Old Bay Seasoning is America's most iconic seafood spice blend — a bold, savory mix of celery salt, paprika, red pepper, and black pepper that has been a staple of Chesapeake Bay cooking since 1939. This 6 oz tin delivers approximately 283 servings and is the go-to seasoning for steamed crabs, boiled shrimp, grilled chicken, and everything in between. Zero calories per serving, no artificial flavors, no MSG.
Old Bay Seasoning 6 oz Tin — Celery Salt, Paprika, Red Pepper & Black Pepper, Made in USA Since 1939
- Classic blend of celery salt, paprika, red pepper, and black pepper
- 0 calories, 140mg sodium per 1/4 tsp (0.6g) serving — about 283 servings per tin
- No artificial flavors or colors, no MSG
- Ingredients: Celery Salt (Salt, Celery Seed), Spices (including Red Pepper and Black Pepper), Paprika
- Iconic yellow and blue tin — a pantry staple across the US
- Versatile: seafood, poultry, vegetables, fries, popcorn, and more
- Made in the USA by McCormick
How to Use
Sprinkle generously over steamed crabs, shrimp boils, crab cakes, and lobster. Rub onto chicken before grilling, roasting, or frying. Season corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, and grilled vegetables. Shake onto popcorn, french fries, deviled eggs, and avocado toast. Add to chowders, gumbo, and seafood bisques for depth. Store in a cool, dry place with lid tightly closed after use.
About Old Bay
Old Bay Seasoning was created in 1939 by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in Baltimore, Maryland, and named after the Old Bay Line — a passenger ship that traveled the Chesapeake Bay. Originally developed for blue crabs, it quickly became the defining spice of Mid-Atlantic seafood culture. Today, Old Bay is produced by McCormick and is one of the most recognized spice brands in the United States, used in everything from seafood boils to potato chips. The 6 oz tin is the classic retail format that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Old Bay Seasoning contain MSG or artificial additives?
No. Old Bay Seasoning contains no MSG, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors. The ingredient list is straightforward: celery salt (salt and celery seed), spices including red pepper and black pepper, and paprika. It is a clean-label spice blend with no hidden additives.
Is Old Bay Seasoning gluten-free?
Old Bay Seasoning does not contain gluten-containing ingredients based on its label. However, McCormick does not certify Old Bay as gluten-free due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing. Consumers with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should verify directly with McCormick before use.
How long does Old Bay Seasoning stay fresh after opening?
For best flavor, Old Bay should be used within 2-3 years of the best-by date printed on the bottom of the tin. Once opened, store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Exposure to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight will accelerate flavor loss. The seasoning does not spoil but will lose potency over time.
Explore more seasonings and pantry staples in our Pantry collection.
For recipe inspiration, visit oldbay.com.
Love this size since I cook a lot of seafood
Growing up in Maryland, OLD BAY was a staple in our house, and it’s still my go-to seasoning today. While it’s famous for crabs and shrimp, I use it on everything from fried chicken and fries to tater tots and roasted potatoes. Since moving to Florida, I’ve introduced quite a few friends to it, and now they’re hooked too.This large 16-ounce tin lasts a long time and keeps the seasoning fresh. The blend of spices has a unique flavor that’s hard to describe but instantly recognizable if you’ve ever had it. It’s salty, savory, and adds just the right kick without overpowering the food. Whether you’re seasoning seafood, poultry, vegetables, or snacks, it’s incredibly versatile.For me, every time I use OLD BAY it brings back memories of home. If you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out on one of the best all-purpose seasonings around. This is a pantry staple that I always keep stocked.
Super value!
What a whopper!! Good size good price quality spice
The best seasoning that I have relied on for decades. Can't live without.
Flavor
We used this for our crawfish boil and it was a huge hit. The flavor was exactly what you'd expect from OLD BAY, and the 16-ounce tin lasted through a big batch with plenty left over. It was also much cheaper than buying it locally, and the tin is sturdy and convenient for storage. Great value and a must-have for seafood lovers! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
J O #2 is the best....it has just the right amount of ingredients. It is a little heavy on the salt but it doesn't have the grainy feel that some other seafood seasoning have. My good too for steamed crabs and shrimp
Great value for those who use this spice while cooking.
Great deal. Price is great especially if you use it alot
Old Bay. A Maryland standard.
Perfect own seasoning Baltimore Greatest on anything
Use it in all my seafood dished foods
Staple family condiment. Excellent seasoning for lots of dishes. Local retailers don't stock this size.
Great Flavor
One of my favorite seasonings and Amazon’s price is less than my local supermarket so I bought it from Amazon and it was delivered free.
This size is convenient! My husband cooks frequently for the family and uses this often! Perfect brines!
The go to seafood seasoning! Arrived quickly and undamaged as some people had reported.
Great value. I like the old school tin
Perfect to pair with Campbell's New England Clam Chowder.
Made an excellent gumbo
I have an old bay addiction. This has been good to me.
Great price, great product
We love old bay we use this on almost everything deviled eggs chicken even our noodles gets a sprinkle. It's not just for seafood. If you haven't tried it you should.
Can’t go wrong
Love oldbay
Just as advertised and quick shipping
love my OLD BAY and their hot sauce is the best
It’s the best !
The 16 oz tin of OLD BAY seasoning arrived securely packaged, and the tin itself is sturdy and intact. The lid fits snugly, keeping the contents contained and easy to access.The tin is convenient to hold and fits nicely on a kitchen shelf or spice rack. The opening allows for controlled sprinkling, making it simple to add seasoning to dishes without spilling. The seasoning has the familiar aroma and flavor profile associated with OLD BAY, giving dishes a distinctive and recognizable taste.The packaging and presentation make it easy to store and use, keeping this fan-favorite seasoning accessible for everyday cooking.
Always great Great value. Fresh.
I love the old bay seasoning and cocktail sauce with cocktail shrimps, I tried 365 brand of old bay seasoning, and it was too salty, less flavor.... I would stay with this brand if you ever wondering.
Couldn’t find it anywhere, had been using it for decades. Found it on Amazon. Very happy now. I used it on fish and crab cakes.