McCormick Marinades Grill Mates Marinade Mix Mesquite

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.