it’s there on purpose, not by accident. If you're watching your sugar intake or just prefer to control sweetness in your dishes, go for blends with no added sugar or ones that use it minimally and transparently.
Watch Out for Salt Overload
Salt is a flavor booster — no doubt about it. But in a lot of store-bought blends, it’s used as a cheap filler that drowns out the other ingredients. A great blend is about balance: salt should enhance, not overpower.
Pro tip: Seasoning blends should complement your cooking, not take over it.
Know Who’s Making It
Behind every jar is a kitchen. Is it a giant facility churning out mass-market blends… or a small-batch maker crafting intentional flavor? When you know the maker, you know the mission. Look for brands (hi!) that are open about their process, ingredients, and values — not just flashy buzzwords.
Buy for How You Cook, Not Just What Sounds Good
That Cajun truffle maple rub might sound amazing — but will you actually use it? Choose blends that fit your lifestyle: things you’ll use on weeknight chicken, roasted veggies, or scrambled eggs. Start with a versatile everyday blend, then explore bolder profiles once you’ve got your staples down.
Need help? At Made by Madi, every blend is labeled with what it pairs well with — so you’re never guessing.
Bottom Line?
Seasoning should be simple, flavorful, and rooted in real ingredients — just like the food you’re making. If it sounds confusing or overly complicated, it probably is. Your spice cabinet deserves better. Your food does too.
Want to try seasoning that checks all five boxes?
Explore our handcrafted, small-batch blends [here] — and shake a little joy on your next meal.
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