Is McCormick Culinary Lemon 'n Herb Seasoning Safe? Ingredient Analysis
McCormick
This page reviews McCormick Culinary Lemon 'n Herb Seasoning by McCormick as a spice seasoning. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Fd C Yellow 5 Lake.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes salt and citric acid as primary ingredients, but also contains maltodextrin and artificial flavors, raising quality concerns. The presence of FD&C Yellow 5 Lake indicates synthetic coloring.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about quality.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients like onion and spices, contributing to flavor.
- Citric acid acts as a natural preservative, enhancing shelf life.
- Lemon juice solids provide a citrus flavor, adding freshness to dishes.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about quality.
- FD&C Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic colorant, which can be viewed negatively.
- The inclusion of artificial flavors raises questions about the overall naturalness.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this spice seasoning and why it matters.
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Is Salt safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt is a natural mineral used for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is essential for taste but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: Salt
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Is Citric Acid safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative derived from citrus fruits, used to enhance flavor and maintain freshness in this seasoning.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Onion safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion is a natural ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the seasoning, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion
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Is Sugar safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used to balance flavors in the seasoning. While it enhances taste, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Oregano safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Oregano is used here as natural_extract. Oregano is a natural herb that adds aromatic flavor to the seasoning, contributing positively to its quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: spices (including oregano and basil)
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Is Basil safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Basil is used here as natural_extract. Basil is another natural herb that enhances the flavor profile of the seasoning, providing freshness and aroma.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: spices (including oregano and basil)
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener and filler. Its presence raises concerns about the overall naturalness of the product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
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Is Torula Yeast safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Torula Yeast is used here as flavor. Torula yeast is used for flavor enhancement. While it is a natural ingredient, it is often processed, which may affect quality perception.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: torula yeast
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Is Sherry Wine Solids safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Sherry Wine Solids is used here as flavor. Sherry wine solids add a unique flavor profile to the seasoning, enhancing its complexity and depth.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sherry wine solids
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources but can be processed. Their presence raises questions about transparency in ingredient sourcing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: other natural flavors
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Is Fd C Yellow 5 Lake safe in this spice seasoning?
Bad
Fd C Yellow 5 Lake is used here as colorant. FD&C Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic colorant used to enhance appearance. Its inclusion raises concerns about artificial additives in the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: fd&c yellow 5 lake
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Is Maltol safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Maltol is used here as flavor enhancer. Maltol is a flavor enhancer that can improve taste perception. However, it is a processed ingredient, which may detract from the product's natural appeal.
Role in formula: flavor enhancer
Original: maltol (flavor enhancer)
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Is Lemon Juice Solids safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Lemon Juice Solids is used here as flavor. Lemon juice solids provide a natural citrus flavor, enhancing the seasoning's freshness and overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: lemon juice solids
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this spice seasoning?
Medium
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. The combination of natural and artificial flavors can enhance taste but raises concerns about the product's overall naturalness and transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural and artificial flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavor
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Is Lemon Oil safe in this spice seasoning?
Good
Lemon Oil is used here as flavor. Lemon oil is a natural extract that adds a strong citrus flavor, contributing positively to the seasoning's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: lemon oil
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3234525
More from this brand: McCormick products in Zerotox
Similar products: spice_seasoning in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.