Best Meat Seasonings of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Meat seasonings are an essential addition to any kitchen, providing an array of flavors and aromas to enhance the taste of meat dishes. From classic blends like garlic, onion, and black pepper to more exotic flavors like chipotle, rosemary, and paprika, there is a seasoning for every palate. These seasonings can be used on a variety of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and fish, and can be applied in a variety of ways, including marinades, rubs, and sprinkles. Meat seasonings are a great way to add flavor to any meal, whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hardcore Carnivore Black: Charcoal Seasoning for Steak, Beef and BBQ Cover #TOP 1
Hardcore Carnivore Black: Charcoal Seasoning for Steak, Beef and BBQ
ftb score rating icon 9.9
McCormick Grill Mates Grilling Variety Pack Cover #TOP 2
McCormick Grill Mates Grilling Variety Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning Cover #TOP 3
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Meat Seasonings

#TOP 1

Hardcore Carnivore Black: Charcoal Seasoning for Steak, Beef and BBQ

Hardcore Carnivore Black: Charcoal Seasoning for Steak, Beef and BBQ Cover
Hardcore Carnivore Black: charcoal seasoning for steak, beef and BBQ (Large Shaker)

Hardcore Carnivore Black is a best-selling activated charcoal rub with vivid color and contrast. Perfect for use on steaks, BBQ and all red meats, this MSG-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly seasoning is made in Texas from premium ingredients. Customers love the crispy bark crust it creates and the flavor that doesn't overpower. It's a must-try for any meat lover!

What We Like
Enhances meat flavor
Versatile for various cooking methods
Creates beautiful crust
Impressive presentation
Highly recommended by users
What We Don't Like
Can be salty for some
May require additional seasoning
#TOP 2

McCormick Grill Mates Grilling Variety Pack

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4 Piece Assortment
McCormick Grill Mates Grilling Variety Pack Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple), 4 Count

The McCormick Grill Mates Variety Pack offers four flavor-packed seasonings: Spicy Montreal Steak, Mesquite, Smokehouse Maple, and Chipotle & Roasted Garlic. These blends are perfect for enhancing the taste of steaks, burgers, chicken, and more on your grill. You can also get creative by using them in unconventional ways, like mixing Smokehouse Maple and Mesquite with ketchup to create a unique Sriracha sauce. This set is not just for meat lovers; it's a versatile addition to your kitchen that can elevate your dishes to new heights.

What We Like
Flavor variety
Versatile use
Great value
Bold and delicious flavors
What We Don't Like
Potential freshness issues
Price variability
#TOP 3

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning, 23 oz - One 23 Ounce Container of Montreal Chicken Seasoning with Blend of Garlic, Onion, Black and Red Pepper and Paprika for Meats and Seafood

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning is a robust blend of garlic, onion, black and red pepper, and paprika that adds a zesty punch of flavor to meats and seafood. It's made with high-quality ingredients and is a great time-saver for chefs, as it comes pre-blended. It's also vegan, vegetarian, and Kosher, with no MSG added. Customers love the flavor and versatility of this seasoning, and it's a great value for money.

What We Like
Versatile seasoning for various dishes
Large, cost-effective bottle
Gluten-free and no MSG
Enhances flavor of chicken
Perfect for meal prep
What We Don't Like
May be hard to find in stores
Salt content similar to store brands
#TOP 4

McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning

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McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning, 9.75 oz

McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning is a sweet and spicy blend of brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, onion, and salt that can be added to pork, seafood, chicken, and steak. Made with McCormick spices, this meat seasoning does not contain any MSG or artificial flavors. The seasoning can be added to meat as a prep tip, with just 1 tbsp. of the seasoning needed per 1 lb. of meat to create a juicy and mouthwatering meal.

What We Like
Amazing sweet flavor
Versatile for many meats
Perfect for grilling
Easy to use
Enhances dishes greatly
What We Don't Like
High in sodium
Potential to burn if overused
#TOP 5

McCormick Grill Mates Garlic Butter Seasoning

McCormick Grill Mates Garlic Butter Seasoning Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Garlic Butter Seasoning, 3.1 oz

McCormick Garlic Butter Seasoning is a savory blend of garlic, butter, and spices perfect for enhancing the flavors of your grilled dishes. Simply season your beef, chicken, seafood, or veggies with 1 to 2 tbsp. before grilling to infuse them with the delicious taste of garlic butter. Created by the grilling experts at McCormick Grill Mates, this seasoning adds a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes, making grilling a breeze. Made with high-quality McCormick spices, this seasoning is a must-have for any barbecue enthusiast.

