Is McCormick Spices Clean?

The Short Answer

McCormick is a mixed bag. If you buy their Organic (green cap) line, you are getting a clean product that is steam-sterilized and non-GMO. It is one of the most accessible "clean" options in standard grocery stores.

However, their standard Red Cap line gets a Caution rating. These conventional spices are often sterilized using Ethylene Oxide (EtO)—a carcinogenic gas banned for food use in the EU—and have a spotty track record with heavy metals. A 2021 Consumer Reports study found concerning levels of lead and arsenic in McCormick's conventional oregano and thyme, and a 2024 recall flagged their cinnamon for lead contamination.

Why This Matters

Spices are concentrated. You might only use a teaspoon, but because they are dried and condensed, any heavy metals (absorbed from soil) or pesticides are also concentrated.

The biggest hidden issue is sterilization. Imported spices are often filthy—laden with salmonella and bacteria. To clean them, companies must "kill step" the bacteria.

* Clean brands use steam.

* Conventional brands often use irradiation (radiation) or Ethylene Oxide (EtO), a fumigant gas.

McCormick states they do not use irradiation on consumer products, which is good. But they do not explicitly deny using EtO on their conventional line, while explicitly boasting about steam sterilization for their organic line. In the spice industry, silence usually means EtO.

What's Actually In McCormick Spices

The ingredients depend entirely on whether you are buying a single spice or a seasoning blend.

Single Spices (e.g., Ground Cumin)

Usually just the spice. However, "just the spice" can still hide issues:

• Conventional (Red Cap): Likely treated with chemical fumigants; higher risk of pesticide residue.
• Organic (Green Cap): Non-GMO, no synthetic pesticides, steam sterilized. Is Simply Organic Clean

Seasoning Blends (e.g., Taco Seasoning)

This is where the additives show up. A typical packet of McCormick Original Taco Seasoning contains:

• Spices (Chili Pepper, Paprika, Oregano)
• Corn Starch — A cheap filler and thickener.
• Salt — Often the primary ingredient by volume.
• Onion & Garlic
• Sugar — Unnecessary added sugar.
• Natural Flavor — The black box of ingredients. Natural Flavors Explained

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• USDA Organic Seal — Guarantees no EtO sterilization and no synthetic pesticides.
• "Steam Sterilized" — Explicitly stated on the bottle (mostly found on their organic line).
• BPA-Free Bottles — McCormick switched to BPA-free PET plastic, which is a positive step.

Red Flags:

• "Packed in USA" — This usually means the spices were grown in countries with loose heavy metal regulations (like China, India, or Peru), shipped in bulk, and merely bottled in the US.
• Vague Sourcing — If they don't list the country of origin, assume it's the cheapest global option available.
• "Natural Flavor" — Found in almost all their seasoning packets (Taco, Chili, Gravy).

The Best Options

If you are at a standard grocery store, you don't have to avoid McCormick entirely—just be selective.

The Bottom Line

1. Buy the Green Cap. If you shop McCormick, pay the extra $1-2 for the Organic line. It ensures steam sterilization and avoids pesticide residues.

2. Ditch the Packets. Stop buying the Taco Seasoning envelopes. Mix your own cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to avoid corn starch and sugar.

3. Check for Lead. Heavy metals are an industry-wide issue. If you use high volumes of Turmeric or Cinnamon, consider switching to a brand that publicly shares testing data, like Diaspora Co. or Spicely. Lead In Turmeric

FAQ

Does McCormick use ethylene oxide (EtO)?

Likely yes, for their conventional (Red Cap) line. While they state they do not use irradiation, they do not deny using chemical fumigants like EtO for non-organic products. Their Organic line is steam-sterilized.

Is McCormick cinnamon safe?

It depends on the batch. In early 2024, McCormick recalled specific lots of ground cinnamon due to elevated lead levels. While they generally test better than dollar-store brands, they are not immune to the heavy metal issues plaguing the spice industry. Lead In Cinnamon

Are McCormick spice bottles BPA-free?

Yes. McCormick transitioned their plastic bottles to BPA-free PET plastic several years ago.

Where does McCormick get their spices?

All over the world. They are a massive global buyer. The label "Packed in USA" means they were imported in bulk (likely from India, China, or Vietnam) and bottled in Maryland or other US facilities. They rarely disclose the specific country of origin on the bottle.

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References (4)

1. 1. reddit.com
2. 2. superfoodly.com
3. 3. majesticspice.com
4. 4. alibaba.com