Ingredient

Old Bay

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add Old Bay primarily to enhance flavor, particularly in seafood dishes like crab …

What it is

Old Bay is a blend of herbs and spices, most famously used to season seafood. Its exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it typically includes celery salt, black pepper, and paprika, along with other spices like mustard, nutmeg, and cloves. It is manufactured by McCormick & Company.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Old Bay primarily to enhance flavor, particularly in seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp boils. It is also used in rubs for meats, on popcorn, and in snack foods like seasoned nuts and chips. Its savory and slightly spicy profile makes it a versatile seasoning.

Health notes

Old Bay is considered a food seasoning and is not subject to specific FDA regulations as an additive. The FDA generally recognizes spices and herbs as safe (GRAS) when used for flavoring. JECFA has evaluated many individual spices found in Old Bay, but not the blend itself. High sodium content from celery salt is a consideration for those monitoring their salt intake.

Allergen info

Old Bay is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Old Bay

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CONAGRA BRANDS Old Bay Seasoned Sunflower Seeds, Old Bay Seasoned Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 571kcal 22.9Protein 45.7Fat 20Carbs MKM Enterprises, LLC Chicken & Andouille Gumbo Other Soups High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 72kcal 4.6Protein 3.4Fat 5.5Carbs MKM Enterprises, LLC Shrimp & Crab Gumbo Other Soups High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 72kcal 3.4Protein 3.8Fat 5.1Carbs Steinway Pasta and Gelati Lobster Ravioli Pasta by Shape & Type 184kcal 9.6Protein 2.6Fat 30.9Carbs Wells Select Maryland Style Shrimp Dip, Maryland Style Shrimp Dips & Salsa 214kcal 10.7Protein 17.9Fat —Carbs Volk Packaging Corporation Garlic Butter Sauce, Garlic Butter Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 767kcal 0Protein 86.7Fat 3.3Carbs North Coast Sea-foods Corp. Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Maryland Style Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 206kcal 12.9Protein 14.1Fat 5.9Carbs Jimmy's Seafood Maryland Crab Soup, Maryland Crab Other Soups High in sodium — 49% DV per serving 33kcal 2.0Protein 0.4Fat 5.3Carbs Jimmy's Seafood Cream Of Crab Soup, Cream Of Crab Other Soups High in sodium — 56% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 90% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 37% DV per serving 151kcal 3.3Protein 11.8Fat 6.5Carbs Jimmy's Seafood Famous Crab Dip, Famous Crab Dips & Salsa 167kcal 6.7Protein 11.7Fat 6.7Carbs Jimmy's Seafood Honey Butter, Honey Butter & Spread High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 533kcal 0Protein 53.3Fat 13.3Carbs Jimmy's Seafood Spicy Cream Of Crab Soup, Spicy Dips & Salsa High in sodium — 81% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 80% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 131kcal 2.9Protein 10.2Fat 6.1Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.