Is McCormick Grill Mates Premium Smoky Montreal Steak Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
McCormick
McCormick's McCormick Grill Mates Premium Smoky Montreal Steak Sauce is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Corn Syrup.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes tomato puree and distilled vinegar as primary ingredients, but also contains corn syrup and sugar, raising concerns about added sugars and processed components.
Main concern
Corn syrup is a processed sweetener that raises concerns about excessive sugar content.
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
- Tomato puree provides a natural base, contributing to flavor and texture.
- Distilled vinegar adds acidity, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sauce.
Concerns
- Corn syrup is a processed sweetener that raises concerns about excessive sugar content.
- The presence of sugar in the spice rub indicates additional sweetening, which may not be desirable.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Tomato Puree safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as base. Tomato puree serves as the primary ingredient, providing a rich flavor and natural sweetness. Its quality is generally high, contributing positively to the sauce.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
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Is Distilled Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Distilled Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Distilled vinegar adds acidity, which balances flavors and enhances preservation. It is a common ingredient in sauces, indicating a standard quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: distilled vinegar
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Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included in the spice rub, contributing sweetness but raising concerns about added sugars in the sauce. Its presence indicates a more processed composition.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake. Its inclusion raises quality concerns regarding the overall healthiness of the sauce.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
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Is Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is a natural flavor enhancer that adds depth to the sauce. It is generally regarded as a beneficial ingredient in culinary applications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic
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Is Black Pepper safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds spiciness and complexity to the flavor profile. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the overall taste without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: black pepper
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Is Molasses safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses adds a rich, complex sweetness to the sauce. While it is less processed than refined sugars, it still contributes to the overall sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: molasses
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Is Prune Juice Concentrate safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Prune Juice Concentrate is used here as sweetener. Prune juice concentrate provides natural sweetness and flavor. However, it is still a concentrated form of sugar, which may raise concerns about sugar levels.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: prune juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Prune Juice Concentrate
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Is Corn Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in the sauce. While it is a common ingredient, it is a processed carbohydrate that may not add nutritional value.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: corn starch
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor, including smoke, enhances the overall taste of the sauce. However, the term is vague and may include various additives, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor (including smoke)
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Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common flavor enhancer and preservative. While it is necessary for taste, excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Dill safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Dill is used here as flavor. Dill is a natural herb that adds a unique flavor to the sauce. It is generally considered a beneficial ingredient in culinary applications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: dill
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Is Coriander safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Coriander is used here as flavor. Coriander is a natural spice that contributes to the flavor profile of the sauce. It is generally regarded as a safe and beneficial ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: coriander
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: 3369520
More from this brand: McCormick products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment 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.