Santa Maria Style Seasoning - Original All Purpose Blend

In this review of Susie Q's Original Santa Maria Style Seasoning, the bottom line is clear: this is a versatile, pantry-friendly blend best suited to home cooks and grillers who want a consistent, garlic-forward seasoning that enhances meats without overwhelming them. The seasoning has not changed since 1981 and that legacy shows in how reliably it lifts tri-tip, steaks and a wide range of everyday dishes. For anyone who values a balanced, American-grown ingredient list and a seasoning that works as both a finishing sprinkle and a dry rub, this blend delivers.

Key Features

• Original formula since 1981: The unchanged recipe gives a familiar, dependable flavor profile that fans recognize and rely on for regional Santa Maria style cooking.
• All purpose use: Works equally well as a sprinkle, finishing salt or dry rub on meats, fish, eggs, vegetables and more, making it useful across many recipes.
• Made with California garlic: The prominent garlic note comes from California-grown garlic and contributes to a bright, savory character without tasting overly salty.
• Premium US-grown ingredients: The blend uses premium ingredients grown in the USA, which supports traceability and consistent quality.
• Balances flavor without overpowering: The seasoning rounds out on the palate, enhancing dishes without masking the natural flavors of the food.

Who It's For

This seasoning is ideal for home cooks and backyard grillers who want a single blend that does many jobs: a steak and tri-tip rub, a finishing salt for vegetables, and a quick flavor boost for pastas and soups. Those who appreciate a garlic-led profile and a long-standing regional blend will find it especially appealing.

It may be less suitable for cooks who need salt-free or extremely mild seasoning, or for those seeking an exotic spice profile; this is a classic American mixed spice intended to accentuate rather than transform dishes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile - enhances a broad range of foods from meats to popcorn with a single pinch.
• Consistent flavor - the original formula provides reliable results for grilling and everyday cooking.
• Quality ingredients - uses California garlic and premium US-grown components for a clean taste.

Cons

• Perceived cost - some customers find the price high relative to volume, making it a consideration for budget shoppers.

Specifications

Product name	Susie Q's Original Santa Maria Style Seasoning
Brand	Susie Q's
Launched	Original recipe since 1981
Key ingredient	California garlic
Primary uses	Meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, pastas, soups and more
Use style	Sprinkle, finishing salt, or dry rub
Ingredient origin	Premium ingredients grown in the USA

Our Verdict

Susie Q's Original Santa Maria Style Seasoning is a smart pick for cooks who want one dependable blend for grilling and everyday dishes; its garlic-forward, balanced flavor elevates meats and simple recipes without overpowering them, and the US-grown ingredients support consistent quality, making it good value for those who use it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this seasoning be used as a dry rub?
Yes. It works well as a dry rub for tri-tip and steaks as well as a finishing sprinkle.

Is the seasoning very salty?
Customers report it rounds out on the palate and is not overly salty, delivering balanced flavor instead.

What kinds of foods does it enhance?
It enhances meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, pastas, soups, sauces and even snacks like popcorn or spreads like cream cheese.