McCormick

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the McCormick Onion Gravy Seasoning Mix falls short in our assessment for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which significantly impacts its rating on our scale. The inclusion of additives such as flavor enhancers and caramel color, which we consider potentially harmful, further detracts from its score.

The ingredient list reveals the presence of wheat starch, onion, and salt, which might appear innocuous at first glance. However, the product also contains rendered beef fat and enriched wheat flour, consisting of flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. These enrichment components do not align with our criteria for cleaner food. Furthermore, the mix includes hydrolyzed corn gluten, soy protein, and wheat gluten, alongside yeast extract, which are common in many processed foods but do not meet our standards for healthfulness.

A notable concern is the addition of sodium caseinate, derived from milk, which could pose issues for those with dairy sensitivities. The presence of disodium inosinate and guanylate, both flavor enhancers, raises questions about the necessity of such additives in a product that could potentially derive ample flavor from its natural ingredients.

The caramel color, a known additive and the subject of health debates, significantly lowers the product’s standing. Its inclusion is a critical factor in our assessment, leading to a substantial deduction in the overall score. This coloring agent has been linked to adverse health effects, and its use in food products is increasingly scrutinized by health-conscious consumers and organizations.

For those seeking cleaner, healthier food options, the McCormick Onion Gravy Seasoning Mix, with its low green leaf rating, does not make the cut. The product’s reliance on non-organic, GMO ingredients, and the incorporation of questionable additives underscore our recommendation to avoid it. Cleaner alternatives without such additives and with a commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients would be more suitable for a health-conscious diet.