Well, I reckon if you’re wonderin’ about what goes into Old Bay Seasoning, you’ve come to the right place. Now, don’t go expectin’ some fancy highfalutin talk, ’cause I ain’t got time for that. Just the simple stuff, the real deal, ya know? So here we go, let me tell ya ’bout what’s in that famous Old Bay spice mix.

First off, you got that celery salt. Now, don’t get confused, that’s just regular salt mixed with celery seeds. It’s the base of the whole thing, and it brings a bit of saltiness with a special kinda flavor. You’ll see this poppin’ up all over the place in Old Bay, and it’s a must-have. Without it, it just ain’t Old Bay, plain and simple.
Then there’s the paprika. Now, that’s a big one. Paprika adds a deep, smokey flavor to the mix. Some folks might even use smoked paprika to give it an extra little kick, but regular paprika works just fine. It’s what gives Old Bay that rich red color too. Can’t miss it.
Next up, we got black pepper and cayenne pepper. Both of these peppers add a bit of heat, but not enough to make your mouth burn off. Just enough to get a little tingle in the back of your throat. Don’t worry, it ain’t gonna knock your socks off, but it’ll sure make you take notice!
There’s also some mustard powder. Now, I know mustard’s something a lot of folks use on hot dogs, but it’s more than just that! Mustard gives a nice tangy kick to the seasoning. A little pinch goes a long way, but don’t be shy with it!
And don’t forget allspice and cloves. These here spices bring a touch of sweetness and depth to the mix. They’re not overpowerin’, but when you smell it, you know somethin’ special’s in there. Allspice is kind of a mix of flavors, like cinnamon and cloves together. Just the right thing to balance out the heat and salt.

Some other things in there include cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Now, I don’t know what all them fancy spices are doin’ in there, but they sure do make Old Bay different from all them other seasonings out there. It’s like a little secret recipe that just works, ya know?
Now, as for that ol’ rumor about MSG bein’ in Old Bay, well, it’s been said a few times that the seasoning don’t have no added MSG. Some of them other seasonings you find on the shelf might have it, but Old Bay keeps it simple, stickin’ to the good stuff and none of that extra junk. No MSG in there, just a good mix of spices.
But let me tell ya, that seasoning’s got a flavor like no other. Whether you’re usin’ it on seafood, chicken, or even vegetables, Old Bay just adds somethin’ special that makes any dish taste like it came from a real good kitchen. It’s got that perfect balance of heat, salt, and spice, and no matter what you put it on, you’ll know you’re gettin’ a meal that’s full of flavor.
In short, Old Bay’s got all them good spices mixed together to make one mighty fine seasoning. It’s not just about the heat; it’s about the balance. That celery salt, the paprika, the pepper, and all them secret spices, they come together to give you a taste that’s been loved for years.
- Celery Salt (Salt, Celery Seed)
- Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Mustard Powder
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Ginger
So, there ya have it. A rundown of what’s in that Old Bay Seasoning. Ain’t too complicated, but it sure does pack a punch. You’ll find it in a lot of kitchens, and I reckon it’ll be in yours too once you try it out!

Tags:[Old Bay Seasoning, MSG, Ingredients, Celery Salt, Paprika, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Mustard, Spices, Recipe]