Does Lawry's garlic salt have sugar? The surprising answer for ingredient-conscious cooks

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the ingredients list on various Lawry's garlic salt products, sugar is indeed listed as a component. This might be surprising news for those monitoring their sugar intake or following a specific diet, as it reveals that Lawry's garlic salt does have sugar, though it is used primarily to balance flavors and not as a major ingredient.

Quick Summary

Lawry's garlic salt contains a small amount of added sugar, as indicated on the ingredient labels for both its regular and reduced-sodium versions. The sugar is used as a balancing agent, though it results in zero grams of sugar per serving, making it keto-friendly when used in moderation.

Key Points

Contains Added Sugar: Lawry's garlic salt includes sugar as an ingredient, though in very small amounts.
Zero Grams per Serving: The nutritional label typically reads 0g of sugar per serving because the amount is below the threshold for a 1/4 teaspoon serving.
Flavor Balancing: The sugar acts as a flavor agent, helping to balance the pungent garlic and salt, and enhance the overall taste.
Keto-Friendly (in Moderation): While not sugar-free, it can be used sparingly on a keto diet due to the negligible sugar content per serving.
Read the Ingredients: For complete accuracy, always check the ingredient list, especially if you have strict dietary restrictions, rather than just the nutritional panel.
Better Alternatives Exist: For a truly sugar-free option, use Lawry's garlic powder or create a homemade garlic salt blend.

Yes, Lawry's Garlic Salt Does Contain Sugar

Many people are surprised to discover that a savory seasoning like garlic salt contains sugar. The search results from McCormick, Amazon, and Open Food Facts all confirm that sugar is an ingredient in various Lawry's garlic salt products. While it may not significantly impact the overall nutritional value due to the small serving size, its presence is important for those on low-carb, keto, or no-added-sugar diets to be aware of.

Why Add Sugar to a Savory Seasoning?

Manufacturers often include small amounts of sugar in spice blends for several reasons, including:

Flavor Balancing: Sugar can help to balance and round out the sharp, pungent flavors of garlic and the intensity of salt, creating a more harmonious overall taste profile.
Flavor Enhancement: A small amount of sugar can heighten other flavors in the blend, making the garlic and savory notes more prominent and palatable.
Binding and Anti-caking: In some cases, modified food starch and other ingredients, along with sugar, can serve as a binder to prevent the mixture from clumping together.

Examining the Ingredient List

The best way to verify ingredients is always to check the product label. For Lawry's Garlic Salt, an example of a common ingredients list includes:

Salt
Garlic
Modified Food Starch
Sugar
Parsley
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Cottonseed/Soybean)
Carrot Oil (for color)
Garlic Oil

It's worth noting that Lawry's also offers a 25% Less Sodium version of their garlic salt, which similarly includes sugar as an ingredient. Regardless of the specific variation, sugar is a standard component in these proprietary blends. While the nutrition facts often show 0g of sugar per serving because the serving size is so small (typically 1/4 teaspoon), the ingredient is undeniably present. This is a key distinction for individuals strictly avoiding all added sugars, no matter how minute the quantity.

Comparison: Lawry's Garlic Salt vs. Alternatives

Choosing the right seasoning depends on your specific dietary needs and flavor preferences. This table compares Lawry's Garlic Salt with a couple of common alternatives.


Feature	Lawry's Garlic Salt	Lawry's Garlic Powder	DIY Garlic Salt
Sugar Content	Yes, contains added sugar.	No added sugar.	No added sugar (unless you add it).
Sodium Content	High.	Very Low to none.	Customizable (add salt to taste).
Ingredients	Salt, Garlic, Sugar, Starch, Oil.	Just garlic.	Garlic Powder + Salt.
Flavor Profile	Balanced, savory, slightly sweeter.	Purer, more intense garlic flavor.	Custom control over garlic and salt levels.
Keto/Low-Carb	Yes, but must be used in moderation due to added sugar.	Excellent choice, no added sugar.	Excellent choice, fully customizable.

The DIY Alternative: Making Your Own Garlic Salt

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, particularly concerning sugar and sodium, making your own garlic salt is a simple and effective solution. All you need is high-quality garlic powder and salt. This method offers several benefits:

Zero Added Sugar: You can ensure your seasoning contains no added sugar whatsoever.
Sodium Control: You can adjust the ratio of salt to garlic to suit your palate and dietary restrictions. Simply mix your desired proportions of garlic powder and salt together.
Freshness: Making small batches ensures your blend is always fresh and potent.
Cost-Effective: Buying bulk garlic powder and salt is often more economical in the long run.

Making an Informed Choice

For most people, the trace amount of sugar in Lawry's garlic salt is negligible and poses no health risk. The nutrition label showing 0g of sugar per serving is technically accurate based on the standard serving size. However, for those with medical conditions requiring strict sugar avoidance, or for purists who simply prefer their seasonings without sweeteners, awareness is key. This is why reading the ingredient list, not just the nutrition facts, is so important.

Ultimately, whether you stick with the convenience of Lawry's or opt for a homemade, sugar-free alternative is a personal decision. The important thing is to be informed about what's in your food and choose products that align with your dietary needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, does Lawry's garlic salt have sugar? The answer is yes, though in small enough quantities that the nutrition facts panel lists it as zero grams per serving. The sugar is included as a flavor enhancer and balancing agent. For everyday cooking, this is generally unproblematic, but for individuals on specific diets like keto or those avoiding all added sugars, this is a critical distinction. Conscious consumers should always read the full ingredient list to make the best choice for their health and lifestyle, and consider a DIY alternative for complete ingredient control.

Authoritative Link: McCormick Official Lawry's Garlic Salt Product Page

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Lawry's garlic salt is not sugar-free because sugar is listed as an ingredient, even though the amount is so minimal that the nutritional label shows 0g of sugar per standard serving size.

Sugar is added to Lawry's garlic salt to help balance the intense flavors of salt and garlic, creating a more harmonious and rounded taste profile.

The amount of sugar in Lawry's garlic salt is very small, falling below the nutritional labeling requirement for a single serving (typically 1/4 tsp), so it shows up as 0g on the label.

Yes, Lawry's garlic salt can be considered keto-friendly when used in moderation, as the small amount of sugar per serving does not add significant carbohydrates to your meal.

To find hidden sugar in other seasonings, always check the ingredient list. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, and sugar can appear under many different names, such as sucrose, dextrose, or maltose.

Lawry's garlic salt contains salt, a small amount of sugar, and other additives, while Lawry's garlic powder is a simpler product containing only garlic, without added sugar or salt.

Yes, you can easily make your own sugar-free garlic salt by mixing garlic powder with salt to your preferred taste, giving you complete control over the ingredients.