# McCormick Grill Mates Marinades, Zesty Herb > 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:** 1.06 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-marinades-zesty-herb-106-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-marinades-zesty-herb-106-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (maltodextrin, modified starch, hydrolyzed proteins, natural flavor) and is a manufactured seasoning formulation, characteristic of NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review McCormick Grill Mates Marinades, Zesty Herb is a small foil/paper packet of concentrated seasoning built for quick grilling and flavor boosts. You'll find it on the grocery aisle with herbs, spices and packet marinades—near other Grill Mates varieties, bottled sauces, and dry rubs targeted to backyard barbecues. It reads like a summertime convenience product: basil-forward herb notes with garlic, onion and a jalapeño bite, positioned for people who want big grill flavor without making a complex sauce from scratch. Marketing leans on McCormick’s long-standing spice heritage and the Grill Mates sub-brand, appealing to casual weekend grillers, busy parents planning easy dinners, and millennial hosts chasing bold, shareable flavors. The label emphasizes crafted herbs and “natural flavor,” but there’s no organic or clean-label certification; it presents a wholesome, savory image while also listing processed components on the ingredient panel. In plain processing context, this is a manufactured seasoning mix made by combining spice extracts, starches and flavor enhancers rather than a single whole food. Sensory expectations: a fine, dry powder (corn maltodextrin and modified starch give a slightly pasty dissolved texture when mixed), bright herby aroma with savory umami notes from hydrolyzed corn gluten and soy components, and a salty finish. Typical rituals include stirring into oil/vinegar for a quick marinade, rubbing onto meats before grilling, or mixing into ground beef for burgers. Pack size is pocketable for a single meal, meant for efficient prep and bold results at casual cookouts. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.75 - **Servings per container:** 12 - **Calories:** 5 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 190mg (8% DV) - **Total carbs:** 1g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Corn Maltodextrin, Salt, Modified Corn Starch, Whey (Milk), Spices and Herbs (Including Basil), Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Garlic, Soy Sauce (Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Onion, Jalapeño Pepper, Red Bell Pepper and Natural Flavor. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** convenient, practical, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade healthy? The Zesty Herb marinade is low in calories, with just 5 per serving, which is great if you're watching your intake. However, it does contain sodium (190mg per serving), so if you're on a low-sodium diet, you might want to use it sparingly. Overall, it's a flavorful option that can enhance your meals without too much fuss! ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade vegan? Nope, the Zesty Herb marinade contains whey, which is a dairy product, making it not suitable for a vegan diet. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, there are plenty of marinades out there that skip the animal ingredients altogether! ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Zesty Herb marinade is not gluten-free due to the inclusion of soy sauce, which contains wheat. If gluten is a concern for you, there are gluten-free marinades available that can still pack a flavor punch! ### Does the Zesty Herb marinade contain seed oils? No, the Zesty Herb marinade doesn't contain any seed oils. It's primarily made up of spices, herbs, and flavor enhancers, so you can skip the worries about those highly processed oils often found in other products. ### Does the Zesty Herb marinade contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in the Zesty Herb marinade. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, focusing on natural flavors and spices to deliver that zesty kick! ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade high in sugar? Not at all! The Zesty Herb marinade contains zero added sugars, keeping it savory rather than sweet. So, if you're trying to cut back on sugar, this marinade is a great choice to add flavor without the guilt. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Zesty Herb marinade? If you're looking for alternatives, consider making your own marinades using fresh herbs, olive oil, and vinegar. You can control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking, which can be a fun kitchen experiment! ### Can kids eat the Zesty Herb marinade? Absolutely! The Zesty Herb marinade is kid-friendly and can be a great way to introduce new flavors to their meals. Just keep in mind the sodium content if you're serving it to younger kids — moderation is key! ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade good for weight loss? The Zesty Herb marinade is low in calories, which can be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan when used in moderation. Just remember that balance is important — pairing it with whole foods like veggies and lean proteins will help you stay on track! ### Is the Zesty Herb marinade ultra-processed? While the Zesty Herb marinade does contain some processed ingredients like modified corn starch and maltodextrin, it's not the most ultra-processed product out there. It’s a mix of flavor enhancers and spices, so in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet without too much fuss! ## Related products - [Morton & Bassett Cumin, 100% Organic, Ground 2 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/morton-bassett-cumin-100-organic-ground-2-oz-2-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/morton-bassett-cumin-100-organic-ground-2-oz-2-oz - [Jell-O Chocolate Flavor Zero Sugar Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling Mix, 1.4 oz Box](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-chocolate-flavor-zero-sugar-instant-reduced-calorie-pudding-pie-filling-mix-14-oz-box-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-chocolate-flavor-zero-sugar-instant-reduced-calorie-pudding-pie-filling-mix-14-oz-box-14-oz - [Crock Pot Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crockpot-crock-pot-savory-pot-roast-seasoning-mix-150-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/crockpot-crock-pot-savory-pot-roast-seasoning-mix-150-oz - [Simply Organic Vanilla Bean Paste](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/simply-organic-vanilla-bean-paste-4-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/simply-organic-vanilla-bean-paste-4-oz - [Spice Classics, Basil Leaves](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/spice-classics-classics-basil-leaves-075-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/spice-classics-classics-basil-leaves-075-oz - [Duncan Hines Signature Layer Cake Mix, Spice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/duncan-hines-signature-layer-cake-mix-spice-1525-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/duncan-hines-signature-layer-cake-mix-spice-1525-oz - [Guittard Chocolate Extra Dark Chocolate Chip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/guittard-chocolate-extra-dark-chocolate-chip-1150-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/guittard-chocolate-extra-dark-chocolate-chip-1150-oz - [Jell-O Chocolate Flavor Zero Sugar Cook & Serve Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling Mix, 1.3 oz Box](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-chocolate-flavor-zero-sugar-cook-serve-reduced-calorie-pudding-pie-filling-mix-13-oz-box-130-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-chocolate-flavor-zero-sugar-cook-serve-reduced-calorie-pudding-pie-filling-mix-13-oz-box-130-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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