Quick Answer
The main spices in McCormick garlic and herb seasoning are garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It contains no MSG or artificial flavors.
Ingredients List
Here are the full ingredients in McCormick garlic and herb seasoning:
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Salt
- Spices
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent)
The main ingredients are all various herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. There are also some additional ingredients like salt, natural flavors, citric acid, and silicon dioxide. But the seasoning contains no MSG or artificial flavors.
Full Ingredient Breakdown
Here is more detail on each of the main ingredients in McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning:
Garlic
Garlic provides the prominent garlic flavor in the seasoning blend. Garlic has a strong, pungent taste that enhances many savory dishes. The garlic used in McCormick’s seasoning would be dried and ground into a powder.
Parsley
Parsley has a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It adds a subtle background note and natural green color to the blend. McCormick likely uses dried parsley flakes.
Basil
Sweet basil adds its characteristic warm, anise-like flavor. Basil pairs especially well with tomatoes and other Mediterranean ingredients. The basil would be dried and ground.
Oregano
Oregano adds a woodsy, aromatic quality. It has a slight bitterness and minty undertone. Greek or Mediterranean oregano varieties are commonly used in spice blends.
Thyme
Thyme has a minty, lemony taste. It adds a layer of herbal flavor and aroma. Both the leaves and flowers can be used dried in spices.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a pine-like aroma and a high oil content. It contributes an evergreen, peppery taste with slight eucalyptus and bitter notes. The rosemary in McCormick’s blend would be in dried form.
Marjoram
Marjoram is from the same botanical genus as oregano but sweeter and more floral. It provides a subtle fruity background flavor. The dried herb leaves are used in the seasoning.
Salt
Salt balances out the blend and enhances the flavor of the herbs and spices. McCormick likely uses plain table salt without iodine or anti-caking agents.
Spices
The non-specific “spices” on the ingredients list likely refers to any warming spices like black pepper, red pepper, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice added in small quantities.
Natural Flavors
The natural flavors provide additional layers of tastes extracted from herbs, spices, fruits/vegetables, etc. They enhance the main notes from the herbs and spices.
Citric Acid
A small amount of citric acid is added as a preservative and for a slight tart, acidic taste. Citric acid naturally occurs in citrus fruits.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent that ensures the blend remains free-flowing and does not clump. It is derived from sand or quartz and is considered food-safe.
Typical Use of Garlic and Herb Seasoning
McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning is an all-purpose blend that can flavor a wide variety of savory dishes:
- Roasts, chops, chicken, fish
- Sauces, soups, stews, chilies
- Salads, dressings, marinades, rice, pasta
- Casseroles, baked goods, breads
- Vegetables, potatoes, beans, eggs
The seasoning can be added during cooking or used as a finishing sprinkle. It works in Mediterranean, Italian, American, and other cuisines. Due to the variety of herbs used, it has a well-rounded flavor profile. The blend complements but does not overpower the original flavors of a dish.
How the Herbs and Spices are Prepared
The herbs and spices used in McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning go through the following process:
- The fresh garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram are harvested and washed to remove dirt and debris.
- The herbs and spices are laid out on racks and dried either naturally in the air or using large commercial dehydrators.
- Once fully dried, the herbs and spices are ground into a fine powder using commercial spice grinders.
- The ground herbs, spices, and additional ingredients are combined in large batches based on McCormick’s proprietary blend recipe.
- The seasoning blend is packaged into retail-ready containers, which are then distributed to stores.
This drying and grinding process helps preserve the herbs’ flavors and aromas over time compared to fresh herbs. It provides a flavorful, convenient seasoning blend that can sit in a home pantry until use.
Nutrition Facts
McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning has minimal calories and is fat-free and cholesterol-free:
| Serving Size | 1/4 tsp (0.7g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
The herbs and spices contribute antioxidants, vitamin K, iron, and other micronutrients. Since the blend is used in small quantities, it does not significantly affect the overall nutritional profile of dishes.
Comparison to Other Popular McCormick Seasonings
McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning has a similar herbaceous flavor profile to some other popular McCormick products:
| Seasoning | Main Flavors |
|---|---|
| Garlic & Herb | Garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme |
| Italian Seasoning | Oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary |
| Herbes de Provence | Thyme, savory, fennel, basil, lavender |
| Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme | Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme |
The garlic & herb blend has the most garlic flavor. Italian seasoning is similar but has more oregano. Herbes de Provence uses more Mediterranean herbs like fennel and lavender. The parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme is simplified to just those four herbs.
Conclusion
McCormick’s garlic and herb seasoning contains garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram as the main ingredients. Additional spices, natural flavors, citric acid, and silicon dioxide round out the blend. The combination of herbs creates a versatile all-purpose seasoning that can flavor a wide variety of savory dishes. The blend provides great herbaceous flavor without artificial additives. Next time you are cooking, reach for McCormick garlic and herb to elevate your dishes with the taste of fresh herbs!