# Mccormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning > 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:** 3.40 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-smoky-montreal-steak-seasoning-340-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-smoky-montreal-steak-seasoning-340-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an industrially formulated, packaged seasoning blend containing added flavorings and processed ingredients (e.g., natural smoke flavor, sunflower oil), consistent with NOVA category 4 ultraprocessed products. ## Review McCormick® Grill Mates® Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning is a familiar sight in the spice aisle — typically shelved with other rubs, steak seasonings and barbecue accoutrements, often near hot sauces and marinades. The jar’s bold logo and promise of “natural hickory smoke” position it as a quick shortcut for backyard grillers and weeknight cooks who want restaurant-style char without complicated prep. Shoppers reach for it on weekend meat runs, game-day shopping trips and anytime they want to add coarse, peppery heat to burgers, steaks, chicken or roasted vegetables. Brand positioning leans on classic Americana grilling culture: robust, masculine, flame-forward flavor for people who cook over fire or want that smoky character at home. Marketing skews toward adults who grill — practical, flavor-focused, not health-claim driven. The label highlights “natural hickory smoke” and simple spice names, but there’s no organic or kid-focused branding; the look trades whimsy for bold, savory cues. In plain processing terms, this is an industrially blended, shelf-stable seasoning mix — manufactured, packaged, and formulated for convenience rather than fresh-from-scratch cooking. Sensory notes: coarse, gritty texture from cracked black and red peppers with granules of garlic and onion; a faint oily sheen from sunflower oil and a warm smoky aroma from added smoke flavor. Packaging is a small, easy-snap jar with a shaker or pour top, designed for a quick sprinkle ritual at the grill or stovetop. Use is straightforward — shake directly onto meat, mix into rubs, or finish a pan sauce — making it a dependable, time-saving pantry staple in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 - **Servings per container:** 107 - **Calories:** 0 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 200mg (9% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Salt, Spices (Including Black Pepper and Red Pepper), Garlic, Onion, Sunflower Oil, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor and Extractives of Paprika. ## Flagged ingredients - **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** indulgent, practical, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? This seasoning is low in calories and doesn't have any added sugars or preservatives, making it a flavorful way to amp up your meals without the guilt. Just keep in mind that it does contain 200mg of sodium per serving, so if you're watching your salt intake, sprinkle wisely! ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning vegan? Absolutely! This seasoning is a plant-powered blend, so you can feel good about using it whether you're grilling up veggies or a hearty tofu steak. No animal products here, just a savory mix of spices to elevate your dishes. ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning gluten-free? Yes, you can definitely enjoy this seasoning if you’re avoiding gluten! McCormick has made sure that their Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning is free from gluten, making it a great option for anyone with sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Does the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain sunflower oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, sunflower oil is generally recognized as safe and can add a nice texture to the seasoning without overpowering the flavors. ### Does the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in this seasoning! It's all about the natural flavors from spices like garlic and onion, which means you can enjoy it without any synthetic surprises. ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning high in sugar? Not at all! This seasoning is low in sugar, making it a great option if you're trying to cut back on sweeteners in your diet. With zero grams of sugar per serving, you can shake it on without worrying about your sugar intake. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning? If you're looking for alternatives, consider making your own spice blend using herbs like rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Or you can try a blend with less salt and more fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Just remember, the beauty of seasoning is in its versatility! ### Can kids eat the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning? Definitely! This seasoning is kid-friendly and can add a fun flavor to their meals. Just be mindful of the sodium content if you’re using it on dishes for little ones; a light sprinkle can go a long way! ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning good for weight loss? In moderation, yes! Since it’s low in calories and has no added sugars, it can help you spice up your meals without piling on extra calories. Just remember, weight loss is all about balance, so pair it with a nutritious diet and regular exercise for the best results. ### Is the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning ultra-processed? Not really! This seasoning is considered minimally processed, focusing on natural spices and flavors without the heavy additives found in some ultra-processed foods. So, you can feel good about adding it to your meals! ## Related products - [McCormick Caraway Seed](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-caraway-seed-090-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-caraway-seed-090-oz - [McCormick Food Color, Red](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-food-color-red-1-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-food-color-red-1-oz - [Dash Everthing But Salt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dash-everthing-but-salt-260-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dash-everthing-but-salt-260-oz - [Ceres Blend Medley of Fruits Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/celtic-sea-salt-ceres-blend-medley-of-fruits-juice-050-lb) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/celtic-sea-salt-ceres-blend-medley-of-fruits-juice-050-lb - [Nutrioli Pure Soybean Oil Non-Drip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nutrioli-pure-soybean-oil-non-drip-2367-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nutrioli-pure-soybean-oil-non-drip-2367-oz - [Jell-O Gelatin Dessert, Sugar Free Raspberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-sugar-free-raspberry-030-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-gelatin-dessert-sugar-free-raspberry-030-oz - [McCormick Imitation Almond Extract](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-imitation-almond-extract-1-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-mccormick-imitation-almond-extract-1-oz - [Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mix, Yellow Cake](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-gluten-free-mix-yellow-cake-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-gluten-free-mix-yellow-cake-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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