McCormick Garlic, Herb and Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Pur

The Verdict

Let me be clear about what this isn’t: It’s not a coffee maker. But it’s the kind of product that makes your morning cup — and everything else — taste better. McCormick’s Garlic, Herb, Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning is riding high at 4.8 stars from 240 ratings, and after testing it across a week of meals, I get why.

What you actually get

A standard 5.5-ounce glass shaker with a flip-top lid. The blend combines granulated garlic, oregano and other herbs, cracked black pepper, and sea salt in one container. The grind is fine enough to distribute evenly but coarse enough that you can see individual flakes — which matters more than you’d think for visual appeal on finished dishes.

McCormick nailed the proportions here. The garlic leads, the herbs follow, and the salt sits in the background rather than dominating. That’s harder to achieve than it sounds in a pre-blended seasoning.

Real-world performance

I used this on scrambled eggs, roasted broccoli, grilled chicken thighs, and a simple tomato salad. The standout result: roasted vegetables. A tablespoon tossed with olive oil and this seasoning before a 400°F roast produced caramelized edges with a savory depth that needed zero additional salt or pepper.

On eggs, it’s genuinely good — the granulated garlic doesn’t burn in the pan the way fresh garlic does, and the herbs hold up to heat without turning bitter.

The “All Purpose” claim holds. I’ve seen reviewers use it on popcorn, in burger patties, and as a finishing sprinkle on avocado toast. One Amazon reviewer wrote, “This has replaced my salt and pepper shaker on the table. I use it on everything except sweet stuff.” That tracks with my experience.

Where it falls short

The fixed salt content is the real limitation. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, this isn’t your seasoning — you can’t separate the salt from the flavor. The black pepper is also on the mild side. It provides warmth but not bite. If you’re someone who cracks fresh pepper over everything, you’ll still want that shaker nearby.

The glass bottle is also a minor annoyance in a kitchen where plastic squeeze bottles are more drop-resistant. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re clumsy.

Who should buy this

• The “I want one shaker” cook — If you’re tired of managing six different spice bottles for basic savory cooking, this simplifies things
• The meal-prep person — Batch-roasting vegetables or chicken for the week? This is your shortcut
• The novice cook — If you’re learning to season food without overseasoning, this blend is forgiving

Skip it if you’re a salt-conscious eater, a pepper head who needs serious heat, or someone who prefers building flavor from individual spices.

FAQ

Is this just garlic salt with extra steps? No. The herb content and black pepper differentiate it significantly. It’s more aromatic and complex than garlic salt, and the salt level is noticeably lower.

Can I use it as a dry rub for meat? Yes. It works well on pork chops and chicken before grilling. For steak, you’ll want to add more coarse salt and fresh pepper separately.

How long does it stay fresh? McCormick recommends using within 18 months. Stored away from heat and sunlight, the herbs will hold their potency for about a year before fading.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a genuinely versatile seasoning that improves eggs, vegetables, and proteins without requiring a spice rack overhaul. It’s a solid 4.6-star product that earns its rating through balance and consistency.

Skip it if you need precise sodium control or prefer building flavors from scratch. This is a convenience product, not a culinary revelation — but it’s a damn good convenience product.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.