What's in McCormick Barbecue Seasoning? An Ingredient Breakdown

As America's number one herb and spice brand, McCormick has been perfecting its seasoning blends for decades. The classic blend of what's in McCormick barbecue seasoning includes brown sugar, salt, paprika, and a specific mixture of savory spices to deliver its signature sweet and smoky profile.

Quick Summary

This article details the primary and supplemental ingredients found in various McCormick barbecue seasoning blends, with a focus on the popular Grill Mates Classic variety. It also examines the purpose of each component, explores other flavor variations, and provides a DIY recipe.

Key Points

• Classic Blend Ingredients: McCormick Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning primarily contains brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic, onion, red pepper, and natural hickory smoke flavor.

• Flavor Profile: The seasoning is designed to provide a balanced taste that is sweet, smoky, and savory.

• Variety in Flavor: McCormick offers different barbecue seasoning varieties, such as Mesquite and Texas BBQ, which use different types of sugars, salts, and peppers to create distinct flavor profiles.

• Homemade Alternative: A copycat version can be made at home using brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.

• No MSG: The Grill Mates blend is formulated without added MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.

• Caramelization: Brown sugar is a key ingredient for both flavor and creating a desirable caramelized crust on grilled meats.

The Core Ingredients of McCormick Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning

The most popular version, McCormick's Grill Mates Barbecue Seasoning, is crafted from a precise combination of common spices and ingredients. The signature flavor is a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Based on the ingredient list, here are the core components that create this fan-favorite blend:

• Brown Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness that helps balance the other spices and aids in the caramelization of the meat for a perfect crust.
• Salt: A foundational flavor enhancer present in almost all seasoning blends. Salt not only seasons the meat but also helps in preserving the blend.
• Spices (Including Red Pepper): The label broadly indicates a spice mix. For the Classic blend, this typically includes red pepper for a touch of heat, along with other ingredients like celery seed and black pepper in some variants.
• Tomato and Red Bell Peppers: These dehydrated vegetables provide a subtle, complex, and slightly tangy flavor base. The addition of dried vegetables is a common technique to add depth beyond just powdered spices.
• Garlic and Onion: These powerful aromatics are key to the savory flavor profile. They are staples in nearly all BBQ rubs for their robust and universally appealing taste.
• Extractives of Paprika: Paprika contributes to the reddish-brown color characteristic of BBQ rubs and adds a mild, earthy flavor. Using the extractive version ensures a consistent, concentrated color and taste.
• Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor: This is the secret to the distinctive smoky taste without needing to slow-smoke the meat. This natural flavoring provides an authentic, grilled aroma.
• Acetic Acid: A component of vinegar, acetic acid adds a slight acidic tanginess that brightens the overall flavor and cuts through the richness of the meat.

Exploring Other McCormick BBQ Variations

McCormick offers several other popular BBQ seasoning blends, each with a unique profile. While they share some base ingredients, their specialty flavorings create distinct tastes.

• Mesquite Barbecue Seasoning: This version emphasizes a more pronounced, earthy smoke flavor. It often includes ingredients like barley malt flour, dextrose, and torula yeast, along with natural mesquite smoke flavoring. The different sugars and yeast can affect browning and add deeper, more complex notes.
• Texas BBQ Seasoning: Focused on a bolder, spicier profile, this rub uses sea salt, molasses (for a richer sweetness), and multiple peppers, including chili and black pepper. It often contains disodium inosinate and guanylate as flavor enhancers to boost the savory notes.

Comparing Popular McCormick BBQ Seasonings

Feature	Grill Mates Classic BBQ	Mesquite Barbecue Seasoning	Texas BBQ Seasoning
Primary Sweetener	Brown Sugar	Sugar, Dextrose	Brown Sugar, Molasses
Primary Salt	Salt	Salt	Sea Salt
Key Spices	Red Pepper, Parsley	Chili Pepper, Paprika	Chili Pepper, Black Pepper, Cinnamon
Flavor Profile	Balanced, sweet, smoky	Earthy, smoky, savory	Bold, rich, with stronger heat
Added Flavors	Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor	Natural Mesquite Smoke Flavoring	Natural Flavor (Including Smoke)
Thickener/Filler	N/A	Barley Malt Flour, Maltodextrin	Silicon Dioxide

Making a Copycat McCormick BBQ Seasoning Blend

For those who prefer a homemade version without additives, a close approximation of the classic blend can be made with simple pantry staples. The key is to balance the sweet, savory, and aromatic components. A typical recipe includes:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)

Combine all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container. For a smoky flavor boost, ensure you use smoked paprika. This homemade blend allows for easy customization of sweetness, saltiness, and heat level.

Conclusion: The Balanced Profile of McCormick

The success of McCormick barbecue seasoning lies in its balanced and accessible flavor profile. By combining fundamental ingredients like brown sugar, salt, and key aromatics with the distinct touch of hickory smoke, it delivers a consistent and recognizable BBQ taste. While variations like Mesquite and Texas BBQ offer different twists on this formula, the original's widespread appeal demonstrates a winning combination that satisfies a broad range of tastes. Whether you use the store-bought blend or craft your own from scratch, understanding what's in McCormick barbecue seasoning helps you appreciate the intentional mix of ingredients designed to enhance any grilled dish. For more details on the company's products, visit their website McCormick's Grill Mates page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McCormick barbecue seasoning spicy?

McCormick's classic barbecue seasoning has a hint of heat from red pepper, but it is not considered overtly spicy. For a spicier version, the Texas BBQ seasoning includes more chili and black pepper.

Can I use McCormick barbecue seasoning on vegetables?

Yes, this versatile seasoning can be used on a wide range of foods beyond meat. It is excellent for adding flavor to grilled vegetables, potatoes, and even tofu.

What is the difference between brown sugar and molasses in BBQ rubs?

Brown sugar provides a balanced sweetness and assists with caramelization. Molasses, found in the Texas BBQ blend, adds a richer, deeper, and more complex sweetness with a darker color.

Does McCormick barbecue seasoning contain MSG?

The McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Seasoning is formulated without added MSG.

How do I prevent the sugar in the seasoning from burning?

To prevent burning, especially over direct, high heat, use the seasoning for low-and-slow cooking or apply it toward the end of the cooking process. Sugars, particularly brown sugar, can burn if exposed to high temperatures for too long.

What is 'natural hickory smoke flavor'?

Natural hickory smoke flavor is a food additive that imparts the taste and aroma of hickory smoke to foods. It is often created by condensing smoke and can provide a smoky flavor without actually using a smoker.

How can I make my own version of McCormick BBQ seasoning at home?

To make a homemade blend, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and chili powder. Adjust the ratios to your taste preference.