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 (concerning) — Acid- or enzyme-processed protein that releases free glutamates — the same flavor mechanism as MSG, despite the 'no added MSG' label.
• Soy granules (moderate) — Processed soy filler; common allergen with little nutritional upside here.
• Nutritional Yeast (safe) — Adds savory umami and some B vitamins; a benign flavor source.
• Toasted onion (safe) — Real dried vegetable, flavor only.
• GARLIC (safe) — Whole-food seasoning.
• Kelp (safe) — Sea vegetable; trace minerals and natural glutamate for savoriness.
• mustard flour (safe) — Ground whole spice.
• Celery granules and powder (safe) — Real dried vegetable; common allergen.
• Bell peppers (sweet green and red) (safe) — Dried whole vegetable.
• Turmeric (safe) — Whole spice with anti-inflammatory compounds.
• 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

• Tyler Sash's Favorite Seasoning Mix