What We Like
Delicious buttery garlic flavor
Versatile seasoning for many dishes
Good quality and value
Great for grilling and roasting
What We Don't Like
Small package size
Somewhat salty
#TOP 6

Weber Flavor Bomb Burger Seasoning

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Flavor Bomb Burger
Weber Flavor Bomb Burger Seasoning Cover
Weber Flavor Bomb Burger Seasoning, 6.75 Ounce Shaker

The Weber Flavor Bomb Burger Seasoning is a complex and full-flavored seasoning that will enhance the taste of your grilled favorites. With layers of savory flavor, this seasoning adds a burst of color and vibrancy to every bite. The combination of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors creates a delicious medley of spices that will elevate your burgers to the next level. Whether you're grilling beef, chicken, or even veggie burgers, this seasoning is a versatile addition that will enhance the taste and make your burgers even more mouthwatering. Plus, it's gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

What We Like
Great flavor on meats
Affordable for large quantities
Versatile seasoning for various dishes
Strong flavor with little needed
Unique taste profile
What We Don't Like
Requires large amount for taste
Somewhat gimmicky seasoning
#TOP 7

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning

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McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, 11.62 oz

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning is an iconic blend featuring garlic, salt, and paprika, and America's #1 grilling seasoning. It is made with McCormick spices without added MSG or artificial flavors. This robust seasoning blend is perfect for bolder tasting steaks and burgers. A grilling tip is to shake 1 tbsp of seasoning per 1 lb of steak burgers or pork before grilling or broiling. McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning is made with 16 Mesh Black Pepper.

What We Like
Great flavor for various dishes
Excellent value for large size
Works well on vegetables
Fresh and high-quality seasoning
Perfect balance of spices
What We Don't Like
Possibly a bit pricey
Some may find it too spicy
#TOP 8

Chef Merito Carne Asada Seasoning

Chef Merito Carne Asada Seasoning Cover
Chef Merito Carne Asada Meat Seasoning, 14 Ounce

Chef Merito Seasoning is designed to elevate the flavor of your meats with a perfect blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, oregano, and cumin, along with a hint of citrus. This seasoning is a must-have for creating delicious, juicy steaks, making it a favorite among Hispanic families. With its authentic Latin flavors, you can easily bring the taste of traditional Latin American cuisine into your home. Plus, Chef Merito has a long-standing reputation for using high-quality ingredients, ensuring that your meals are packed with the best possible flavor and quality.

What We Like
Great flavor enhancement
Versatile for multiple dishes
Long-lasting supply
Affordable price
Highly recommended by users
What We Don't Like
Contains MSG and salt
Single bottle received instead of pack
#TOP 9

McCormick Grill Mates Smash Seasoning

McCormick Grill Mates Smash Seasoning Cover
McCormick Grill Mates Classic Smash Seasoning, 2.85 oz

McCormick Smash Seasoning is a flavorful blend designed for grilling enthusiasts. With a mix of spices, garlic, and onion, it helps you create delicious, restaurant-style smash burgers that are packed with bold taste and a crispy exterior. Simply shake about one tablespoon of this seasoning onto one pound of your choice of beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables before grilling. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy easy and flavorful meals with the expertise of McCormick Grill Mates!

What We Like
Versatile seasoning blend
Rich and balanced flavor
High-quality ingredients
Sturdy, resealable packaging
Excellent value for money
What We Don't Like
Not organic
Plastic container
#TOP 10

Badia Complete Seasoning 28 Oz

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Badia Complete Seasoning 28 Oz Cover
Badia, Seasoning Complete, 28 Oz

Badia Complete Seasoning is a versatile blend that enhances a variety of meat dishes. This all-in-one seasoning offers a convenient solution for those looking to add robust flavor without the hassle of multiple spices. You can easily sprinkle it on your meats before cooking, allowing the rich taste to infuse throughout. With its balanced ingredients, this seasoning helps elevate your dishes, making them more enjoyable for family and friends. Whether grilling, baking, or frying, you’ll find that this seasoning simplifies meal preparation while delivering delicious results.

What We Like
Versatile seasoning for various dishes
Great flavor profile
Low sodium option
Large container, good value
Enhances taste without needing salt
What We Don't Like
Somewhat expensive due to import
Buying Guide Image

Some Factors You Should Know About Meat Seasonings

Introduction

When it comes to seasoning meat, the possibilities are endless. From simple salt and pepper to complex blends of herbs and spices, there are countless ways to add flavor to your favorite cuts of meat. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which seasonings will work best for your recipe?

