Commercial Seasoning Salt Brands That Use Sugar
It is common for commercially produced seasoning salts to contain sugar. Brands often add it to improve the product's overall flavor profile and performance in cooking. Here are some key examples:
- Lawry's Seasoned Salt: A staple in many American kitchens, Lawry's prominently lists sugar as a key ingredient, right after salt. The sugar helps balance the salt and spices, like paprika and turmeric, creating a well-rounded and savory taste.
- McCormick Culinary Traditional Seasoned Salt: This blend, designed for chefs and bulk purchasing, also contains sugar and maltodextrin, another form of sugar. The combination is used to enhance flavors and aid browning in cooked foods.
- No Name Seasoning Salt: A specific product found in some grocers, this seasoning salt also explicitly lists sugar and cornstarch as ingredients.
These brands demonstrate that for many pre-mixed seasoning products, sugar is an intentional and functional component, not just an accidental inclusion.
The Purpose of Sugar in Savory Seasonings
While it may seem counterintuitive to add sugar to a savory spice blend, it serves several important culinary functions.
Flavor Balancing
Sugar acts as a potent flavor balancer, mellowing the harsh or bitter notes from certain spices and acids. In complex blends with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and various herbs, a small amount of sugar can round out the flavor, making it more palatable and addictive to the taste buds. This can also help reduce the perception of excessive saltiness, even though the sodium content remains high.
Maillard Reaction and Browning
The Maillard reaction is a chemical process that enhances the flavor and appearance of many cooked foods. Sugar plays a critical role in this reaction, interacting with amino acids to create a cascade of flavorful new compounds. When used in a dry rub on meats or sprinkled on vegetables before roasting, the sugar in seasoning salt helps create a rich, brown crust that is full of complex flavors. Without sugar, achieving the same depth of browning would be more difficult or would require a much higher cooking temperature.
Reading Labels to Detect Hidden Sugars
For those who need or want to avoid added sugars, simply assuming a product is sugar-free can be a costly mistake. Hidden sugars can come in many forms, and food manufacturers use over 50 different names for sugar.
Here are some common terms to look for on ingredient lists:
- Sugar: The most obvious one, of course.
- Maltodextrin: A common additive and a type of carbohydrate derived from corn, rice, or potato starch.
- Dextrose: A simple sugar that helps stabilize ingredients and can be found even in some iodized table salts.
- Syrups: Such as corn syrup or brown rice syrup.
It is also important to check the nutritional information. Many seasoning salts contain a small amount of sugar that may be listed as '0g total sugars' on the label if the serving size is small enough to be rounded down. A careful read of the ingredient list is the most reliable method for detecting added sugar.
Homemade Seasoning Salt: A Sugar-Free Alternative
For complete control over ingredients, making your own seasoning salt is the most reliable option. A homemade blend allows you to omit sugar entirely while still creating a robust and flavorful mix. Many recipes are simple and use common pantry spices.
Ingredients for a Basic Homemade Blend:
- 1/4 cup fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or shaker bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Do not pour directly over steaming food, as moisture can cause clumping.
Seasoning Salt Comparison: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
| Feature | Commercial Seasoning Salt (e.g., Lawry's) | Homemade Seasoning Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content | Often contains added sugar (e.g., sugar, maltodextrin). | Can be made completely sugar-free. |
| Sodium Control | Sodium content is fixed and often high. | Sodium level is fully customizable. |
| Flavor Profile | Standardized, savory-sweet flavor profile. | Customizable to your specific taste preferences. |
| Additives | May contain anti-caking agents and other additives. | Typically additive-free, using only spices and salt. |
| Cost | Generally affordable and convenient. | Can be more cost-effective over time. |
| Nutritional Information | Requires careful label reading to find hidden sugars and sodium levels. | Ingredients are transparent and known. |
Conclusion: Read Labels and Consider Homemade
The answer to the question, "Does seasoning salt have sugar in it?" is that many store-bought varieties do, and for specific culinary reasons related to flavor and browning. However, sugar is not a required ingredient for a successful seasoning blend, and many alternatives exist for those who wish to avoid it. The easiest way to ensure your seasoning salt is sugar-free is to read ingredient labels carefully or, for absolute certainty, to make your own blend at home. This provides complete control over the ingredients, ensuring your food is seasoned exactly as you prefer.
For more information on reducing sugar intake and the effects of hidden sugars, the American Heart Association offers helpful guidelines on their website. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar-and-salt/added-sugars
