# McCormick Cocktail Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** McCormick - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 8 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-cocktail-sauce-8-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-cocktail-sauce-8-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (high fructose corn syrup, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, natural and artificial flavors) and is a ready-to-eat, shelf-stable formulated product, consistent with NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review McCormick Cocktail Sauce (8 fl oz) is a bright red, shelf-stable condiment you’ll find in the supermarket condiment aisle alongside ketchups, tartar sauces and other seafood accompaniments, and sometimes near refrigerated seafood or salad dressings. It’s framed as a party- and seafood-friendly staple: the label leans into zesty, crowd-pleasing language and highlights real horseradish and tomato paste while promising a sweet-and-sour balance. Shoppers toss it into carts for weekend shrimp platters, casual cocktail parties, backyard cookouts and quick weeknight fish dinners. The brand positioning reads familiar and approachable — McCormick is presented as a reliable, pantry-ready name for home cooks who want convenience and consistent flavor rather than specialty or artisanal cred; marketing skews toward mainstream American households and entertaining occasions. Label claims are modestly “natural”-leaning (mentions of real horseradish, tomato paste and lemon juice) but there’s no organic certification; small print lists preservatives and thickeners. In plain terms, the sauce is a highly processed, ready-to-use product made for long shelf life and consistent texture. Sensory notes: a smooth, slightly viscous, spoonable sauce with glossy red color, a pronounced sweet tang from HFCS and tomato, and a sharp sinus-clearing bite from horseradish and red pepper; a faint onion/garlic background and a standardized flavor boost from added natural and artificial flavors. Packaging is a small 8 fl oz jar or bottle designed for easy dipping or spooning; rituals include dunking shrimp at parties, stirring a spoonful into mayo for remoulade, or thinning into a Bloody Mary base. It’s fast, familiar and built for social eating moments. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 80 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 910mg (40% DV) - **Total carbs:** 20g (7% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 17g - **Added sugars:** 14g (28% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Tomato Paste, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Lemon Juice, Distilled Vinegar, Horseradish, Salt, Xanthan Gum (Thickener), Sodium Benzoate (to Protect Quality), Red Pepper, Onion, Natural and Artificial Flavor & Garlic. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Red 40** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is McCormick Cocktail Sauce healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit of a moving target! While it adds a zesty kick to your shrimp cocktail, it does pack a punch with 17 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from high fructose corn syrup. If you're mindful of sugar intake, you might want to use it sparingly, but hey, everything in moderation, right? ### Is McCormick Cocktail Sauce vegan? Not quite! While it doesn't contain any meat or dairy, it does have natural and artificial flavors that can sometimes be derived from animal sources. If you're strictly vegan, you might want to check out brands that specifically label their ingredients as plant-based. ### Is McCormick Cocktail Sauce gluten-free? Absolutely! You can dive into this sauce without worrying about gluten. It's a great option if you're avoiding gluten for dietary reasons or just trying to mix things up. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, McCormick Cocktail Sauce is free from seed oils. This means you won't find any canola or soybean oil lurking in the ingredient list, which is always a plus if you're keeping an eye on those types of fats. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this cocktail sauce. However, it does have high fructose corn syrup, which is a different kind of sweetener, so it’s still good to be aware of that when you're using it. ### Is it high in sugar? Yes, it is! With 17 grams of sugar per serving, McCormick Cocktail Sauce definitely leans towards the sweeter side. If you're watching your sugar intake, just be mindful of how much you pour on your shrimp or fries! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for a lighter option, consider making your own cocktail sauce using fresh tomatoes, horseradish, and a splash of lemon juice. There are also brands that offer lower-sugar or organic versions, which can be a nice alternative if you're looking for something a bit more wholesome. ### Can kids eat it? Definitely! Kids usually love the tangy flavor, especially with shrimp or veggies. Just keep in mind the sugar content and sodium levels—910 mg of sodium per serving is quite a bit, so maybe save it for special occasions! ### Is it good for weight loss? If you're trying to lose weight, moderation is key with McCormick Cocktail Sauce. It's not particularly low in calories or sugar, so while it can add flavor to your meals, you'll want to balance it with other low-calorie options. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, McCormick Cocktail Sauce falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains preservatives like sodium benzoate and added sugars, which are common in many processed foods. 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