McCormick

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the McCormick Original Country Gravy Mix stands as a product advised for avoidance on our clean food-focused website. The mix is not organic, incorporates genetically modified ingredients, and features a range of additives that raise concerns for those seeking healthier food options.

The ingredient list begins with modified corn starch and includes sunflower oil and enriched wheat flour. These components, while common in many processed foods, are often seen as less desirable by those pursuing a clean eating regimen. The presence of corn syrup solids and buttermilk solids contribute to the product’s sugar content, which is a significant factor in its low score.

The McCormick Original Country Gravy Mix also contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative, and a variety of spices, including black pepper. Mono and diglycerides, added for texture, alongside soy lecithin, fall into a category of emulsifiers and stabilizers that some consumers aim to avoid. Disodium inosinate and guanylate are included as flavor enhancers, and their usage is typically frowned upon by advocates of natural ingredient lists.

Of particular note is the inclusion of caramel color, a widely used food coloring agent that has been linked to potential health risks. This ingredient alone prompted a significant deduction in the product’s overall score. Additionally, dipotassium phosphate serves as a buffering agent, and whey, a protein derived from milk, rounds out the list.

Given the criteria established for a cleaner food selection, the McCormick Original Country Gravy Mix does not meet the standards set forth for a higher green leaf rating. Its formulation relies on several ingredients that are flagged as potentially harmful or undesirable in a diet focused on health and wellness. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers seeking cleaner food options consider alternative products that better align with their dietary values.