The Made by Madi Flavor Guide:

How to Choose (and Pair) Seasonings Like a Pro

You don’t need a cabinet full of spices you barely use — you need the right ones. Seasonings that work together, make your food taste amazing, and take the guesswork out of dinner.

This guide will walk you through:

  • What each blend tastes like

  • What to cook with it

  • How to pair blends together for even better results

Whether you're brand new or ready to build your flavor stack, this is the place to start.

Salt and Co.

Flavor Profile: Clean, flaky salt with subtle garlic and herbs
Best For: Finishing eggs, grilled veggies, avocado toast, roasted potatoes
Pairs Well With: Everything — this is your base seasoning
Pro Pairing:

  • With Pepper and Co. for a simple but powerful base

  • With Kitchen Classic when you want a balanced, every-dish blend

  • With Caramelized Onion for extra depth on burgers or eggs

Pepper and Co.

Flavor Profile: Cracked black pepper with a little earthy heat
Best For: Steaks, salad dressings, mushrooms, pasta
Pairs Well With: Anything you’d normally salt and pepper — but better
Pro Pairing:

  • With Salt and Co. for a clean finish

  • With Salt & Char to deepen grilled or charred flavor

  • With Island Gold to add a peppery bite to citrusy dishes

Harvest Blend

Flavor Profile: Warm, herby, and grounding with hints of sage, thyme & garlic
Best For: Chicken, stuffing, roasted carrots, soup bases
Pairs Well With: Anything comforting or seasonal
Pro Pairing:

  • With Caramelized Onion to build rich, savory depth

  • With Salt and Co. for perfect fall veggie roasts

  • With Kitchen Classic to turn a quick meal into something nostalgic

Kitchen Classic

Flavor Profile: All-purpose blend with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs
Best For: Weeknight anything — chicken, pasta, meatballs, veggies
Pairs Well With: Literally any other blend
Pro Pairing:

  • With Salt & Char for extra kick on meat

  • With Stoneground Honey Mustard for balance on chicken or pork

  • With Harvest Blend for cozy, herb-forward meals

Stoneground Honey Mustard

Flavor Profile: Tangy, grainy mustard with honey and a little spice
Best For: Chicken thighs, glazes, salad dressings, dipping sauces
Pairs Well With: Anything needing sweet + savory contrast
Pro Pairing:

  • With Kitchen Classic for savory-sweet balance on roasted proteins

  • With Sweet Mesquite for a BBQ-style mustard rub

  • With Island Gold for a bright, tropical honey mustard glaze

Sweet Mesquite

Flavor Profile: Smoky mesquite with maple sweetness and a hint of heat
Best For: Ribs, burgers, sweet potato fries, jackfruit
Pairs Well With: BBQ dishes or anything smoky
Pro Pairing:

  • With Smoked Brown Sugar Rub for deep caramelized BBQ flavor

  • With Stoneground Honey Mustard for sweet, sticky glazes

  • With Salt & Char for next-level grilled flavor

Island Gold

Flavor Profile: Warm spice with a mild kick and tropical energy
Best For: Shrimp, rice bowls, chicken, pineapple salsa
Pairs Well With: Sweet, acidic, or spicy dishes
Pro Pairing:

  • With Pepper and Co. for zesty spice

  • With Stoneground Honey Mustard for tropical-sweet marinades

  • With Kitchen Classic to mellow and balance tropical dishes

Salt & Char

Flavor Profile: Smoky, bold, char-grilled essence with peppery heat
Best For: Steaks, grilled tofu, portobellos, roasted brussels sprouts
Pairs Well With: Proteins + high-heat cooking
Pro Pairing:

  • With Kitchen Classic for all-purpose fire

  • With Sweet Mesquite for deep smoky BBQ rubs

  • With Pepper and Co. to amplify the crust on seared foods

Smoked Brown Sugar Rub

Flavor Profile: Dark brown sugar, smoky paprika, and warm spice
Best For: Pulled pork, chicken wings, bacon, roasted squash
Pairs Well With: Dishes that love a sweet crust or glaze
Pro Pairing:

  • With Sweet Mesquite for sweet + smoke synergy

  • With Caramelized Onion for caramelized depth

  • With Kitchen Classic to keep it grounded in savory

Caramelized Onion

Flavor Profile: Sweet, slow-cooked onion flavor with umami richness
Best For: Burgers, dips, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes
Pairs Well With: Comfort food, dairy dishes, hearty sides
Pro Pairing:

  • With Harvest Blend for fall stews or casseroles

  • With Kitchen Classic to add richness to anything

  • With Smoked Brown Sugar Rub for onion-sweet BBQ flavor

Pro Tips for Pairing Blends

  • Think base + boost: Start with a neutral like Salt and Co. or Kitchen Classic, then add a “boost” blend like Island Gold, Harvest, or Salt & Char depending on your goal.

  • Layer textures + flavor families: Sweet + smoke, salt + herb, citrus + heat. That’s how you create depth.

  • Taste as you go: Start small and build. A little blend can go a long way.

Ready to start your flavor stack?
Shop the full collection here and build your spice cabinet with intention. 

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