Spike Original Seasoning — ENGINEERED
Munch or Dump rates Spike Original Seasoning by Spike ENGINEERED — score 30/90.
A long blend of real herbs and spices, but it's built on salt and hydrolyzed soy protein — a flavor enhancer that delivers free glutamates while the label brags 'No MSG.'
Why this verdict
- Salt is the first and dominant ingredient
- Hydrolyzed soy protein is a processed flavor enhancer that releases free glutamates
- 'No MSG' claim is undercut by the glutamate-rich hydrolyzed protein
- Marketed 'all natural' despite an industrially processed protein base
Ingredients (15)
- Salt crystals (earth and sea) (moderate) — The #1 ingredient; high sodium is the main nutritional concern in any seasoning salt.
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (moderate) — Free-glutamate flavor enhancer used to boost savory taste.
- Soy granules (moderate) — Processed soy filler; common allergen with little nutritional upside here.
- Nutritional Yeast (safe) — Savory flavor plus B vitamins, dairy-free.
- Toasted onion (concerning) — Refined carbohydrate with little nutritional value, used as a filler.
- GARLIC (safe) — Real aromatic. Whole food.
- Kelp (safe) — Sea vegetable; trace minerals and natural glutamate for savoriness.
- mustard flour (safe) — Spice for flavor and emulsification; benign.
- Celery granules and powder (safe) — Real dried vegetable; common allergen.
- Bell peppers (sweet green and red) (safe) — Dried whole vegetable.
- Turmeric (safe) — Natural yellow color and a mild anti-inflammatory spice.
- Parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, tarragon (safe) — Genuine dried culinary herbs — the legitimately whole-food bulk of the blend.
- Cayenne pepper, white pepper, paprika (safe) — Whole chili and pepper spices.
- Cumin, coriander, fenugreek, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (safe) — Whole warming spices.
- Rosehips, spinach powder, mushroom powder, tomato (safe) — Dried whole fruits and vegetables for flavor and color.
Healthier alternatives
- Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
- Tyler Sash's Favorite Seasoning Mix