# McCormick Marinades Grill Mates Marinade Mix Mesquite > 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-marinades-grill-mates-marinade-mix-mesquite-106-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-marinades-grill-mates-marinade-mix-mesquite-106-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients (maltodextrin, modified starch), added sugars, and flavor extracts/‘natural flavor’ typical of ultra-processed foods, indicating NOVA group 4. ## Review McCormick® Grill Mates Mesquite Marinade Mix is a small, pantry-friendly packet of bold barbecue flavor built for quick grilling rituals. You'd spot the 1.06 oz envelope in the spice and seasoning aisle or in a dedicated marinades/BBQ section near other dry rubs, bottled sauces, and grill accessories — often arranged next to steak rubs, barbecue sauces, and other Grill Mates varieties. Shoppers reach for this on weekend cookout runs, last-minute dinner shops for busy families, or when planning a game-day grill. The brand leans on McCormick’s long-standing spice heritage, targeting home cooks who want authentic smoky flavor without the time or equipment for smoking: a middle-American, convenience-minded crowd who enjoy backyard gatherings and quick crowd-pleasing meals. The label carries mild health halos — “natural flavor” and familiar ingredient names like garlic and onion — but there’s no organic or clean-label certification and the sodium and sugar content are prominent on the nutrition panel. In plain terms, it’s a highly processed seasoning blend composed of salt, sugar, modified starches and flavorings designed to be shelf-stable and easy to use. Sensory cues: the mix is a slightly coarse, granulated powder with sweet-salty notes, a hit of red pepper heat, and a pronounced mesquite smoke aroma from natural flavors and smoke extracts. Packaging is single-use or small envelope format meant to be combined with water and oil; the ritual is very direct — mix, marinate two pounds of meat, then grill. It’s marketed as a quick shortcut to smoky, caramelized grill flavor for chicken, pork or beef. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 9 - **Calories:** 10 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 420mg (18% DV) - **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Salt, Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Tomato, Spices (Including Red Pepper), Natural Flavor (Including Mesquite Smoke), Garlic, Onion, Extractives of Paprika and Corn Syrup ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday, weekend-grill - **Vibes:** convenient, adventurous, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Mesquite marinade healthy? The Mesquite marinade is low in calories and sugar, making it a flavorful addition to your meals without piling on the extra calories. However, it's important to remember that 'healthy' can be subjective; it really depends on your overall diet and what you're pairing it with. If you're slathering it on a lean piece of chicken or veggies, it can definitely fit into a balanced meal! ### Is the Mesquite marinade vegan? Yes, this marinade is completely vegan! With no animal products in sight, you can use it to spice up your tofu, tempeh, or grilled veggies without any worries. So, go ahead and let your plant-based friends in on the flavor party! ### Is the Mesquite marinade gluten-free? Absolutely! The Mesquite marinade is gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can enjoy it on your grilled meats or veggies without any gluten-related concerns. ### Does the Mesquite marinade contain seed oils? Nope, this marinade doesn’t contain any seed oils. Instead, it focuses on spices and natural flavors to deliver that tasty mesquite kick. So, you can enjoy it without worrying about those oils sneaking into your dish! ### Does the Mesquite marinade contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! The Mesquite marinade keeps it real by using sugar as its only sweetener. You won’t find any artificial sweeteners lurking in the ingredient list, so you can feel good about what you're adding to your meals. ### Is the Mesquite marinade high in sugar? No, it's pretty low in sugar! With just 1 gram of added sugar per serving, it won’t send your blood sugar levels soaring. It's a nice way to add flavor without the sugar overload. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Mesquite marinade? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own marinade with fresh herbs, citrus juices, and spices. This way, you can control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste. But hey, if convenience is key and you love the Mesquite flavor, this marinade is a solid choice! ### Can kids eat the Mesquite marinade? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the Mesquite marinade as it's free from any harsh ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on their taste preferences, as some little ones might find it a bit zesty! ### Is the Mesquite marinade good for weight loss? It can be a helpful addition to a weight loss journey! With only 10 calories per serving, it adds a burst of flavor without a lot of extra calories. Just remember, it’s all about balance and pairing it with nutritious foods. ### Is the Mesquite marinade ultra-processed? While the Mesquite marinade is processed, it doesn't fall into the ultra-processed category. It's made with recognizable ingredients like spices and natural flavors, so it strikes a balance between convenience and quality. Just remember, moderation is key! ## Related products - [Sugar Twin Sweetener 2.82 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sugar-twin-sweetener-282-oz-282-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sugar-twin-sweetener-282-oz-282-oz - [McCormick Gourmet Tarragon Leaves](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-gourmet-tarragon-leaves-037-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-gourmet-tarragon-leaves-037-oz - [Wesson Corn Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wesson-corn-oil-128-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wesson-corn-oil-128-oz - [Smart Balance Vegetable Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-balance-vegetable-oil-24-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-balance-vegetable-oil-24-oz - [Delallo Espresso Baking Powder](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/delallo-espresso-baking-powder-194-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/delallo-espresso-baking-powder-194-oz - [Betty Crocker Wicked Reveal Cupcake Kit](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wicked-betty-crocker-reveal-cupcake-kit-1140-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wicked-betty-crocker-reveal-cupcake-kit-1140-oz - [McCormick Gourmet Organic Rubbed Sage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-gourmet-organic-rubbed-sage-075-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-gourmet-organic-rubbed-sage-075-oz - [Lawry's Seasoned Salt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lawrys-seasoned-salt-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lawrys-seasoned-salt-8-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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