In this article, we will explore some key factors to consider when selecting meat seasonings, as well as provide some tips and suggestions for creating your own unique blends.

Factors to Consider

  1. The type of meat: Different cuts of meat have varying levels of fat, moisture, and protein, which can affect how they absorb seasonings. For example, lean meats such as chicken or pork tenderloin tend to benefit from bold, assertive seasonings, while fattier cuts like ribeye or lamb shoulder may be better suited to more subtle, delicate flavors.

  2. The cooking method: The way you cook your meat can also influence which seasonings you choose. Grilling, roasting, and sautéing all produce different flavor profiles, so it's important to consider how the seasonings will interact with the cooking process. For example, herbs and spices that are well-suited to grilling (such as rosemary or cumin) may not work as well when roasting or sautéing.

  3. Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the most important factor to consider when selecting meat seasonings is your own personal taste. What flavors do you enjoy? What combinations have you tried in the past that were successful? Experimenting with different seasonings and blends can be a fun and rewarding way to find your own unique flavor profile.

Tips and Suggestions

  1. Start simple: When trying out new seasonings, it's often best to start with just a few simple ingredients and build from there. For example, a classic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic can add a lot of flavor to most meats.

  2. Experiment with herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add a wide range of flavors to your meat dishes. Popular choices include oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Try mixing and matching different herbs and spices to create your own unique blends.

  3. Consider the region: Different regions of the world have their own unique culinary traditions and flavor profiles. For example, Mexican cuisine often features bold, spicy seasonings, while Italian cuisine tends to rely on more delicate herb-based flavors. Consider the region your recipe comes from, or the flavors you associate with a particular region, when selecting seasonings.

  4. Don't be afraid to get creative: The beauty of seasoning meat is that there are no hard and fast rules. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and flavors, even if they seem unusual or unlikely. You never know what delicious new flavors you may discover!

Conclusion

Choosing the right seasonings for your meat dishes can be a fun and rewarding process. By considering the type of meat, the cooking method, and your personal preferences, you can create flavorful and delicious dishes that are sure to impress your friends and family. Happy seasoning!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What seasonings taste good on beef?

When seasoning beef, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and bay leaves work well. These herbs add flavor and aroma to the beef when used in cooking. It is important to consider which dried herbs to include in your recipe and when to add them.

2. What do you season beef?

To season beef, you can use a combination of spices and seasonings such as smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt or sea salt, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. These ingredients add depth of flavor and enhance the taste of the beef.

3. What spices make meat taste better?

To make meat taste better, you can use spices like oregano, rosemary, sage, and garlic. These seasonings add a burst of flavor to beef. For poultry, spices like paprika, lemongrass, and saffron can enhance the taste. Fish can be made more flavorful with spices like dry mustard powder, thyme, and turmeric.

4. What is the best spice for meat?

Some of the best spices for meat include cumin, cinnamon, dark chilis, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, curry powder, and mustard powder. These spices add unique flavors and enhance the overall taste of the meat.

5. What are the top 10 most used spices?

Some of the top 10 most used spices are basil, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. These spices can be used in various dishes to add flavor and enhance the taste.

6. What to season raw beef with?

When seasoning raw beef, you can use kosher salt (or any coarse salt or sea salt), ground black pepper, and garlic powder. These seasonings help to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.

Editor's Notes

During our meat seasoning research, we found 24 meat seasoning products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 216,701 customer reviews through our big data system to write the meat seasonings list. We found that most customers choose meat seasonings with an average price of $4.95.

The meat seasonings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of meat seasonings, including Hardcore Carnivore, McCormick Grill Mates, Weber, Chef Merito, Badia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 145 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Meat Seasonings Comparison Table

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#TOP10
Brand Hardcore Carnivore McCormick Grill Mates McCormick Grill Mates McCormick Grill Mates McCormick Grill Mates Weber McCormick Grill Mates Chef Merito McCormick Grill Mates Badia
Item Form Powder steak Granule Powder Granule Powder Granule Powder Granule Powder
Unit Count 13 Ounce 4 Count 23.0 Ounce 9.75 Ounce 3.1 Ounce 6.75 Ounce 11.62 Ounce 14 Ounce 2.85 Ounce 28.0 Ounce
Specialty gluten free, no msg, keto friendly Garlic high-fructose-corn-syrup-free, vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, kosher high-fructose-corn-syrup-free, kosher Garlic gluten free high-fructose-corn-syrup-free, low-carb, kosher Seasoning Gluten Free Authentic
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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