Is McCormick Mesquite Seasoning Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a seasoning is kosher, we look for hidden animal products or cross-contamination risks. McCormick Mesquite Seasoning is surprisingly clean in this regard. The primary components are spices (including chili pepper and paprika), salt, garlic, and onion. These are all plant-based and inherently kosher.

A key ingredient to highlight is the grill flavor (from sunflower oil) and natural flavor (including mesquite smoke). In the past, smoke flavorings could be chemically complex, but McCormick uses sunflower oil as the carrier here. This avoids the use of wine or non-kosher animal byproducts often found in flavor enhancers.

Finally, the inclusion of sugar and citric acid poses no issue. While sugar requires strict supervision (passover) in some traditions, for general year-round kosher certification, standard cane sugar is acceptable. There are no flags for dairy, meat, or shellfish, making this a versatile, pareve seasoning.

Nutritional Value

If you are watching your sodium intake, be mindful that this is a salt-based product. While the specific numbers vary by batch, a standard serving contains a significant amount of sodium to achieve that savory kick. It is low in calories and fat, as the 'oil' content is minimal and used primarily to carry the grill flavor.

The sugar content is generally negligible (less than 1g per serving), which makes it a decent option for those on low-carb or keto diets looking for a smoky flavor without adding carbs. It fits well within most healthy diet limits as a zero-calorie flavor enhancer (from a macronutrient perspective).