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The Lawry’s seasoning vs old Bay debate has raged on for ages.
Ok, that might sound like a slight exaggeration, but it’s one of the most hotly contested debates in foodie culture.
If you love seafood or fried chicken, you will understand what I’m talking about because these two seasonings are necessary.
Funnily enough, a lot of people think they can be used interchangeably. The truth is they can’t – in most cases.
You first have to know that they are two different seasonings in terms of flavors and aroma, even though they have similar ingredients.
Lawry’s seasoning is slightly sweet, while Old Bay has a spicy flavor. Aroma-wise, well, we’ll discuss the other differences below.
What Is Lawry’s Seasoning Salt?
Lawry’s seasoning salt is an all-purpose seasoning that is perfect for grilling. It’s the best seasoning for steak, but you can use it on other meats like chicken or pork.
Lawry’s seasoning salt combines kosher salt, celery seed, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
The flavor of Lawry’s seasoning salt is slightly sweet but not overpowering. This makes it a great all-purpose seasoning for all kinds of food.
Moreover, it is available in several types, including Original Recipe (pink bottle), Garlic & Pepper (yellow bottle), Southwest Ranch (green bottle), and Lemon Pepper (blue bottle).
Each variety has its unique flavor profile, choosing which one works best with your favorite dish.
Furthermore, you can sprinkle it onto meat before cooking or use it in marinades, soups, or stews.
If you want something extra-special for your next barbecue party, try dipping grilled shrimp with old bay seasoning for an added kick!
What Is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices traditionally used to season seafood. The seasoning contains celery salt, red pepper, bay leaves, mustard seed, paprika, ground ginger, and black pepper.
German immigrants in Maryland developed it during the early 1900s. And it was originally used as a substitute for traditional European seasonings that were not readily available in the United States at the time.
Furthermore, the name “Old Bay” refers to the Chesapeake Bay area where it was created.
And the most common use for Old Bay Seasoning today is on seafood such as crab cakes or shrimp cocktail, but it can also be used on chicken or vegetables and other meats like pork chops and steaks.
Lawry’s Seasoning Vs Old Bay: Key Differences
My guess, you’ve probably heard of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt and Old Bay, two popular spice blends that many people use to season their dishes.
But do you know how they differ?
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt is a mixture of salt, spices, and herbs. It comes in three varieties: fine, coarse, and extra-coarse. It can be used on anything from meat to vegetables, but it’s particularly good on potatoes and salads.
Old Bay is also a mixture of salt, spices, and herbs — but it’s different from Lawry’s because Old Bay has more celery seed than Lawry’s does. It also contains paprika for color (Lawry’s does not) and mustard seed for heat (Lawry’s does not). Old Bay is great on seafood —especially shrimp!
So what does this mean for you?
Go with Lawry’s if you’re looking for a seasoning that can be used throughout your meal without overpowering every taste bud in your mouth. If you want something with more kick and punch, try Old Bay! The aroma of Old bay is much stronger than Lawry’s because it contains more ingredients with pungency.
Related Questions
What Can I Use Instead Of Old Bay Seasoning?
First and foremost, if the recipe calls for a teaspoon or less, it’s probably not worth tracking down the ingredient. For instance, mixing celery salt plus paprika or celery seed plus paprika.
Here are some alternatives:
- Cajun seasoning mix (usually contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper)
- Lemon pepper seasoning mix (usually contains white pepper)
- Roasted garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon garlic powder plus 1/2 teaspoon salt)
- Pampered Chef’s Seafood Seasoning
- Mrs. Dash’s Seafood Blend
- Crab Boil
What Can I Substitute For Lawry’s Seasoning?
Many other seasonings can be substituted for Lawry’s seasoning salt. Some of these include:
- Taco Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning contains around 300 mg of sodium
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning contains around 200 mg of sodium
- Cajun Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning contains around 150 mg of sodium
- Or Morton’s Salt
Why Is There A Shortage Of Old Bay Seasoning?
There is a shortage of Old Bay seasoning because it’s tasty, and people like it.
The demand for Old Bay seasoning has increased dramatically over the past few years as more people realize how delicious it is.
I’ve heard that some people are even stocking up on it in case of a shortage! And it has happened! There is a shortage of old bay seasoning.
It turns out that there are many reasons why there might be a shortage. But I’m pretty sure of these three:
- The recipe for Old Bay seasoning has been kept secret for over 100 years by McCormick Spice Company, so they can’t just make more if they need to.
- The recipe uses celery salt (which is made from celery), paprika (which is made from peppers), and mace blades (which come from nutmeg). These ingredients are all pretty hard to get hold of these days.
- People hoard the stuff because they want to make sure they have enough for themselves.
When Did Mccormick Buy Old Bay?
Mccormick & Company, Inc., a spice maker, bought Old Bay in a deal in 1990.
What Does Mccormick Make?
McCormick makes spices, herbs, and seasonings that help bring out the best flavors from your food. They also make food colorings to add a pop of color to your dishes without having to use artificial ingredients.
And finally, they sell kitchen tools like measuring spoons and measuring cups and appliances like blenders and food processors that can make cooking easier for you!
Conclusion
Both Lawry’s and Old Bay are fantastic products that can transform bland food into something amazing. It all comes down to what you like.
If you’re unsure which one to go with, I’d recommend trying a bit of each and seeing which one you prefer.
And don’t forget to leave us a comment below on your experience with these seasonings.
