# McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Naturally Flavored Rub > 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:** Cooking & Baking - **Size:** 6 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-applewood-naturally-flavored-rub-6-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-applewood-naturally-flavored-rub-6-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an ultra-processed seasoning blend: industrial additives (maltodextrin, silicon dioxide), natural flavorings and formulated components (apple cider vinegar solids, caramel color) indicate significant industrial processing beyond whole spices. ## Review McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Naturally Flavored Rub is a familiar sight in the spice aisle and the grilling/condiments bay of American supermarkets, shelved alongside other rubs, steak seasonings, marinades and barbecue sauces. Packaged in a 6 oz plastic bottle with a dual flip-cap designed for shaking or spoon-measuring, it reads as a grab-and-go solution for backyard cooks. The label leans on barbecue culture — “applewood smoke,” savory garlic, and peppery heat — positioning the product for weekend grillers, tailgaters and busy families who want a reliably smoky crust without tending a smoker. Marketing targets home cooks who value convenience and bold flavor rather than artisanal provenance: think suburban barbecues, summer cookouts and game-day feasts. The front-of-pack “naturally flavored” language and the brand’s heritage convey a mild health halo, but there’s no organic certification and the ingredient list includes anti-caking agents, maltodextrin and added flavors. In plain processing terms, this is a manufactured seasoning blend combining spices and functional ingredients to ensure flowability and shelf stability. Sensory details: the rub is a coarse, slightly crystalline mix from demerara sugar and molasses, flecked with dried garlic and peppers; it smells sweet-smoky with a warm cinnamon note and delivers a gritty, caramelizing crust on hot metal. Rituals around its use are tactile and social — shaking it on pork, chicken or ribs before grilling, rubbing it in by hand, or letting it sit overnight to deepen flavor. Nutrition callouts are simple: low-calorie per serving but relatively high in sodium and containing added sugars. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tsp - **Servings per container:** 24 - **Calories:** 20 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 480mg (21% DV) - **Total carbs:** 5g (2% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Added sugars:** 2g (4% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients SPICES INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, RED PEPPER, CINNAMON), DEMERARA SUGAR, GARLIC, SALT, MOLASSES (REFINERY SYRUP, CANE MOLASSES, CARAMEL COLOR), CORN AND POTATO MALTODEXTRIN, ONION, SILICON DIOXIDE (TO MAKE FREE FLOWING), NATURAL FLAVOR (INCLUDING APPLEWOOD SMOKE), MALIC ACID & APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SOLIDS. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, summer-bbq, weekend-grill - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Applewood Rub healthy? Whether the Applewood Rub is 'healthy' really depends on your personal dietary goals. With just 20 calories per serving and a flavor-packed mix of spices, it can add zest to your meals without too many extra calories. Just keep an eye on the sodium content—480mg per serving is a bit higher than some might prefer, especially if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is the Applewood Rub vegan? Nope, the Applewood Rub isn’t vegan. It contains demerara sugar, which can sometimes be processed with bone char, depending on the brand. If you’re strictly vegan, it’s worth checking the source of the sugar or opting for a certified vegan seasoning instead. ### Is the Applewood Rub gluten-free? Yes! The Applewood Rub is gluten-free, so it can be a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can sprinkle it on your grilled veggies or meats without worrying about hidden gluten. ### Does the Applewood Rub contain seed oils? Nope, the Applewood Rub does not contain any seed oils. It’s all about those flavorful spices and natural ingredients, so you can enjoy it without worrying about those often-controversial oils like canola or soybean. ### Does the Applewood Rub contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! The Applewood Rub is free from artificial sweeteners, so you won't find any sneaky sugar substitutes in this blend. It gets its sweetness from demerara sugar and molasses, which are more natural options. ### Is the Applewood Rub high in sugar? Not really! With only 2 grams of total sugars per serving, the Applewood Rub isn’t high in sugar by any means. Just remember, it does have added sugars, so if you’re keeping tabs on your sugar intake, it’s good to use it mindfully. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Applewood Rub? If you're looking for alternatives, consider making your own spice blend at home using herbs and spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid any added sugars, plus customize it to your taste. ### Can kids eat the Applewood Rub? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the Applewood Rub, but keep the serving size in mind. The flavor can be a fun way to get them excited about trying new foods, just be cautious with the sodium content if they’re sensitive to salt. ### Is the Applewood Rub good for weight loss? The Applewood Rub can be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan since it adds flavor without a lot of calories. Just remember, moderation is key—use it to enhance lean proteins or veggies instead of smothering everything in it! ### Is the Applewood Rub ultra-processed? While the Applewood Rub is processed to some extent, it’s not what you’d typically classify as ultra-processed. It contains a mix of spices and natural flavors, and it avoids the heavily refined ingredients often found in ultra-processed foods, making it a more wholesome choice for seasoning. ## Related products - [Foodtown Sugar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-foodtown-sugar-4-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-foodtown-sugar-4-lb - [Pompeian Classic Pure Olive Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pompeian-classic-pure-olive-oil-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pompeian-classic-pure-olive-oil-48-oz - [Pompeian Olive Oil, Extra Virgin](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pompeian-olive-oil-extra-virgin-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pompeian-olive-oil-extra-virgin-48-oz - [Reynolds Parchment Paper, Genuine, Non-Stick](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/reynolds-kitchens-parchment-paper-genuine-non-stick-45-ft) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/reynolds-kitchens-parchment-paper-genuine-non-stick-45-ft - [Best Yet Light Brown Sugar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-best-yet-light-brown-sugar-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-best-yet-light-brown-sugar-32-oz - [Fillippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/filippo-berio-fillippo-berio-extra-light-olive-oil-2530-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/filippo-berio-fillippo-berio-extra-light-olive-oil-2530-oz - [Pompeian Olive Oil, Smooth Extra Virgin](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pompeian-olive-oil-smooth-extra-virgin-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pompeian-olive-oil-smooth-extra-virgin-24-oz - [Foodtown Bread Crumbs, Flavored](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-foodtown-bread-crumbs-flavored-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-foodtown-bread-crumbs-flavored-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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