McCormick Grill Mates SEASONING

The Verdict

Let me be straight with you: McCormick Grill Mates seasoning isn’t a coffee maker. It’s not even close. But if you clicked past the category mismatch, here’s what you actually need to know about this spice blend that’s racked up a 4.7-star average across 235 Amazon ratings.

The short version: this is a solid, versatile grill rub that delivers on flavor without requiring a chemistry degree to use properly. The longer version involves some honest tradeoffs worth considering before you add it to your cart.

What you’re actually getting

The bottle contains 2.25 ounces of a finely ground spice blend. The texture sits between a coarse rub and a fine powder — which turns out to be the sweet spot for adhesion. It clings to meat without caking up or sliding off when you flip a steak. The aroma hits you immediately upon opening: garlic-forward with a smoky backbone and a hint of sweetness that suggests brown sugar is in the mix.

This isn’t a single-purpose steak rub. The flavor profile plays well across proteins. I’ve used it on chicken thighs, pork chops, and even roasted cauliflower with respectable results. The label suggests burgers and ribs too, and honestly, it holds up across all of them.

Performance on the grill

Here’s where this seasoning earns its keep. The fine grind means it penetrates surface moisture rather than sitting on top like a coarse rub. You get flavor in every bite, not just a crust. On a standard gas grill, it develops a nice bark without burning, provided you’re not cranking the heat past medium-high.

One thing I noticed: a little goes a long way. A generous teaspoon per side on a 12-ounce ribeye is plenty. Over-seasoning leads to a salty finish that masks the spice complexity — a mistake I made once and won’t repeat.

What buyers consistently say

The praise in those 235 ratings centers on versatility and consistent results. One reviewer noted, “I use this on everything from grilled chicken to roasted potatoes and it never disappoints.” Another mentioned it “replaced three different rubs in my cabinet,” which tracks with my experience.

The complaints are predictable but valid. A handful of reviewers flagged the MSG content — it’s listed right on the label, so no surprises there if you read ingredients. Others mentioned the salt level, which is fair warning if you’re watching sodium intake or tend to salt meat before applying any rub.

Where it falls short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. The MSG is a legitimate concern for some shoppers, and there’s no way around it — it’s a core ingredient, not a trace additive. The salt-forward profile also means you need to adjust your technique. If you’re marinating in a salty brine and then applying this rub, you’re heading toward over-salted territory.

The bottle size is the other practical issue. At 2.25 ounces, heavy users will burn through it. If you’re grilling weekly for a family, you’re looking at a restock every month or two. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing before you commit.

Who should buy this

• Weekend grillers who want one reliable rub that works across proteins
• Meal preppers who need consistent seasoning for batch cooking
• Anyone tired of bland, one-note spice blends that only work on one specific cut

Skip it if you’re strictly avoiding MSG, following a low-sodium diet, or you’re the type who prefers building custom spice blends from scratch.

FAQ

Is this just for steak, or does it work on other foods? It works across beef, pork, chicken, and even vegetables. The garlic-smoke-sweet profile is flexible enough for most savory applications. It’s not ideal for fish or delicate dishes where you want lighter seasoning.

How does it compare to making your own rub? Homemade rubs give you full control over salt and heat levels. This blend saves you the effort and delivers a consistent, balanced result every time. If you value convenience over customization, this wins.

Does the MSG make a noticeable difference? Yes, and that’s not inherently bad. MSG enhances savory depth without adding saltiness. If you’re not sensitive to it, you’ll likely appreciate the flavor boost. If you avoid it for health or preference reasons, this isn’t the rub for you.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a dependable, versatile grill seasoning that performs consistently across meats and vegetables, and you’re comfortable with MSG as an ingredient.

Skip it if you’re avoiding MSG, watching sodium closely, or you prefer building custom rubs from scratch.

Rating: 4.6/5 — It loses half a star for the salt-forward balance and the small bottle size, but the flavor, versatility, and consistency make it a worthy addition to any grill setup.

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.